Its this time of the year that I love, despite it being cold and winter approaching. You ask why, glad you asked, new vintage releases from Australia, as well as elsewhere land on my desk ensuring weeks of tasting awesome wine.
Yalumba is the oldest family-owned winery in Australia and was started by Samuel Smith, the English Brewery owner in 1849. They have been perfecting wine making in the Barossa, Eden Valley and Coonawarra for over 170 years and produce wines of exceptional quality and outstanding value. There is much to be said about Yalumba but I’m not going to give you a total overview but hopefully just enough to wet your appetite for knowing more and a desire to try their wines. See www.yalumba.com
YALUMBA ‘VIRGILIUS’ VIOGNIER 2018 –One of the finest Viognier’s you will taste.
Unmistakably Australian Viognier with a Northern Rhone feel with notes of orange blossom, honey suckle and apricot on the nose. The mouthfeel has all the weight, size and texture you would expect with seamless layers of fruits from the nose framed by unobtrusive oak that cradles and supports this substantial wine without interfering. This is one of those must try wines.
97 pt- James Halliday
VASSE FELIX HEYTESBURY CHARDONNAY 2019 – My favorite Chardonnay from Margaret River.
The nose is enticing, almost seductive featuring delicate layers of white peach, floral, brine and spices. One sip and you will be impressed by layers of white peach and brine with secondary layers of wet stone, minerality and almond (reminiscent of the 2016 and 17 vintages) Again, a decided slant to the French style. There is a depth, complexity, finesse and richness with this release that marks a progression in this wine’s life- time will tell. Can’t wait to taste future vintages.
97 pt- James Halliday.
HENSCHKE JULIUS RIESLING 2021 – One of the finest dry Riesling’s you will taste.
The nose is more fruit laden than earlier vintages, defined, expressive and about all, enticing. The nose promises much and the palate delivers. The mouthfeel is clean and crisp with such elegance and grace it’s hard to imagine why you would want to drink anything else. The palate is all lemons and limes underpinned by wet stone/slate and slightest hint of sweetness on a long finish. Wonderful example of Eden Valley Riesling.
97 pt- James Halliday.
DALRYMPLE COTTAGE BLOCK PINOT NOIR 2018 – Impressive cool climate Pinot.
The Cottage Block is one of the oldest vineyards in Pipers Creek and is nestled in at the bottom of the hill, protected from the cooler north west winds with rocky soils keeping the vines warm and providing excellent drainage. All this adds up to a distinct unique vineyard producing some of the best single site Pinot in Tasmania.
93 pt- James Halliday.
Vine to Table 