In these uncertain times, with restricted movement and loss of earning ability, many of us are looking to "trade down" – to buy less expensive things while not giving up entirely on our customary lifestyle habits. A hundred creative ways with mince-meat would be a popular cookbook, if it exists – which it surely does. As for wine, one response could be not to drop your budget per bottle, but simply drink less. Even better: buy smarter. There are plenty of cracking wines out there that offer extra special value for money. Here are three Australian reds, at widely different price-levels, which all taste like wines of twice the price.
Score 97
I tasted this stonking pinot alongside wines priced at least $100, and it was better than most. It has a powerfully expressive spicy, smoky bouquet with delicious cherry fruit and a dash of charred-oak. It's full bodied, flooding the mouth with exotic, hedonistic flavours. Good tannins; excellent structure. A serious pinot. Screw-cap; 14 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Drink now and for at least 12 years.
Stockists include Dan Murphy's stores and coldstreamhills.com.au
Score 95
Every winery in Barossa and McLaren Vale now seems to offer at least one flagship wine in a massive bottle with a price north of $100. This offers all the rich, fleshy generosity of the region at a relatively modest price. Roasting-pan aromas are developing over sweet chocolate, plum, mocha, peanut brittle flavours augmented by soft, fleshy tannins. Hints of Violet Crumble. Screw-cap; 14.8 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Drink now to 10+ years.
Stockists include Sydney Wine Beer & Spirits, Terrey Hills (NSW); Red White & Amber Liquor Merchants, Hawthorn (Vic)
Score 91
The Hunter family at Sanguine Estate have a range of generously flavoured reds including several shirazes, starting with this one. It's very young and fruit-driven, a little callow perhaps, but marvellously full-flavoured and surprisingly concentrated for its lowly price. Dry underbrush, brown spices, licorice and earthy savoury aromas. An amazing bargain. Screw-cap; 14.8 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Drink now to 10 years.
Stockists include sanguinewines.com.au
Continue this series
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