With Richard Slater & Grant Foulkes
RICHARD SAYS
2018 Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon
14% Margaret River, WA
RRP $28
“The first duty of a wine is to be enjoyable” (Len Evans). Who would not agree? For many, Cabernet is the king of red wines, despite some fanatical clamour for Pinot Noir. Within Australia, the Cabernet crown resides in Margaret River, with sporadic interruptions from Coonawarra and the Yarra Valley.
This wine is a beautiful, attractive bright crimson colour. It owns a fragrant mix of black and red fruits that cannot be overlooked – blackcurrant and mulberry, plus some cedary, spice-filled oak influence. The palate has intensity and depth, with immaculate, balanced tannin. It’s juicy, fleshy, and savoury. It has flashiness and instant appeal, but the integrity and definition to improve over perhaps ten years.
Conclusion: Suits anything with lamb, or hard cheeses! It delivers hedonism now but will perform for many more years. Don’t hesitate, at this price you cannot go wrong..
GRANT SAYS:
2018 Clonakilla
‘Hilltops’ Shiraz
14 % New South Wales,
RRP $28
Clonakilla has reached heights few other wineries can claim. Winemaker of the year (2013), Wine of the year in The Australian Wine Annual, it’s Shiraz Viognier achieved an “exceptional” ranking in Langtons Classification of Australian Wine and multiple near perfect scores. The list really does go on. You’ve not experienced the full realm of Aussie wine-making without a tipple of Clonakilla. Although the Hilltops region is certainly ‘cool’ climate, don’t be fooled; as this Shiraz provides plenty of fruit richness and intensity while still showcasing elegance, restraint and poise. A perfumed nose and luscious soft spice to boot. But it’s the balance which draws me to this drop. And if you’ve got a spot under the stairs, pop a bottle or two down there and forget it for 10 years and you’ll be so rewarded.
Conclusion: Pair with spicy Beef Vindaloo with Traditional Naan Bread.
