The latest wine releases reviewed by Winsor Dobbin.
Serious oomph
Brand & Sons 2019 Last Sunday Drive Cabernet Franc
Brand & Sons is a boutique red wine producer based in Coonawarra that produces small-batch wines at realistic prices. This is part of an impressive new range and showcases the under-rated appeal of the cabernet franc grape, which is often used in blends. This is a wine for anyone who loves dark berry fruit flavours with ripe berries and blackcurrant notes leading the charge. Rich, appealing and dangerously drinkable. $26.
French chic
Domaine Paul Mas 2020 Rosé
A little slice of the south of France for under $20. Winemaker Jean-Claude Mas is a master of over-delivering when it comes to value. He sources fruit from several Languedoc vineyards and farms organically. This is a blend of five grape varieties that is juicy, fruity and dry and paired well with a chicken salad.A wine to deliver a little bit of European sunshine to your day. Try Dan Murphy’s. $19.
Pinot bargain
Kooyong 2019 Massale Pinot Noir
Glen Hayley and his winemaking team at Kooyong/Port Phillip Wines never put a foot wrong. The price of quality pinot noir keeps rising but this is a sinuous, sensuous young pinot noir from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria that will not break the bank. Made using sustainable viticulture practices and minimalist winemaking, this is a perfect midweek pinot for pairing with poultry dishes. Try Shorty’s Liquor. $32.
Ripper riesling
Mitchelton 2020 Blackwood Park Riesling
There are plenty of Australian wineries making outstanding dry rieslings nowadays but few can match Mitchelton from Nagambie in Central Victoria when it comes to consistent quality. The riesling vines here were planted over 50 years ago and produce wines of style year after year. This has floral and citrus notes playing the lead roles, along with shiny bright acidity. Pair this with pan-fried seafood or Vietnamese cuisine. $25.
Standout sparkling
Croser NV
For several decades now, the Croser name has been synonymous with high-quality sparkling wine from the Adelaide Hills. While creator Brian Croser is no longer involved in the brand, it remains a byword for affordable value. $30 at all major retailers. This well balanced with creamy/citrus notes and a fine bead. For those on a bigger budget, the 2006 Croser Late Disgorged offers more complexity with a higher price tag.
Italian style
Mr Barval 2020 Nebbia
Robert Gherardi was born with wine in his blood and as a small boy visited Margaret River to pick grapes with his extended Italian family. This is his take on the nebbiolo grape used in Italy’s great Barolos and Barbarescos. He has done several vintages in Barolo and today produces Australian wines like this one with a distinct Italian accent. Try Vine Providore in Redfern. $40.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.com.