Great Western
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Reed Powers Grenache Rose 2022Bit expensive for a first release Australian Rose? Sure is. Here is why. The same fruit that goes in to her Reserve Grenache from that 150 year old plot is used here. That fruit aint cheap. On top of that she only realises about half the yield from the pressing regime. So, production costs here are expensive. Is it worth it? Yes! This was the wine that was the real catalyst for the offer. I will keep a lid on my usual excitable self but I don't want to undersell this either. This is a different beast than the overwhelming majority of rose made here in Oz.
Bone dry and with a sensational sense of zip and liveliness, plenty of pretty Grenache perfume and bright red fruits. A big punch of ruby red grapefruit kicks in as wine quickly expands and really delivers on the promise of punchy, ripe, rich fruit and a subtle creamy textural element. It's bold and solidly built with a real sense of presence. Very long and vivid with an incisive whack of energetic, snappy fruit on the finish. It Australian rose Jim, but not as we know it. If you buy good Bandol you should get on this train asap, it rolls all the way to flavour town. ROSCOE
This rosé was always dwelling in the back of my mind as something that would one day come through me and into the bottle. There were no shortcuts here, this wine was made with all the Gucci trimmings. Whole bunch pressed, 50% pressings yield, 150 year old bush vine Grenache barrel fermented in new Stockinger oak, it's rosé in full wine form. Textured, rich, floral, layered, powerful and long. When rosé is made with this much intention a delicious seriousness is captured in every drop.
Winemaking Rosé: Whole bunch pressed to new Stockinger oak for the early part of the fermentation and then went through malo and élevaged in old Chardonnay barrels, bâttonaged over 6 months at least once a week, sulphured to stop wine from going through full malo because I felt the wine was in a good spot with texture SIERRA
2022GrenacheAustralia402$55.00 As low as $49.50 -
Bests Hamill Shiraz 2019It’s a most attractive wine. It will age. It tastes of smoky oak and choc-licorice, black cherry and mint, with citrus and herb/twig-like notes stitched through. Tannin is fine-grained and the length is sound, as is balance. It also has a good overall sense of composure, if not at this early age a lot of wow factor. Time will be kind. CAMPBELL MATTINSON
Hand picked, fermented in small open fermenters, 70% whole bunches. Basket pressed into small French oak barriques for 8 months, blended and placed into 150yo underground vats for 5 months. Comes fully formed into the world, combining black/blueberry fruits, sweet spice, baked earth and wood smoke. Warms on the palate, with a depth of fruit intensity and light savouriness. Tasted soon after bottling and already looking a winner. JENNI PORT
Deep yet transparent nose of plum, candied orange and wet earth. At once fleshy and elegant on the very focused palate, which has a wonderful delicacy. Long refined finish. From the Sugarloaf Creek Vineyard. Drink or hold. Screw cap. (95) JAMES SUCKLING
2019shirazAustralia402$67.00 As low as $60.30 -
Seppelt Show Sparkling Shiraz 2012I know, I know. Every year I urge you to consider including this classic Australian wine style in your Christmas drinking schedule. And, look, here I am again, tempting you with the latest vintage of Seppelt Show Shiraz, first made at Great Western in the 1890s: deep purple foaming in the glass, full of rich, dark aromas of squishy bramble berries and sweet soy, bold and chocolatey and super satisfying in the mouth. Is there a better wine match for roast turkey and glazed ham? I don’t think so. MAX ALLEN
What a wonderful wine this is in the genre of sparkling red for Australia and generally as an iconic totem in Aus wine. I’ve been trying to buy a bunch of older releases of this wine from auction sites for fun, and when I am successful, pretty happy with myself.
Liquorice and tar, first up, then the stewed plum, dried cranberry, cherry cola going on. It’s got bright flavours under the char and game meat qualities, tight, fine bubbles that feel a little looser than expected but still vigorous enough to lift things. Very savoury release, this one. Good tannin profile under the fizz and tart acidity too. It’s a pretty darn good release, this. Feels sophisticated in its way. MIKE BENNIE, www.winefront.com.au
2012Sparkling RedAustralia402$120.00 As low as $108.00
