It really is so wonderful to be attending vibrant, mirth-filled wine tasting events again – such as The Real Review’s impeccable Top Wineries of Australia tasting event just held in Melbourne. There were a myriad of top drawer wines and wineries on show. We highly recommend you check this Tier 1 event out in 2023!
You can find our standout wines from this incredible event listed below. Please bear in mind that the 40+ wines we tried only scratched the surface of the range on show. We fear to think what wonders we may have missed! Still, more than worthwhile to have discovered the following wonders:
* Deep Woods Estate 2020 Reserve Chardonnay – If you long for the Chardonnay glory days, this is your drop! Apricots, peaches and oaken nuttiness. A rich, oaky and altogether rewarding Chardonnay.
* Gralyn Estate 2018 Reserve Chardonnay – Lemon vanilla swirls titillate the palate in this richly complex single vineyard Margaret River stunner. Wild as the wind one moment, a delicate caress the next. Yum!
* Hentley Farm 2020 The Beauty Shiraz – A super smooth dark curtain of Shiraz. Silken blueberry an black raspberry voluptuousness with soft vanilla trim. A study in elegance.
* Hentley Farm 2019 The Beast Shiraz – Lives right up to its name! Plenty of thorny black raspberry and dark spices in this robust, complex and very satisfying Shiraz.
* John Duval 2018 Eligo Shiraz – None would be surprised to see the legendary Eligo on this list. French in its elegance and all blackberry at heart. Notes of smooth chocolate and superb length. We’re not sure a more suave wine has ever been crafted …
* Levantine Hill 2016 Samantha’s Paddock Melange Traditionnel – This Cabernet-driven blend puts Yarra Valley Cab Sauv right back on the map for us. Exceptionally smooth. A ride of blackberry, clove and soft bramble, all so very delicately and precisely delivered. Lethally suave and awesome.
* Robert Oatley 2018 Limited Release Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon – On the shortlist for our (undecided) wine of show. An intense Cab Sauv that gently pressure the palate with its blueberry compote and cobbler deliciousness. Plenty of dark chocolate in here and just the perfect touch of dried herbaceousness. A superb Cabernet!
* Torbreck 2020 the Struie Shiraz – Sublime rolling dark raspberry. Stunningly smooth (hallmark Eden Valley). The savoury notes come only as hints and suggestions, accentuating the glorious fruit flavours.
* Vasse Felix 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon – A textbook Margaret River Cab Sauv in all the right ways. Caresses the palate with a gentle complexity that does not overpower. Somehow rich and suave at the same time, which really is the hallmark of Margaret River Cab Sauv.
* Xanadu 2020 Stevens Road Chardonnay – Tingles and sparks delightfully on the tongue. Nectarines, brioche, caramelised citrus… Lots going on beneath this deceptively restrained Chardonnay!
* Yalumba 2020 Eden Valley Viognier – An absolutely delightfully Viognier marked by sweet vanilla and bramble. Ticks all the right Viognier boxes. Voluptuous and luscious. A demonstration of why we love this varietal!
* Yalumba 2018 The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz – A contender for our wine of show, Yalumba’s “Signature” is always a winner, but this 2018 is something special. This is a hefty red, full of red berries, warm spices, cedar and so much more! Glowing embers and an engaging texture on the palate journey. Incredible length and breadty. A fleshy, sultry, awesome wine!!
* Yarra Yering 2020 Carrodus Chardonnay – Soft concentration belie the masterful winemaking in this suave and elegant Yarra Chardonnay. Slate, ripe lemon peel, grapefruit, and tingling minerality travel the palate at focused length. A silent, stunner to be sure. With one barrel produced, better get it while you can.
Stunning wines like those listed above are #WhyWeLoveWine
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