Whilst the label is out of this world, the wine follows the quintessential Aussie blend of Cabernet 51%- Limestone Coast Shiraz 49% - McLaren Vale. Just like the label this wine is seductive, vibrant, almost strawberry like fruit on the nose, with dry cherries and plum rounding out on the palate. [ Read more ]

Both parcels were kept separate, where they were destemmed and crushed, some of the Shiraz was allowed to commence fermentation by virtue of ‘indigenous yeasts’ the rest (and the Mataro) was inoculated, not surprisingly with yeast, fermentation conducted, skin contact up to 17 days, before being pressed to oak for malo and maturation. [ Read more ]

This is a little cracker. Domenic Torzi does a lot of things on his property at Mount McKenzie - including bread, olive oil, pasta and wine. And he does them all well. Schist Rock is junior sibling to his Frost Dodger Shiraz and is an absolute bargain and a fine drink....... [ Read more ]

"Old Vine Grenache is made from the oldest Grenache vineyard on the Kalleske farm, planted in 1935. The grapes are entirely dry-grown ensuring intensely flavoured fruit. Fermentation is warm in open-top fermenters with gentle hand pumpovers twice daily. After basket pressing the wine is matured in seasoned hogsheads prior to bottling. An intense, rich and robust Barossa Grenache with plenty of exotic flavours, a layered palate, harmonious balance and solid structure...." Sourced from Kalleske website [ Read more ]

Merlot may not have become the "next big thing" as many industry types predicted some years ago, but there are a few producers who have been able to carve out a solid niche, simply by producing Merlot that rises above the ordinariness that all too often plagues the variety. Robert "Bob" Johnson falls into this category, producing Merlot under two labels, Robert Johnson Vineyards, where he uses fruit from his own tiny vineyard in Eden Valley, and Alan & Veitch, featuring fruit purchased from various vineyards in the Adelaide Hills. He has certainly found a great source for Merlot for this wine, from a warmer part of the hills near Woodside. This wine is seriously good, showing lifted violets, prunes, chocolate and spice. In the mouth it is slick, juicy and layered with the "soft" middle palate Merlot is known for, but certainly not lacking in structure or intensity. If you're a fan of good Merlot, then give this wine a try, I'm sure you'll love it. If you're a bit suspicious of Merlot being a "softy" with few redeeming qualities then you should still give this a try. It might just change your mind. [ Read more ]

How do you follow up the "Wine of the Year" - 2006 Esprit. Change the blend slightly and make another cracking release! The 07 sees Shiraz take over as the dominate grape but only slightly, with a final blend of 36% Shiraz, 26% Grenache, 25% Mataro added with 7% Carignan and 6% Cinsault... [ Read more ]