Discovery Road Montepulciano 2022
G 91
Montepulciano is one of those varieties turning up more and more and that only happens when a grape has something to offer. Montepulciano certainly does – a delicious and often easy drinking style, full of flavour. It might be a long way from its Mediterranean home but it seems well suited to our climate, or at least, parts of it. This is a near explosive purple hue with notes of chocolate, plums, fruitcake, florals, cherries, mulberries and blackcurrants. Good concentration, but it really is almost slurpable. A touch more length would lift it even further but all things will eventually come. Fine tannins and decent balance, this is a pleasing and generous wine for enjoying over the next three to five years. Drink now–2029
Gibson Duke Grenache 2022
G 91
You can read the reason for the name of this wine on the label – it is the sort of thing best left to those involved to resolve. A blend of fruit from both the Barossa and Eden Valleys. The colour here is a plush red crimson. The nose exhibits gentle notes of red fruits, spices, warm earth and dry herbs with cherries and raspberries. A seductive texture, the wine is well balanced with good length, through to fine, silky tannins. There is also a hint of almond bitterness on that lingering finish. For drinking over the next half dozen years. Drink now–2030 Hare’s Chase Ironscraper Shiraz 2021 G 91 Medium crimson. Savoury bouquet, cedar chest, dried blackberry, nutmeg, black pepper. Medium bodied, offering a depth of blackberry confit, black plum and a twist of aniseed. Well structured and harmonious in balance with a savoury finish. 14.5% alc Drink now–2026 Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2022 G 91 Medium-deep crimson. Black olive, red plum aromas, with herb garden notes. Supple and round with red plum, red cherry flavours, slinky textures and some roasted walnut notes. Crispy finish. 14.5% alc Drink now–soon Head Wines Grenache Rosé 2023 G 91 Grenache from Nuriootpa, Ebenezer and Mengler’s Hill has been blended together for this classy Rosé. There is also 5% Mataro, 5% Viognier, 3% Vermentino and 2% Riesling in this wine. There is no malolactic fermentation, the Viognier is barrel- fermented and wild yeasts did the job. A lovely pink/orange sunset hue, this is a Rosé of fragrance and finesse. Notes of strawberries and cream, florals and raspberries swirl around. There is decent length here and the wine is fresh, well- focused and gently persistent. Will provide pleasure for the next two to three years. Drink now–2027
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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