July 3rd
Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2009 RRP $27.50
A sister to the popular Cover Drive cabernet, this reminds me of why I love Australian reds. Packed with black fruit pastille aromas on the nose, it follows up with supple blackberry and black raspberry on the palate, with a creamy texture and fair bit of oomph. Not in the Barossa Valley style — more elegant but with real power.
July 10th
Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 RRP $15
From one of Chile's best producers, this is the bargain of the century. A lovely, elegant cabernet, with classic aromas of blackcurrant, mint and even a touch of dark chocolate. On the palate it's all about the fruit, with great weight and a lingering finish. Not the easiest wine to find, but well worth the effort, especially at a price like this.
July 17th
Brancott Estate Limited Edition RWC 2011 Sauvignon Blanc RRP $25.99
This is the first of this year's vintage that I've tasted and it's a cracker. Brilliant nose, packed with gooseberry, passionfruit, citrus and a hint of Marlborough's sweaty character. Lean and racy on the palate, with a grapefruit element, backed up by sweeter tropical notes. A perfect example of what made the region famous.
July 24th
Bannock Brae Goldfields Pinot Noir 2009 RRP $29.95
It's great to see a 'second tier' wine showing so well. With all the fuss over Central Otago pinot, this shows why they are so special. Dark and brooding with intense fruit on the nose, it opens up into rich black cherry and plum flavours, with a lovely hint of aniseed. Rich and generous, buy this now and keep for another few years for a real treat.
July 31st
Johanneshof Cellars 2008 Noble Late Harvest Riesling 375ml RRP $38-$40
One of the country's greatest stickies and it has been for years. The product of a single vineyard, this has the most seductive nose since Cleopatra, with ripe apricot, a touch of quince and just a hint of spicy oak. On the palate it's an explosion of flavour, with rich fruit marmalade notes mixing with toffee and creme brulee characters. An absolute gem.
