Wine guide: Freeman Altura shiraz has intensity, fine tannins, spice and ripeness
Under $20
Jacob's Creek Classic Riesling, South Eastern Australia 2015 $12
Score 88
Floral, citrusy aromas plus mint leaves and lime juice. A trace of yeastiness. The palate is firm, clean and savoury with a searing dryness and bright, refreshing acidity, which adds a little hardness. Food softens it nicely. (12.1 per cent alcohol; screw cap.)
Ageing? Drink now to five years.
Food Whitebait fritters.
Stockists All major liquor retailers, nationwide.
Under $20
Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Grenache Rosé, McLaren Vale 2015 $19.95
Score 93
A full-flavoured rosé and a very good one. The colour is electric pink-purple; the aroma and flavour are of ripe cherry with some yeastiness and meaty ferment characters. It's bright and grapy with a flick of tannin and stacks of fruit. Dry finish; great drinkability. (13.5 per cent alcohol; screw cap.)
Ageing? Drink young: now to four years.
Food Bouillabaisse.
Stockists include Decanters by the Bay (Vic); Amato's Liquor Mart (NSW).
$20-$35
Freeman Altura Vineyard Shiraz, Hilltops 2013 $27
Score 95
Terrific shiraz from NSW's under-sung region. The colour is deep red-purple, the aromas are ripely spicy with a trace of ginger. Deep flavour, good intensity, ripe and lush, backed with fine tannins and smart structure. A winning combination of spice and ripeness. (13.5 per cent alcohol; screw cap.)
Ageing? Up to 15 years.
Food Aged Comte cheese.
Stockists include Annandale Cellars (NSW); The Melbourne Wine Store (Vic).
$20-$35
First Creek Semillon, Hunter Valley 2015 $25
Score 91
The colour is very light yellow; the bouquet superbly clean, fresh and lemony, with a trace of "Sunlight soap". Delicate, refined and subtle on the tongue, with a refreshing dry but not austere finish. A classic young Hunter semillon. (10.5 per cent alcohol; screw cap.)
Ageing? Up to eight years.
Food Freshly shucked oysters.
Stockists include Vintage Blue (NSW); Prince Wine Store, South Melbourne (Vic).
Indulge yourself
Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula 2014 $32
Score 90
A delicious lighter coloured and weighted pinot with spicy, cherry-scented fragrance; very varietal, clean and appealing. It's light to medium bodied, softly fleshy, with gentle, supple tannins. There's fruit sweetness and little tannin grip. Fine balance and extra good value. (13.1 per cent alcohol; screw cap.)
Ageing? Up to six years.
Food Tataki of tuna.
Stockists include Tom's Cellars and Balmoral Cellars (NSW); Blackhearts and Sparrows (Vic).
Indulge yourself
Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling, Mudgee 2015 $40
Score 93
The aromas are tremendously intense and alluring: a fragrance of flowers and citrus blossoms, clean and vibrant. The wine is delicate and softly textured in the mouth, with restrained power and the subtlest lick of sweetness on the mid-palate, before a clean aftertaste. (12 per cent alcohol; screw cap.)
Ageing? Drink now to 10 years.
Food Fish soup with saffron and cayenne pepper.
Stockist robertstein.com.au or (02) 6373 3991.
Wine of the week
Moppity Lock & Key Shiraz, Hilltops 2014 $17-$22
Score 91
An elegant, fruit-driven, spicy shiraz which has very little, if any, oak, allowing free reign to the earthy, charcoal and pepper/spice aromas. It's elegantly weighted, smooth and finely textured, with lovely red fruit flavours and superfine tannins. A shiraz for pinot lovers. (14 per cent alcohol; screw cap.)
Ageing? Drink now to five years.
Food Steak tartare.
Stockists include The Oak Barrel (NSW); Wine House (Vic).
Brew
Lord Nelson Brewery Seasonal Ale, Double Nelson IPA $7.50/500ml or $60 a case of 12
Score 93
This American IPA has double the normal hops of the regular Lord Nelson pale ales. It has a deep, slightly cloudy amber hue and a big fruity, citrusy, floral aroma. The taste is big and intense, strongly hopped with substantial bitterness and a rich, hearty mid-palate to balance. Satisfying body, flavour and long finish. (5.4 per cent alcohol; crown cap.)
Stockists include Vintage Cellars, Australia-wide.
