Bargain Buy
Angove 2012 Long Row Merlot
Smart packaging, darn good drinking and a very reasonable price; this new-release merlot from Angove is certainly one of the better bargain buys around right now.
I wouldn’t be ashamed to take this to a dinner party; it is better than several merlots at two or three times the price with deep purple colour leading on to dark currant and berry notes on a medium-bodied palate with typically soft and supple merlot mouthfeel.
A very good companion for a barbecue. $10.
Brilliant white
Rob Dolan 2012 True Colours Chardonnay
Rob Dolan is a larger-than-life character and True Colours is his new range of brightly labelled Yarra wines, of which I found this the standout.
It’s one of those wines where everything has come together seamlessly with an impressive union of stone fruit and citrus notes, subtle oak (15% new) and some minerality and nuttiness on the palate.
A wine for sipping on the porch late in the afternoon. One glass will probably not be enough. $24.
Family affair
Patritti 2011 Section 181 Grenache
The Patritti family has been making wine since 1926 and their winery is now slap bang in the middle of Adelaide suburbia, although they have vineyards in McLaren Vale.
This grenache made from fruit grown at Tatachilla is a single-vineyard estate wine made from dry grown fruit that is full of fruity intensity.
The juicy, high-quality fruit has been matured in quality French oak to add complexity and interest.
One of several Patritti wines that offer excellent value for money. For a cheap white also try their $14 2012 Arneis. $28.
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