Barry Weinman: 16th December 2020
My wine week has involved tastings across a number of styles, including sparkling wines and Shiraz. I will write about some of these in coming weeks, but I wanted to share a couple of refreshing wines for spring, as well as two Australian classics.
Aylesbury have produced a vibrant and smashable 2020 Gamay (89pts – $30). This is in the nouveau style that preserves juicy fruit. A fun wine.
If Rosé is your thing, then Oakway’s 2020 il vino Rosato (88pts – $25) is worth a look. Bright and fresh with a refreshing saline tang. Bring on the antipasto.
Shaw & Smith played an important role in putting Australian Sauvignon Blanc on the map. The 2020 (92pts – $29) is fresh and lively and another cracking drink.
Reviewed
Marri Wood Park – Sauvignon Blanc – 2019. Lifted melon, stone fruit and grassy notes that leads to lemon fruit and acidity that build on the finish. The texture of the palate is a highlight, courtesy of the supple lees and barrel influences. Most importantly, this is a good drink. 17.8/20 (92pts) $28.
Tahbilk – Marsanne – 2020. Aromatic and lifted, with sherbet, musk and floral fruit. Really quite delicious, if a little linear at present. Experience suggests that with bottle age, the palate will fill out and gain complexity and texture, transforming the wine. An Australian classic and a bargain to boot. 17/20 (89pts) $16.
Wynns – Cabernet Sauvignon – “Black Label” – 2018. Another amazing wine under this historic label. Intense, pretty floral fruit, that is elegant, balanced, refined and very long. With a supple and textured mouth-feel, this is delicious now but also sure to build depth and power in the cellar. 18.3/20 (94pts) $40.
Shaw & Smith – Sauvignon Blanc – 2020. Fresh and lively, with pristine fruit. Excellent balance aided by zesty acidity and near seamless palate transition. Aiming for lightness on the palate rather than density, and a rewarding drink. 17.8/20 (92pts).
St Aiden – Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon – 2020. Dry and savoury with delicious ripe tropical fruit and gentle viscosity. Think green guava, passionfruit and pineapple, with a hint of musk, citrus and hint of saline tang. From Ferguson. 17.5/20pts (91pts) $20.
Smallwater Estate – Unwooded Chardonnay – 2020. This is well made, with decent fruit and texture, aided by gentle viscosity that adds mouth-feel. I would rather drink this than most NZ SB on a warm afternoon. 17/20 (89pts) $22
Aylesbury – Gamay – Q05 – 2020. Vibrant and smashable. The souring cherry fruit adds texture, attractive astringency and souring acidity. A nouveau style full of berry fruit. 17/20 (89pts) $30
Oakway Estate – Nero D’Avola – Il Vino Rosato – 2020. Made as a Rosé, this has an attractive pale salmon colour. Bright and fresh, with a supple saline tang and mouth-watering acidity. Almost chewy in texture, this could take some food. 16.8/20 (88pts) $25.