I’m off to Perth tomorrow for the ultimate flying trip – 9 hours flying (round trip) for lunch, tasting and dinner…
Suffice to say Australia is really f*cking big. The wine should be worth it though, with the promise of multiple vintages of Houghton’s Jack Mann on offer (and plenty of reading time on the plane. That’s what planes are for – reading, sleeping and watching movies you’d bother sitting through at home).
On the bench tonight
Voyager Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013 (Margaret River, WA)
13%. Screwcap, $24
Voyager – still killing it. This is as well made and ‘fit for purpose’ as ever – all bright, punchy, ripe fruit (proper ripe) and acidity; the nose all Sauvignon, the palate fleshed out with Semillon. Why would you drink a mono-dimensional straight Sauvignon Blanc when you can get a much more grown-up wine like this? A wine of fruit (not complexity) but wonderful because of its freshness and balance. Yes.17.5/20, 91/100
Buy online: Winery website, Aussie Wines
Buy online: Winery website, Aussie Wines
Bird in Hand Chardonnay 2012 (Adelaide Hills, SA)
13%, Screwcap, $35
A curious wine this. So much promise, yet also not quite the follow through. There’s a warmish edge that suggests the fruit might be just a little riper than desirable. The nose and barrel work looks assured so I don’t think the winemaking is the culprit. Could be a slightly cooked bottle? Especially given the pineapple flavours and a smudge of volatility. No shortage of palate weight, but just a bit spiky and sharp edged regardless.16.5/20, 88/100
Buy online: Cracka Wines, Bird in Hand website
Buy online: Cracka Wines, Bird in Hand website
St Hallett Butcher’s Cart Shiraz 2012 (Barossa, SA)
14.5%, Screwcap, $30
A brand-new label for St Hallett started In honour of the original Lindners and their horse drawn cart. Looks to sit in between Faith and Blackwell in the St Hallett Shiraz heirarchy.Gee this is going to be a popular wine – a real essence of Barossan style. Purple black colour, the nose oozing with sweet juicy purple fruit – liquid purple fruit/choc drops. Very careful vanilla bean oak, and so much cola sweet fruit. Riotous juiciness. Looks like American and French oak? Lovely sweet juicy palate is full and plump, if maybe the teensiest bit skinny and short of tannins. Regardless, this is a truly seductive, ultra-smooth wine that will be unbelievably popular. St Hallett kicks a goal.
17.7/20, 92/100 – probably worth an extra point or so in a few months too.
Buy online: St Hallett website
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