Oz

I’ve long thought of M3 Chardonnay as benchmark Aussie Chardonnay. This vintage is certainly in the classic style, but somehow disappointed a little – …

To continue my 39th general celebrations, I opened this before a now-traditional bottle of Rieussec 1975 (which showed the best so far). While enjoyed …

Excellent example of what Adelaide Hills can do for crisp, aromatic whites. A very well made, expressive but not overdone Sauvignon Blanc. Drunk with …

Unctuously sweet, deep amber, with caramel, raisin and vanilla spice notes, but above all, and orange peel note that is particularly distinctive. Too ‘red’ …

Very interesting to try a pure McLaren Vale Grenache – particularly as it was denser, and more tannicly structured than the Barossa – just …

In a line-up of rosés, this stood out for its style – though not a wine to my taste. Pale ruby – deeper colour …

A bit of an exam curiosity, this one. Made by cutting the canes on ripening Riesling bunches, so that they shrivel and concentrate the …

Such a contrast from the tight, almost unbalanced 2002. By contrast, a perfectly classic Hunter Semillon that’s in maturity now. Green pale colour. Green, …

Ripeness of fruit is definitively New World. However, the restraint and balanced use of oak shows the class of Margaret River Chardonnay. Pale gold. …

Nice, good value Margaret River Cab, bought as an extra Booker wine. Deep ruby with black glints to the core and a narrow rim. …