July 2023 New Releases
Wine Reviews by Barry Weinman: 6th August 2023
Over the course of several tastings, these wines stood out for their quality and relative value. The Hazeldene chardonnay and the Vasse Felix cabernet in particular were standouts.
Reviewed
Oakridge – Hazeldene – Vineyard Series – Chardonnay – 2021. This is quite lovely. Ripe, yet restrained peach-like stone fruit expresses on both the nose and palate. There is tremendous length and depth of flavours, and the finish is balanced, polishedand rounded. Gentle lemony acid and subtle worked notes add to the appeal. A superb wine indeed. 95pts – $45.
Oakridge – Hazeldene – Vineyard Series – Pinot Noir – 2021. Pretty red cherry fruit to the fore, but there is a savoury, almost sappy undertone that gives this energy and balance. The texture is a highlight, with gently grippy tannins and oak providing the perfect counterfoil to the fruit. Ready to go now, but will cellar comfortably for 5 – 7 years. 94pts – $45.
Vasse Felix – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2020. Black currant and red berries burst from the glass on both the nose and palate. Yet this is very supple, refined and long, with high quality texturing oak (33% new) providing the frame on which the fruit is hung. Subtle mint and polished tannins add to the package. This is a complete wine that is full of joy. A superb wine that is excellent value given its inherent quality. Cabernet sauvignon 85%, malbec 13%, with a splash of merlot and petit verdot rounding out the blend. 95-96pts – $55.
Coldstream Hills – Reserve – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2019. This is a lovely wine that combines elegant, refined blueberry fruit with silky, yet texturing tannins and supple oak. There is plenty of intensity sitting behind the elegant facade, yet this remains supple and approachable straight out of the bottle. Now – 20 years, or anytime in between. 94-95pts – $60.