Recently, we hosted a tasting to explore some of the most commonly planted varieties in Australia. Below you can find the wines we chose that we felt “exemplify” the varietal types (e.g., is there any Shiraz more Shiraz than a Sanguine Estate masterpiece?, etc.) Which wines would you have chosen to capture the essence of “Chardonnay”, “Shiraz”, or “Cabernet Sauvignon”?
On Tasting:
Pinot Gris – Brown Magpie 2017 Single Vineyard – for us, this captures everything that a Pinot Gris is supposed to be. Hints of nettles tickle the palate. Shades of musk frame the flavours. Overall, a perfectly balanced, textural white with just the right amount of plump fruit heft.
Chardonnay – Montalto 2015 Estate – hard to ever beat a Montalto Chardonnay. It took the 2015 vintage a few years to achieve its full potential, but six years on, this baby ticks all the Chardonnay boxes. Gentle lashes of bright citrus, soft peach in the background, some acidic punch to tell you the wine is lethally serious. Its sunshine & and dark clouds all at the same time. The height of Chardonnay sophistication, and truly what the varietal is all about.
Pinot Noir – Sailors Falls Estate 2020 – Although this comes from a less well known producer on the outskirts of Daylesford, gosh is it a perfect Pinot Noir. This one captures both the bright lifted berry and the dark forest floor elements that define good Pinot Noir, and in extraordinary balance at that. And the price tag on these babies (< $30) is outrageously good.
Shiraz – Sanguine Estate 2017 Inception – No one captures the heights of Shiraz better than Sanguine. No one. This wine completely defines the Heathcote zeitgeist of power and grace. Waves and waves of dark fruit flavour gently push their way through for an incredibly lengthy flavour experience that is profound.
Cabernet Sauvignon – Balgownie Estate 2015 – We’re not sure we’ve ever tasted an AUS Cab Sav that so faithfully captures the hallmark flavours that made Napa Valley and the Bordeaux global icons. Juicy blackberry, spicy black currant, chocolate. tobacco, and the faintest hint of green mintiness. This Cab Sav has it all, balanced perfectly for a hallmark Cab Sav experience.
We would love to hear which wines you would choose to define their varietals? Drop us a line!
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