RICHARD SAYS
2024 Yalumba Vat 11 Grenache 14%
Barossa Valley, South Australia RRP $40
Grenache’s original home was Spain, but it’s well-known in France’s southern Rhone valley, blended with Shiraz and more. Sadly, in Australia, as a table wine it was seldom made with sufficient sensitivity but the last 15 years has seen astonishing change, respect, and stunning outcomes – it’s now McLaren Vale’s excitement hero (Bekkers, SC Pannell, Yangarra…and many more). Yalumba in the Barossa is also in the vanguard making at least four different grenaches with Tri-centenary at the top. I have previously recommended their Vine Vale. This Vat 11 is new but easily found under RRP – it’s just so inspiring to see a “big” company determined to experiment, improve, and deliver on wine quality, not whacky marketing.
A brilliant, speculative purchase – an awesome bright ruby/crimson colour; exotic fragrant rose-petals, dark cherry, raspberry, plus assorted spices. The palate is medium-bodied but still with heft; fleshy, savoury, flavoursome mixed red and dark fruits with oak supporting (not trampling) the delicious fruit. Tannins are beautifully controlled, matched, and balanced, and you can rip into this wine now with no problems hanging on for five years.
And food? Any grilled or roast meats – steak, lamb, chicken, pork, or duck – especially with mushrooms, but even spicy chickpeas or gourmet sausages will succeed with aplomb. Such a thrilling wine!
GRANT SAYS
Brokenwood Hunter Valley Shiraz 2022 13.5%
RRP $55
As we wave goodbye to another summer and welcome in the consistent autumn with still, sunny days and crisp evenings, now is the time to get stuck into a cool climate shiraz. Brokenwood is a goliath in the heart of the Hunter Valley and has access to some of the most revered and sought after vineyards in the country. Vintages can vary in the Hunter Valley, more so than any other aussie region, due to its myriad of micro climates and often high rainfall. But when a producer nails a vintage, as has been done here, the results can be outstanding. This is a medium bodied shiraz that displays elegance, restraint and poise. Aromatics of white pepper, fleshy plums, dark chocolate and that ever identifying key hunter note of fresh leather invite the senses to delve into a taste. The palate is savoury and spicy with a core of earthy red fruits and licks of liquorice. With time in 100% French oak, 25% of which is brand new, the finish offers a luxurious vanilla note that lingers. This vintage was awarded an impressive 96 point score in the Halliday Wine Companion so don’t just take my word for it. The expert reviewers raved about it as well.
Pair with: Beef schnitzel with black pepper sauce and dauphinoise potatoes
