Spotlight on Australia
It’s summer down under! Introducing January’s Wine Region of the Month: The New Wines of Australia.
What comes to mind when you think of Australian wines? Cheap bottles of Shiraz? We have selected three wineries that will change your mind and prove Australia is more than just Two Buck Chuck. Australian wines have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years with a shift towards smaller production wines from cooler climate areas such as Tasmania and Victoria. The combination of cool-climate regions and talented winemakers positions Australia as a compelling player in the global winescape and one worth re-discovering. You can try the following wines by the glass, bottle or try a luxury flight of all three.
Henschke ‘Peggy’s Hill’ Dry Riesling, Eden Valley 2022
The Henschke family’s grape growing and winemaking tradition spans six generations, from outstanding sustainable vineyards in Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills. This Riesling takes its name from a local landmark, Peggy’s Hill and is produced from selected vineyards up to 50 years old. Eden Valley is regarded as one of Australia’s exemplary wine regions for producing world class, highly expressive, and long-lived Rieslings, a tradition left from German settlers. Vibrant aromas of white florals, almond blossom, lime, and white peach. The palate is rich and concentrated with ripe citrus, balanced by bright acidity.
Dalrymple pinot noir pipers river, tasmania 2022
Dalrymple Vineyards was established by Bertel and Anne Sundstrup in 1987 and is today considered one of Australia’s leading cool-climate producers. The vineyard’s easterly aspect, which overlooks the Bass Strait combined with the site’s red basalt soils and cool sea breezes, all combine to create a perfect equilibrium for growing premium Pinot Noir. Aromas of spiced rhubarb, sweet red cherries, Asian five spice and vanilla mingle with earthy notes. The palate is seductive with fleshy red and black cherries. Burgundy in Tasmania!
John duval ‘plexus‘ Rhone blend, Barossa Valley 2020
John Duval is one of Australia's most highly regarded winemakers. As Chief Winemaker and custodian of Australia's most famous wine, Grange, he was instrumental in establishing Penfolds as one of the world's great wineries. In 2003, John embarked on his own label, John Duval Wines, inspired by the best of the Barossa Valley's low-yielding, old vine vineyards. Plexus is a seamless blend of 3 varietals: Shiraz provides rich dark fruits and mid palate weight, Grenache delivers a bright flavor spectrum of red fruits and spiced notes and old vine Mourvèdre is integral to the blend, ensuring a good firm backbone of savory tannin and a long finish.