Wine with Winsor – 211

Bargain buy

Henry Frost 2012 Clare Valley Riesling

Clare Valley rieslings offer some of the best wine bargains around – and you certainly won’t go wrong with this crisp, fresh and lively dry number that is bursting with zingy lemon and lime notes and has delightful length and acidity. This is a new release; a blend of fruit from several sub-regions of the Clare that’s released, rather strangely, by Victorian winery Scotchmans Hill. Clean and zesty, it would be great with oysters or grilled fish dishes and is a terrific buy for $15.

 

 

 

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Mellow fellow

Richard Hamilton 2011 Lot 148 Merlot

The red wines in the Richard Hamilton range are invariably well-made and well-priced – and this is no exception. Dark in colour and with more intensity and complexity than many of its merlot brethren, it has been collecting show bling since its release, which is no surprise given it has plenty of depth of plummy sweet fruit, characteristic suppleness on the palate and well-integrated French oak. It’s drinking delightfully in its youth and would be great with a gourmet burger. $20.

 

 

 

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Class act

Printhie 2011 MCC Chardonnay

The Orange region, just over three hours west of Sydney, is fast emerging as one of the most exciting wine producing districts in the country; chardonnay and sauvignon blanc do particularly well in its cool climes. This is a stunner from a small family winery that has built up a formidable reputation for quality. It has a real “Wow!” factor with grapefruit and mandarin notes, some nutty nuances and restrained spicy oak. Extremely elegant with terrific length and balance. $36.

 
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