Wine of the week
Abbotts & Delaunay Alto Stratus Carignan 2014 $45-$47
Score 93
Old vine, south of France red championing an overlooked grape. Robust, dense and earthy with berry and aniseed/herb characters, good concentration and depth, even texture, length, and ripe tannins. (14 per cent alcohol; cork)
Ageing? Drink over six years.
Drink it with Cassoulet.
Stockists include United Cellars (NSW & Vic) unitedcellars.com.au or on 1300 226 835.
UNDER $20
Alkoomi White Label Cabernet Merlot 2014 $13-$15
Score 89
Excellent varietal purity in a great value cabernet blend from WA's far south. It has good savoury/ripe balance in its blackcurrant fruit and briary elements, and it tastes unforced by sweetness, clean and complete. (14.5 per cent alcohol)
Ageing? Drink over two years.
Drink it with Pink lamb cutlets.
Stockists include Montmorency Cellar Door, Montmorency (Vic); Strand Cellars, Croydon (NSW).
$20-$35
Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2015 $28-$30
Score 93
This understated Yarra chardonnay gets better with every sip. Quiet complexity emerges with white peach, butterscotch and a matchsticky hint on the nose. The palate is superfine, lingering and beautifully integrated. (13 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Drink over two years.
Drink it with Delicate seafood dishes.
Stockists include Armadale Cellars, Armadale (Vic); Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW).
Indulge yourself
Eldorado Road Onyx Durif 2013 $34-$36
Score 90
Glass-staining purple durif from Victoria's north-east. It smells of blackberry jam, tar and spices like clove and turmeric. A formidable mouthful with grippy tannins, it's one for the big red lovers. (14.9 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Yes, two to 15 years.
Eat it with Glazed beef ribs.
Stockists include Australian Wine Centre, Circular Quay (NSW); Tom Pocket Cellars, Glen Iris (Vic).