New Release Highlights: November 2022
Wine reviews by Barry Weinman: 21 November 2022
There were a number of highlights over the last few weeks, including a pair of very fine 2022 rieslings from the Great Southern.
The Singlefile a little more forward, compared to the Ferngrove, but both are delicious and represent remarkable value (like most good rieslings produced in Australia).
There were also some fine cabernets that offer the magic combination of early drinkability and cellarability. The Vasse Felix and Capel Vale were my picks.
Reviewed
Ferngrove – Cossack – Riesling – 2022. Pear skin, musk and sherbet aromatics are supported by muted citrus on the nose. The palate is bracing and lively, with fine texture and excellent length of flavours. The finish feels dry, and the acidity will support ageing. 94pts – $30.
Singlefile – Single Vineyard – Riesling – 2022. I love the suppleness of this wine. The high-quality fruit is complemented by ever-so-fine acidity that lends this wine great drinkability. Enjoy with shellfish now or try medium-term cellaring. 94pts – $35.
Plantagenet – Three Lions – Pinot Noir – 2021. This is a compelling offering. Typicity, ripe fruit and supple winemaking all combine to make for an excellent pinot at this price point. Not overly dense but makes up for this with vibrancy and generosity. Good drinking if not overly complex. 17.5pts – $26.
Moorooduc Estate – The Moorooduc – McIntyre – Pinot Noir – 2019. There is great depth, texture and intensity here, with the fruit showing as cherry and plum. The palate is very long and persistent, with the plush mouthfeel balanced by slightly gravelly tannins. Pretty floral/honeysuckle highlights add to a wine that is a lovely drink now – 5 years. 94-95pts – $80.
Vasse Felix – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2019. Beautiful fruit on the nose. Pretty and ripe, with cassis, blackcurrant, cherry and spice. The palate is supple, silky and very refined. Really elegant, yet with depth and great balance. Absolutely superb straight out of the bottle, but age-worthy as well. Serious stuff! 95pts – $55.
Lake Breeze – Arthur’s Reserve – Cabernet/Malbec – 2018. This wine stood out due to the savoury notes which complemented the ripe fruit which was redolent of blackcurrant. The polished texture is a highlight, with fine tannins and supple oak supporting a finish that is dense and powerful. This would be a great match with lamb shanks, or a hearty casserole. Received 97pts from one panelist! 94pts – $42.
Capel Vale – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2020. Ripe fruit, supple winemaking, quality oak to produce a near seamless wine with excellent length and persistence of flavours. Yet this is subtle, refined and elegant, making for a great drink now, or in ten years. A very satisfying wine that received unanimous support. 95pts – $30.