Lark Hill Gruner Veltliner 2011 $40 Lake George Escarpment, Canberra District, New South Wales Following a suggestion from Jancis Robinson, a visit to Austria tasting its signature variety – and the fortuitous discovery of two vines in Tasmania – the Carpenters of Lark Hill propagated gruner veltliner from cuttings, then planted 1,000 vines in 2006. … Continue reading Wine review — Lark Hill, Maipenrai Amungula Creek, Balnaves, Majella and Peter Lehmann →

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2008 $10.90–$17.99 Adelaide Hills, South Australia Reflecting the growing trend to regional marketing, Jacob’s Creek, part of French-owned Pernod-Ricard, recently moved to regional labelling on its reserve range. The range was originally launched in 2000 as multi-region blends. They’ve always hit the sweet spot for quality and value – especially during … Continue reading Wine review — Jacob’s Creek, Yalumba, Picardy, Coriole, Wynns and Robert Stein →

Capital Wines “The Ambassador” Tempranillo 2010 $27 Kyeema Vineyard Murrumbateman, Canberra District, New South Wales The two tempranillos reviewed this week, though of comparable quality, reveal different faces of this Spanish variety – and its potential to go mainstream in Australia in the long term. The Ambassador, from six-year-old vines, emphasises vibrant, red-berry varietal flavour … Continue reading Wine review — Capital Wines, Stella Bella, Hewitson, Yangarra and Turkey Flat →

Stonier Mornington Peninsular Pinot Noir 2009 $25–$28 Chardonnay 2009 $24.20–$26.90 Stonier, one of the oldest Mornington Peninsular wineries, began under Brian Stonier, became part of publicly listed Petaluma group and was later acquired by Lion Nathan. The ownership changed, but Brian Stonier keeps an eye on operations and the Stonier wines remain as good as … Continue reading Wine review — Stonier, Jim Barry and Juniper Estate →