Value Picks from Singlefile: May 2024
Barry Weinman: 23rd May 2024
It may seem a little unusual for a winery with Singlefile’s reputation to be singled out for value, but the panel was very impressed by the value on offer when looking through a range of new releases from the 2023 vintage.
The pinots appeared in a masked tasting of high quality wines and were amongst the cheapest in the tasting. But this did not prevent them from standing out for quality and drinkability.
The biggest surprise for me though, was the remarkably beautiful Vermentino from 2023. One of my wine highlights this year. Could this be the next variety to shine in the Great Southern? I hope so…
Reviewed
Singlefile – Single Vineyard – Mt Barker – Pinot Noir – 2023. This is in a different league to many of the pinots that the panel reviews. As expected, the pretty aromatic red berry and cherry fruit is the focus, but the wonderful silky structure is what sets this apart. Supple intensity, excellent length and persistence of flavours. Whilst this is a lovely drink now, you can sense that this is going to develop brilliantly in the bottle over the next 5 – 8 years. 13.7% alc. – 94pts – $37.
Singlefile – Run Free – Pinot Noir – 2023. Supple, fleshy and delicious. Not overly complex or serious, but who cares when you can drink a wine this slurpable at a price that is affordable enough to have with a mid-week bowl of pasta. From estate vineyards in Mt Barker and Albany. 13.8% alc. 90pts – $28.
Singlefile – Vermentino – 2023. Wonderful aromatics here. More savoury than floral, but captivating all the same. Lychee and marzipan notes build on a palate that is seamless, gently textured and showing a touch viscosity. The length of flavour is outstanding. I would take this over a SB every day of the week, and it would be brilliant with seafood. My suggestion is to not drink this too cold. Between 10 and 15 degrees seemed to be where it really shone. I can’t recommend this wine highly enough as an alternative to the mainstream varieties that we know and love. 11.9% alc. 95pts – $NA.