Three affordable reds that will cellar well
Australia's best red wines today are very expensive and out of the reach of people wanting to start a cellar. The perception may be that in order to cellar wine, it must cost at least $50. Not true. Even modestly priced red wines of quality and depth will keep for a few years and arguably improve, especially as so many red wines are today released very young – some as young as 12 months. These three wines will happily keep for at least a decade, but even three or four years in a cool, dark place will render them softer, more mellow and more interesting.
Shingleback Haycutters Shiraz 2016, McLaren Vale, $18-$20
Score 92
This winery's reds deliver outstanding value at various price levels. This is a big, bold, dark wine with an inky purple hue and truckloads of fruit. Rather primal aromas of dark plum, blackberry and aniseed. Full-bodied and quite firm for its station, but great value. Screw-cap; 14 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Best 2019 to 2031.
Stockists include First Choice, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars stores.
D'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2016, McLaren Vale, $18
Score 91
The colour is deep and dark, the bouquet suggests black plum and licorice, the taste is full-bodied, dense and firm with lavish tannins. Surprising concentration, power and intensity for a wine of its price. Rather young now, but it's that rare thing, a cheap wine with good cellaring potential. Screw-cap; 14.3 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Drink now to 13 years.
Stockists include all major retailers.
Calabria Private Bin Nero d'Avola 2017, Riverina, $15
Score 89
This opens up with a very youthful, deep, bright purple colour and an aroma of straightforward sweet, ripe fruit. The palate is intense and bright, succulent and delicious, with blackberry and dark-cherry flavours, ample tannins and a persistent finish. Lots of wine for little money. Screw-cap; 13.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Drink now to 10 years.
Stockists include Chambers Cellars, Neutral Bay (NSW); Carlton Cellars, Carlton North (Vic).
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