Angove Family Wines: Current Release August 2022
Barry Weinman: 3rd August 2022
Since I first started writing about wines in 2009, Angove has featured strongly in my recommendations. In the early years, the value for money was a key driver for me, with numerous high-quality wines reviewed that sold for less than $10 at the time.
Indeed, there is a healthy stock of brilliant drinking Angove wines in my cellar from 2008 through to 2012 given the unbeatable value that was on offer.
Fast forward to 2022 and the efforts of the Angove family to shift the focus of their wines to the premium end of the market has paid off brilliantly for the consumer. The wines are superbly made and are still great value for money, particularly at the Family Crest level.
The shift in focus has also been accompanied by a gradual shift in style. The wines have become more restrained and elegant, with the textural components a feature. They are still true to their McLaren Vale origins, but the wines are more refined, possessing a quiet confidence that is most attractive.
If I had to use one word, it would be polished. To see them at their best, the wines really need air to open up, and allow the quality fruit to really express itself.
Reviewed
Angove – Organic – Sparkling – NV. For me, this was the surprise package of the tasting. Brilliant drinking at just $18 a bottle. Drying, taut and quite intense, this has a degree of power to the fruit. Apple, cinnamon and baker’s spices over fresh fruit and gentle autolysis notes. Bright acidity and gentle textural grip round out the palate. Delicious! 91pts – $18.
Angove – Family Crest – Shiraz – 2019. This does not come across as big or powerful, but it is very well balanced and is supple, succulent and delicious. The souring acidity is a feature, adding freshness and keeping the palate lithe. Understated yet excellent, this took a day for the fruit to really build depth, so cellaring seams a good idea. 93+pts – $25.
Angove – The Medhyk – Shiraz – 2018. Straight out of the bottle, this is a savoury, earthy expression of Shiraz that is restrained and shy. But with plenty of air, the latent power really starts to express. Great old-vine fruit and sympathetic wine-making combine in a polished, elegant McLaren Vale Shiraz of very high quality. Not flashy or showy, but confident and self-assured. Decant at least an hour before drinking to allow the fruit to shine. 95pts – $65.
Angove – Organic – Shiraz – 2020.. Fresh and, supple, with gentle savoury notes and soft tannins. This has enough structure to keep the balance, yet the fruit is soft and approachable. My pick of the range for an easy drinking, mid-week wine. 89pts – $18
Wild Olive – Organic – Shiraz – 2021. In keeping with the name, this is savoury, earthy and textured. There is a core of ripe fruit, but this is a little bit brooding and closed right now. An excellent wine that could go well with spicy food. 92+pts – $25.
Angove – Organic – Shiraz/Cabernet – 2020. Pretty pretty fruit that reminds me of red berries and raspberry, The fruit is quite thick/dense, yet the balance and structure are spot on for a wine of this price. The palate transition is a bonus. Great value drinking! 93pts – $18.
Basileus – Shiraz – 2018 – $25. This is all about the sweet, succulent, perfectly ripe fruit that is reminiscent of plum and red currant. The wine-making is spot on, with the texturing oak adding depth and texture, without diminishing the fruit. The finish gets a little closed, but this would be a great match for a hearty, protein-rich meal. Plum, red currant. 93+pts – $25.
Basileus – Grenache- 2020. This initially presents quite savoury and earthy, but there is a core of ripe fruit sitting in the background. This is quite textured, made in a more structured, contemplative style. The oak plays a role, adding texture and mouthfeel. Medium term cellaring would be of benefit, but this would be great with Tapas now. 93pts – $25.