Turon PG 2025 $30 (Adelaide Hills)
Best Oz Gris I've had for some time. Smart, mostly dry, good depth in the palate. Very serious style for Australia. Not fruity when compared to the likes of Mornington Peninsula examples, rather this is very textual.
"It does justice to the naming of 'pinot gris' with its Alsace bent of slippery texture, fleshy pear characters and adornment of sweet spices. A plush feel but controlled with chalky edges and a tight, squeaky finish. Balanced, refreshing and spot on." 93pts | Mike Bennie | Halliday Wine Companion
Mishrit Pinot Noir 2025 $36 (Yarra Valley)
We are very very lucky to get our hands on a small allocation of uber-micro start-up Mishrit. The 2025 Pinot Noir is a single vineyard offering from 27yr old vines from the well established Coombe Farm in the Yarra Valley. Left on skins for 2 weeks before pressing off to 2/3/4yr French oak. Some warmth early but very pleasant. Sseems light early but really grows on the palate; mildly spicey finish. Easy going. Only 55 cases produced.
Claymore Cab Malbec 2023 $23 (Clare Valley)
For mine Clare Valley Malbec is the great unsung hero of SA wine, and even more so when blended with Cabernet. For a long time my only exposure was the (very) occassional sampling of the Wendouree Malbec blends but I'm now purposely seeking out more affordable options. Claymore fits the bill nicely; super fresh and juicy yeat somes enough serious fruit lurking in the background that promises a medium-term cellaring life.
Mesh Cellar Riesling 2018 $40 (Eden Valley)
A superstar 'colab' of sorts; Robert Hill-Smith (Yalumba) joining forces with Clare winemaker extraordinaire, Jeffrey Grosset, to create a high quality Eden Valley Riesling. This is the museum release version, typically released after 6 to 8 years in bottle. Personally I think this is the most under-rated Riesling in Australia and have had a great track record cellaring out to 10 - 12 years. Very fairly priced at $40.
"I'm a big fan of these cellar releases. Just smell that! Still a youthful pale straw, but it has taken on those sexy, toasty aromas that we love from aged riesling with a bit of age under its belt. Bickford's lime cordial and Christmas lily notes at its base; crushed quartz and almond blossom too with dots of dried hay and light mountain herbs adding complexity. Savoury, dry and mineral-laden with great vitality and length of flavour. Great drinking." 95pts | Dave Brooks | Halliday Wine Companion
