Jacob’s Creek Barossa Pearl $12–$15 In his 1992 book The Grapes of Ralph, UK cartoonist Ralph Steadman sketched a matronly, imaginary “Barossa Pearl” presiding over a Barossa soup kitchen. Alas, Orlando Barossa Pearl – once fruity, sweet, vibrant and sparkling – had popped her last bubbles nine years earlier, in 1983. Today’s wine industry owes … Continue reading Wine review – Jacob’s Creek, Majella and Leo Buring →

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2013 $10–$17 The price of Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz varies widely. But even at full price it delivers rich, ripe, satisfying Barossa flavours. On discount it’s a great bargain. A group of us tasted it recently alongside several more expensive Australian shirazes and the commentary leaned more towards differences … Continue reading Wine review – Jacob’s Creek, Tolpuddle and Mount Majura →

Vickery Riesling 2014 $24 Castine and Brazel vineyards, Watervale, Clare Valley, South Australia A year after the death of Leo Buring in 1961, Lindemans bought his business and retained his winemaker, John Vickery. Lindemans promptly planted riesling in place of sherry varieties on Buring’s Florita Vineyard at Watervale, southern Clare Valley. And, in time for … Continue reading Wine review – Vickery, Jeir Creek, Geoff Merrill, Maipenrai, Rosemount Estate and Logan →

La Linea Tempranillo 2012 $27 Adelaide Hills, South Australia If I had to bet the house on one of the so-called “alternative” grape varieties it’d be Spain’s tempranillo. We crush only about 3000 tonnes a year in Australia (equivalent to perhaps 225 thousand dozen bottles) – a mere splash compared to the more familiar varieties … Continue reading Wine review — La Linea, Hoddles Creek, Clairault, Mount Majura, Coriole and Buchot-Ludot →

Zeppelin Barossa Valley Shiraz 2012 $17–$22 For a modest price, Zeppelin delivers the full, ripe flavours and soft tannins of an outstanding Barossa Valley vintage. A touch of spice and savouriness adds interest to this very appealing early-drinking red. Zeppelin is a brand of Echelon Wine Partners, a marketing and distribution company owned by the … Continue reading Wine review — Zeppelin, Jacob’s Creek and De Bortoli La Boheme →

Robert Oatley McLaren Vale Shiraz 2011 $17.09–$22 We paid just under $22 for Bob Oatley’s shiraz down the south coast, and it’s on special in Canberra at present for $17.09 each in a six-bottle buy. But even at full price, the wine represents outstanding value. It’s made for Oatley by Larry Cherubino, one of Australia’s … Continue reading Wine review — Robert Oatley, Waipara and Bream Creek →

Jacob’s Creek Riesling 2012 $6.90–$12 In 2012 this wine won silver medals in the Melbourne and Hobart wine shows, then golds in Adelaide and Canberra National Wine Show. In October this year, it won the trophy as best riesling at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Winemaker Bernard Hickin says the fruit comes from the Barossa, … Continue reading Wine review — Jacob’s Creek, Cherubino Ad Hoc and Wyndham Estate →

Torbreck Barossa Valley Cuvee Juveniles 2011 $20 Founder, David Powell, recently departed Torbreck, the winery he founded in 1994 and built into one of the Barossa’s most esteemed names globally. Torbreck continues, however, under American owner Pete Kight. A group of us recently enjoyed Torbreck Juveniles at Shorty’s, Garema Place. An unoaked blend of grenache, … Continue reading Wine review — Torbreck, Schild Estate and Jacob’s Creek →

Grant Burge Meshach 2008 $124–$180 Filsell and other vineyards, Barossa Valley On a visit to Canberra in April, Barossa winemaker Grant Burge said warm climate shiraz seemed to be off the radar of many wine judges and some wine shows. This appears to be a fashion statement, he said, and completely out of touch with … Continue reading Wine review — Grant Burge, Andrew Thomas, Tyrrell’s, Jacob’s Creek, Dandelion and Brown Brothers →

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2012 $10.70–$18 Adelaide Hills, South Australia The high quality of South Australia’s 2012 whites shines through again in Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay. We quaffed a couple of bottles with Thai food in Terrigal a few weeks back, alongside the Pewsey Vale Riesling 2012, also reviewed today. I rated Pewsey Vale a … Continue reading Wine review — Jacob’s Creek, Bay of Fires, Pewsey Vale, Dandelion Vineyard, Half Moon and Peter Lehmann →