Singlefile Wines: Style meets Substance
Barry Weinman: 29th October 2021
In my book, Singlefile has been one of the top ten wineries in Western Australia for several years now. Brilliant quality and excellent value have set them apart from most other producers.
With the latest releases though, Singlefile has turned things up a notch, with exceptional packaging for some note-worthy new wines.
The Rosé looks great in its fancy bottle, While the Small Batch Pinot sets a new benchmark for Australian wine. I love it!
The great news is that the wine quality has never been better, and the value is spot-on. Every wine reviewed is a winner.
Reviewed
Singlefile – Single Vineyard – Riesling – 2021. Profoundly beautiful fruit on the nose that is elegant and fine yet possessing great intensity. The finish is taut and steely, with the textural components more accessible than the fruit right now, aided by gentle phenolics and thrilling acidity that drives the finish. After being opened, the citrus fruit blossomed, suggesting that ageing will be rewarded. From the Blue Lake Vineyard in Mount Barker. 95pts -96pts – $35.
Singlefile – Fiano – 2021. With floral fruit that is bright and light, this is so delicious and somewhat irresistible! The palate is fragrant, supple and lithe, and the balance is a highlight. Has floral notes similar to Riesling, with the mouthfeel and texture closer to Pinot Gris. Brilliant on its own, or with a pumpkin risotto. 93pts – $29.
Singlefile – Fumé Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc – 2021. Viscous, textured, and powerful, this is a serious, age-worthy wine, that flies in the face of a New Zealand SB. The supple mouthfeel is a highlight, with the oak (20% new French) adding texture and richness rather than overt flavours. Subtle aromatics build in the glass and fine acidity carries the finish. Very much in the white Bordeaux style. 93pts – $35
Singlefile – Rosé – Sangiovese – 2021. This wine looks great with its vibrant colour and striking new packaging. And the wine quality is right up there too. Pretty, almost delicate berry notes on the nose, and the palate is very fine and savoury, with delicate aromatics and hints of strawberry and spice. Beautifully made, with a bone-dry finish and great acidity, this is serious enough to command respect. Spring in a glass! 92pts – $29.
Singlefile – Small Batch Project – Pinot Noir – 2019. There are very pretty cherry/berry fruit notes, complemented by attractive savoury notes that add greatly, courtesy of the quality oak. The palate is powerful and intense, with depth and structure to match the high-quality fruit. Suited to medium term ageing, yet this is supple enough to enjoy now, given the great mouthfeel. Took three days on the tasting bench to show its best. 96pts – $59.
(From a single Porongurup vineyard planted to clones 777, 114 and 115. Only one barrel produced. Brilliant packaging!)
Singlefile – Chilled Red (Pinot Noir and Pinot Munier) – 2021. Light, fragrant and supple, with excellent texture and gentle tannins (thanks to some carbonic maceration). This is very attractive and refreshing and would be great served chilled on a summer afternoon with antipasto on the side. 90pts – $29