by Martin Field
Chapel Hill Unwooded Chardonnay 2005 – around $14 (Australian dollars)
Fresh grapey juicy nose. Youthful and refreshing in the mouth, showing bags of ripe fruit – dried pears? and zingy acidity. Excellent as a chilled luncheon aperitif.
Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2004 – around $20
Compôte of stone fruits and hints of toasty oak lift the nose of this one. Soft and rich in the mouth, flavours of apricot conserve are dominant while the finish is firm enough to suggest entrée style accompaniments.
Deviation Road Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris 2005 – up to $23
Perfumed lime flowers nose with just a whiff of fine French oak in the background. Nothing restrained or dilute about this pinot gris. It has a lovely palate just bursting with ripened citrus fruits – think Rose’s Lime Marmalade and you’re somewhere in the vicinity. As you finish one glass you’ll be looking forward to the next.
Grant Burge Grenache Rosé 2005 – up to $16
Barossa Valley, South Australia. Rosy pink hues. The nose reminds me of those glistening strawberry tarts you buy from upmarket patisseries – mouth watering. The palate is soft and sweetish showing flavours not unlike raspberry liqueur. Easy drinking summery style.
Nepenthe Charleston Pinot Noir 2004 – up to $20
Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Aromatic essence of strawberries on the nose along with some savouriness. Offers plenty of pinot varietal character on the palate, including black cherries and strawberries. The fruit is ably supported by a substantial structure of crisp acid and fine tannic astringency.
Paul Bettio King Valley Merlot 2002 – about $20
Mid-crimson. Warm spicy nose of ripe plums. Dryer style of merlot with plummy fruit, medium yet lasting tannins and a firm finish with distinct tangy acid. This young wine is clearly designed for food and will complement robust main courses nicely. Will age gracefully for at least another five or six years.
Hewitson Old Garden Mourvedre 2004 – RRP $49
Barossa Valley, South Australia. The label states that this vineyard, planted in 1853, is possibly the oldest Mourvedre vineyard in the world. Blackberries, alcohol (14.5%) and smoky vanillin oak on the nose. Classic Australian dry red style – savoury with prunes, mocha, spices, leather, and a long lip-smacking finish. Cellar to 2012.
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2002 – up to $40
Clare, South Australia. Concentrated nose of blackcurrants, mint and fragrant oakiness. Intense rich flavours of sweet blackberries with cedar and maybe a hint of a walk under the gum trees on a hot day. All this supported by thick chewy tannins. More alcohol (15.5%) than you’d normally expect in a dry red, though not quite porty.