Organic wines have a growing following in this age of concern for the healthiness of food and drink. The term "organic" refers to wines that have been made from organically grown grapes, and vinified according to certain standards. Many people grow grapes using organic practices but their vineyards are not certified; some are certified but choose not to disclose it on the label; others pay extra for the right to use the certifying body's logo on their packaging. The main certifiers in Australia are Australian Certified Organic (the bud logo), and the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA). These three wines all proudly display their certification.
Score 92
This has an inky dark colour with strong purple tints and smells of flowers, herbs, spices and blackberry jam. It's very full-bodied and almost lusciously fruit-sweet in the middle with a firm structure of soft but persuasive tannins. Screw-cap; 14.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Drink now to 2033.
Stockists include Nillumbik Cellars, Diamond Creek (Vic);
This youngster has a very deep, dark purple-red colour; the bouquet sweetly blackberry-like and very ripe, while the palate is endowed with firm tannins. There's concentrated, ripe berry fruit beneath the tannins. Preservative-free means no sulphur dioxide has been added. Screw-cap; 14 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Drink now to 2024.
Stockists include Dan Murphy's and BWS Australia-wide; Camperdown Cellars (NSW); Ritchie's (Vic).
Score 96
This outstanding wine is lovely now and the track-record shows it will age superbly. Delightful aromas of myriad flowers and fresh herbs; frangipani, assorted citrus fruits. It's very intense and bright in the mouth, with vibrant fruit and acidity combining seamlessly. Expressive, refined, tautly focused. Screw-cap; 12.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Drink now to 15 years.
Continue this series
Top of the drops: Wine and beer reviews 2019Semillon and sauvignon blanc have a long shared history. And recent Margaret River releases show the marriage is happier than ever.
Big in the '90s, buttery chardonnays have all but disappeared. But for those who crave the style, here are three to try.
As good as Australian rieslings are, nothing rivals the cold-climate wonders from Germany and France.