11 Quick Wine Recommendations from all over the world

These are all the highlights from a tasting put on by Sydney’s Ananndale Cellars – A small shop jam packed with a great range of wines (aren’t all the good ones small and overly full?). All the prices quoted where the store specials. (I have no commercial interests here, though I do appreciate a good independent bottleshop – they deserve our patronage).

Champagne Drappier Carte D’Or Brut NV
Its almost a Blanc De Noir (90% Pinot Noir) which just injects this with an extra modicum of density and overt breadiness, backed by a layered, dry palate. Excellent value NV bubbly from a lesser known house. $60.

Champagne Agrapart Blanc De Blanc NV
Biodynamic Champagne – Something the world could do with more of. This grower Champagne was delightfully aromatic with white flowers and cream over a powerful and beautiful palate. Lovely and again great value. Would kill the average Vintage Champagne from a larger house. $70

Ravensworth Canberra District Riesling 2008
Again highlighting the brilliant 08 Canberra white vintage this was crisp, sherbety and perfumed with a lovely textural palate that had a little of the x factor. Serious bargain and superb drinking right now. $19

Ravensworth Canberra District Viognier 2007

Pichot Sec Coteau de la Biche Vouvray 2007
With trademark ‘green and red apple mixed with honeycomb’ Chenin characters, this was deliciously dry and charismatic, lacking only a little intensity to propel it to greatness. Again, great value. $26

Valli Gibbston Pinot Noir 2006
Dry, savoury Pinot Noir with impressive structure that built power as the palate went along. It needs some time yes, but gosh its an impressive Pinot Noir. $59

Pisa Range Black Poplar Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006
Much more upfront and open compared to the Valli, but also built in a much more open knit, sweeter fruited style. Immediate appeal here, but carries more alcohol heat too. Still a lovely, classic Central Otago Pinot with overt Pinosity. Very drinkable. $54.50

Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2007
A very different wine to the Central Otago’s, this was more obviously powerful with rich cherry fruits and powdery tannins. Give it 12 months in the bottle and this will be a star. $47

Collector Reserve Canberra District Shiraz 2007
This won’t be released for a few months yet (the 06 is the current vintage) but keep an eye out for it when it does – a peppery, perfumed, savoury Shiraz of medium weight and beguiling flavours. A very different wine to most stereotypical Australian Shiraz. $43.50

Croft Quinta Da Roeda Vintage Port 2005
Vintage Port – Its a forgotten part of our wine diet, but the best examples are such interesting wines. This has a heart of spicy dark fruit and the longest palate ever. A long term proposition. (Approx $50 375ml)