It’s that time again. Time to inspire me to spend more money on drinks, even though the WineArk cabinet can’t be closed properly and the Amex is maxed out.
So, what wine, beer and other drinks have you been buying this month?
There were a few more Latta whites to start this month’s purchasing and a little Cobaw Ridge Pinot (although no Chardonnay, which feels like an oversight). Meanwhile, I’ve also bought two lots of the Noodledoof West Coast IPA because it hits that perfect spot between hop-driven bitter delights and some old-school malt grain richness.
I won’t pretend it is a beer for everyone, but the definition and flavour depth is delightful.
Meanwhile, there’s already been plenty of quality drinking this month, too (as I talked about here), but a few more to add – I rather liked the bright and sunny Wedded to the Weather skin contact wines, especially the ‘Sea Breeze’ and ‘Summer Haze’ (below) wines. Clean, not wild, lo-fi wines that are so well priced, although the volumes are minuscule…
Other tastes this month, although with just a mouthful of each it’s a vibe (but one I’d drink):
- A fleeting mouthful of Gaja Barbaresco 2020. Way too young but also a bit subdued and forgettable.
- The seriously delightful Le Battistelle Montesei Soave 2022. Classic style/freshness with a very fair pricetag.
- And a small mouthful of Querce Bettina Brunello 2016, which was so impressive. A strong year and in full bloom – Sangiovese at the pinnacle.
What about you? What drinks did you love this month?
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11 Comments
Drinking highlights – Vanguardist tasting last weekend. Such a highlight for Australian Grenache and Mataro. ’21s in a good place and 22s also great. Prophets Rock Antipodes Blanc ’20 also a highlight, great length/drive and purity.
Bought – tyrrell’s cab sav ’23 after trying at wine culture. Very beautiful wine at a good price, keen to see its developmentand maybe a future Vat sight even?Also Farr GC chardonnay ’22 and some Canary Islands gear (Suertes del Marqués)
Which Tyrrell’s Cab was it?
This was the new tyrrells special release ’23 Cabernet. Looking quite decent. Maybe a fresher style than say margaret river but lovely drinking.
Drinking – 2021 Cuesta de los Olivos Godello, pear and white peach with a fabulous mineral and saline/bitter finish. Perfect match with scallops ceviche and flamed yellowfin tuna.
Monolith ’14 GSM – really developing tertiary characters on the nose without losing too much vibrancy – time to drink them up.
Tim Smith ’21 Mataro Rose, even better then ’20, very Bandol in character, fab drinking under $20.
Dom Nat Artus ’19, really hitting it’s straps at five years old.
Buying – Eisenstone ’20 Ebenezer and McDonald Marananga
Hayes ’22 Primrose Chardonnay
Eperosa ’22 Grenache Blanc and 1858 Stonegarden Grenache
Forgot to include ’22 Clearview Reserve Chardonnay and Pinot Gris to purchases (imported)
There is a rich vein of great Godello out there. Like to see more in Australia tbh.
Hi Andrew,
We managed to have our Riesling afternoon this month, which was great fun:-
Kientzler Osterburg Grand Cru 2018
Fritz Haag 2020
Keller Limestone 2020
Seppelt Drumborg 2020
Pikes The Merle 2022
Orlando Steingarten 1998 (under cork)
Richmond Grove Watervale 1998 (under stelvin)
How did the screwcap vs cork wines go?
Huge difference, as you would no doubt expect. The Richmond, whilst obviously far from a young wine, was in balance with fruit and acidity still present and correct. Pleasant drinking. The Steingarten was a curiosity that rapidly lost its novelty after about a third of a glass. The consensus was that the cork had done its job despite the deep colour: it was just old and had undergone accelerated aging relative to its stelvin stoppered contemporary.
The Other Wine Co Grenache as you recommended – an absolute bargain. This and Juxtaposed have to be the best Grenaches around (IMO). Also Curly Flat Pinot 2021- never fails to impress. And of course Yangara Noir – can’t be beaten as a weekday wine, just like Pewsey Vale or Torzi Matthews riesling.
Glad you liked The Other Wine Co. Grenache . That whole range is a win tbh.