RICHARD SAYS
2021 Bleasdale ‘Frank Potts’ 13.5%
Langhorne Creek, South Australia RRP $39
This wine is a ‘Bordeaux blend’ of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Bleasdale is a master with Malbec but is making reds of immense verve and value across the board. Here, each variety contributes to produce a better, more complex, and complete wine than the individual components.
This wine struts out with a vivid crimson colour, then scents of mulberry, violet, cocoa, spices, a whisp of gumleaf and a sprinkle of liquorice. A superfine texture follows, with freshness, embedded spices, and those delicious flavours just linger. But while approachable already, this wine has the proper stuffing and pedigree to reward cellaring for another ten years with ease. Cursory searching found this wine available for under $30 – just amazing VFM.
Now what? Lamb is a classic match – roast, or chops, even just a kebab; steak is very sound too; and as this wine will deal with spices, tandoori chicken is worth a try! Hard cheeses as well, but as always let your personal taste be your guide, and if the bottle is opened, try with pretty much anything
GRANT SAYS
Sussex Squire ‘The Darting Hare’
Clare Valley Sangiovese 2022
RRP $34 ABV 14%
Were it not for a random, off the cuff conversation (and ultimate recommendation) I had at work one day, I’d never even known Sussex Squire existed. It’s off the beaten track up a rustically tree lined, windy, gravel road out the back of hilly Clare. To get to the cellar door you have to drive right past the house of this family owned gem.
The winemaker (a confirmed heartthrob according to my wife) greeted us with an array of wines to sample and a bunch of down-to-earth stories around who he is and why wine is his passion. He makes the obligatory Riesling but his passion clearly lies in full-flavoured reds with loads of personality. My wife’s favourite was this Sangiovese. The fruit is sourced from an old Penfolds vineyard out the back of Sevenhill with an elevation of up to 470 metres. Vines were planted in the early 90s. The flavour profile ranges from cherry juice, chinotto, orange rind, dried herbs and raspberry coulis; all of which provide a lovely tension between fruit sweetness and savoury tartness. The acidity is soft and the texture has this drop effortlessly glide over the palate. The package is complete with a precise amount of new French oak, 20% to be precise, for a good 12 months. Give this winery a google and treat yourself to an order of a mixed case sent to your front door as we head on into the cooler Melbourne months.
Pair with: Home made pizzas with plenty of salami, charred capsicum, mushroom and bocconcini
