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Three of the best: High-scoring Australian wines

Huon Hooke
Huon Hooke

Tasting the current releases of some of Australia's greatest wines is a memorable experience.
Tasting the current releases of some of Australia's greatest wines is a memorable experience.Shutterstock

In the past three months, I've tasted the current releases of some of the greatest Australian wines. They're wines guaranteed to blow your mind, hard to trump on a big-occasion dinner table or as a gift for a special person. Tasting any of them is a memorable experience. I've chosen three to feature, but there were five others that scored 98 points or more. They were Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 2005 (anniversary re-release) $175, 99 points; Yarra Yering Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $275, 98; Houghton Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $137, 98; Chambers Rare Muscadelle NV $250 (375ml), 98; and Morris Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat NV $90 (500ml), 98.

Giaconda Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2016, Beechworth $129

Score 98

Moss Wood 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Moss Wood 2015 Cabernet SauvignonFrances Andrijich
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A glorious chardonnay in the traditional full-throttle Giaconda style. Very rich and multi-layered, it indulges the full paintbox of winemaking inputs. Smoky chicken-stock aromas, round and generous. It's unfiltered so a slightly cloudy appearance can be expected. Screw-cap; 13.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 10-plus years.

Stockists include Five Way Cellars (NSW); Armadale Cellars (Vic).

Langmeil Pure Eden Shiraz 2015, Eden Valley $130

Score 98

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This riotously opulent shiraz is made from century-old vines, and shows the density and flesh that very old vines can bring. Lots of chocolate, fruitcake, raspberry and mocha aromas together with graphite-like notes from toasty oak, even a trace of pepper. Very rich and full-bodied. Screw-cap; 15 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 20-plus years.

Stockists include Rathdowne Cellars, Carlton (Vic), langmeilwinery.com.au.

Moss Wood Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Margaret River $128

Score 98

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This a great vintage of this famous wine: smoky oaky scents give way to blackberry, violet and dried-herb aromas, the palate intense and full-bodied with a touch more restraint and elegance than some recent vintages. A statuesque cabernet which can be cellared long term. Screw-cap; 14 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 22-plus years.

Stockists include Five Way Cellars & Wine Square (NSW); Winehouse (Vic).

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Huon HookeHuon Hooke is a wine writer.

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