Wine with Winsor – May 2022
From a treat for Mum to some bargain buys, wine writer Winsor Dobbin checks out some of the best newest releases.
Perfect Present
Henschke 2017 The Wheelwright Shiraz
If you are looking for a special Mother’s Day gift for a wine-loving Mum but don’t want to splash out $900 on a bottle of Henschke Hill of Grace, here is a delightful alternative. The Wheelwright is a recent addition to the range, having made its debut a couple of years ago to commemorate 150 years of family winemaking. It is stylish and sophisticated without the price tag of some of its siblings. A perfect choice for a special occasion, or a dinner party with family who need to be spoiled. The 2017 vintage is the third release of this wine. $140.
Sexy chardonnay
Soumah 2021 Select Vineyard Chardonnay
Soumah is one of the unsung heroes of the Yarra Valley in Victoria: a winery that produces a range of very well-made wines at sensible prices. This Chardonnay d’Soumah is lovely – and food friendly – cool-climate chardonnay made for immediate enjoyment. Fresh, lively, and crisp with citrus flavours to the fore, this also has some textural appeal after being barrel fermented. Pair this with crispy pork belly for maximum enjoyment. $28.
Impressive Red
Schild Estate 2020 Barossa Old and Survivor Vine Grenache
Juicy Barossa grenache from old gnarly vines is a thoroughly undervalued – and uniquely Australian – style of wine. This is made from fruit grown on two estate-owned family vineyards that sit high in the hills of the Southern Barossa sub-region, producing low-yielding, high-quality fruit. Dark, savoury, spicy, and seriously delicious. Pair with calves’ liver alla Veneziana. $45.
Yalumba Y Series 2021 Viognier
This is the perfect introduction to the quite rare Rhone Valley white varietal viognier (vee-on-yay) which has been championed for over 40 years by South Australian winery Yalumba, which produces several assorted styles of viognier. Hugely versatile, with apricot notes, ginger, Asian spice characters and plenty of length. Winemaker Louisa Rose says you can pair this with anything from breakfast eggs to an Indian vegetable curry. Well worth a try and available at Try Dan Murphy’s stores. $15.
Hunter winner
De Iuliis 2019 LDR Vineyard Shiraz Touriga
The de Iuliis family are a reliable source of excellent Hunter Valley wines at sensible prices. This is an unusual blend of a regular Hunter favourite, shiraz, with 20% of the Portuguese grape variety touriga nacional, which is often used in fortified wines. It is a match made in heaven, producing a wine with presence and structure. Medium-bodied, elegant, and stylish. This can be enjoyed in its youth or cellared in the short to medium term. $40.
Tasmanian treat
Frogmore Creek 2018 Cuvée
Tasmania has become the “go to” region for sparkling wines that are making the folk in Champagne suit up and take notice. This new release from the Coal River Valley, outside Hobart, is indicative of why. Made by French-born winemaker Alain Rousseau, it is the essence of cool-climate style; fresh and vibrant but also with plenty of substance on the palate. A lovely aperitif style with a dash of panache. $55.
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