Killibinbin Scream Shiraz 2021
The Pawn Wine Co Tempranillo Tempranillo 2021
G 90
G 90
Coconut leads the charge on first look, before the emergence of nutmeg spice, blackberry, chocolate pudding and plum. The palate is full-bodied and richly fruited, with dark plum and blackberry at the core with a surrounding of brown spice, chocolate, and ground coffee. The tannins are soft and integrated while providing frame along with a good hit of black-fruited acid through the finish. This is opulent and fruit-forward with balance and length belying its $27 price point. Drink now–2027 Kimbolton Montepulciano Montepulciano 2023 G 90 Juicy mulberry and blackberry aromas at the fore, followed by dark plum and violets with vanilla bean and nutmeg spice in support. The palate is equally juicy, with a sluice of mulberry, dark cherry and blackberry making way for fine, bitter cacao nib tannins and fresh acidity. Far from complex, but a fresh and juicy midweek option with a bowl of pasta. Drink now–2027 Kimbolton Montepulciano Rosé Montepulciano 2024 G 90 Medium watermelon colour. Some rubbery reduction makes way for dried maraschino cherry, strawberries and cream, and a red liquorice on the nose. The palate has nice weight and texture, with notes mirroring the nose, being encased in delicate but effective cherry-laced tannins. Not a complex example, nor should it be at the price, but it does have nice flavour and freshness. Drink now–2025 Kimbolton Carignan Carignan 2023 G 90 Lifted spiced cherry, plum, and strawberry are supported by nutmeg spice in an aromatic profile of bright, red-fruited appeal. The palate is light-bodied and equally bright, with red cherry, red plum, and just ripe raspberry gliding through the mouth. Supple tannins here, working with red-fruited acidity to a fresh finish. Freshness is the word. It’s bright, pure and eminently drinkable. Drink now–2026 Metala Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 G 90 Blackberry and plum first up, quickly followed by graphite, tilled earth, cedar and nutmeg. The palate is ripe and full-fruited. Blackberry, mulberry and plum burst through the mouth with some earth and mocha in support. Quite fine tannins and brisk acidity provide frame and carry to medium length. Not overly complex, but nice mid-week drinking at the price point. Drink 2025–2030
Delicate plum, red florals, red liquorice, salted meat and dark cherry on the nose. The palate is vibrantly fruited, somewhat belying its three years of age. Red plum and red rose lead the charge, before cranberry, red cherry and red liquorice again. Nice fine tannins and cherry acid lead to a fresh finish. There’s pop and vibrancy here. A playful expression that works. Drink now–2028 Vineyard Road Premium Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2023 G 90 Aromas of lychee, lemongrass, citrus preserves and pineapple lead a reserved aromatic profile. The palate follows suit, with a taut line of preserved lemon, pineapple husk, lemongrass and subtle passionfruit. The finish is fresh and laden with citrus preserve bitterness. By no means complex, but taut and refreshing. Drink now–2025 Vineyard Road Belvidere Estate Shiraz Shiraz 2021 G 90 Deep and heady aromas of dark plum pudding, prune, allspice, black pepper, liquorice and milk chocolate. The palate is full-bodied, ripe and bold. Sweet plum and blackberry pie coat the mouth, with Christmas cake, chocolate and coffee in support before firm tannins take hold and frame it through a chocolatey finish. This is certainly not for the faint of heart, given everything’s turned up to 11, but it’s kept in balance and achieves a finish of long length. Drink 2026–2031 Watkins Symmetry G.S.M. Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre 2021 G 90 Lavender, plum jelly, dust, date, and nutmeg lead a reserved and gently sweet set of aromas. The palate holds notes of the same in a delicately flavoured spectrum before firm, grainy tannins frame the finish with some attractive bitterness. A midweight and midweek GSM with softened edges, thanks to some bottle age. Drink now– 2025 Watkins Iron-Fire Tempranillo Tempranillo 2021 G 90 Aromas of dark plum, bacon fat, leather, boysenberry, and camphor make for a savoury start. The palate is full-bodied with sweet ripe plum, leather, camphor and ground coffee before a good lick of grainy tannins wraps it all up. This is varietal in an old-school Tempranillo mould, not shying away from ripeness nor oak. Drink now–2027
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
South Australia 2024
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