We are coming to the end of winter so wine writer Winsor Dobbin suggests some warming reds to get you through the remaining colder days, and a couple of whites with which to welcome spring.
Spanish Swagger
De Bortoli 2021 Woodfired Tempranillo
This is the latest addition to De Bortoli’s popular Woodfired range; made with the Spanish grape that stars in the great wines of Rioja. The fruit comes from Heathcote, outside Melbourne, and the wine is designed for matching with Mediterranean dishes with plenty of flavour. Matured In oak vats and casks for added complexity, it is a bold wine, full of personality, that you could pair with anything from a chorizo pizza to paella. Drink now. Vegan friendly, too. $22.
Serious Fun
Riddoch 2021 The Author Shiraz
Father’s Day is only a few weeks’ away so bear this one in mind if you are looking for a stylish red wine for Dad that won’t break the bank. This is the standout from a series of good value Coonawarra reds from winemakers Matthew Reimann and Tim Heath that pays tribute to pioneering regional vigneron John Riddoch. Made from grapes grown on the famous terra rossa strip, there is impressive balance between fruit and oak here, and plenty of length on the palate. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for a decade or more. Try Dan Murphy’s. $65.
Italian stunner
Feudo Arancio 2023 Grillo
Here’s the perfect spring choice for pairing with grilled seafood or seasonal salads. Grillo is a white grape variety that comes from Sicily and produces wines with floral appeal on the nose and fresh tropical fruit flavours on the palate. This is fresh and zingy, best enjoy well chilled and while still in its youth. It is imported by our friends at Single Vineyard Sellers and can be found at outlets including Annandale Cellars. $22.
Crisp and fresh
Penfolds 2024 Bin 51 Riesling
One of the bargains from the 2024 Penfolds Collection released this week, this is a vibrant young Eden Valley Riesling that delivers a whole lot of freshness and zest with classic lemon, lime and grapefruit flavours to the fore. There’s some cracking acidity on the palate and hints of chalky minerality, as well. Very refreshing, this would pair with Asian dishes, seafood, and salads. $45.
Something different
Peter Lehmann 2022 Barossan X Daring Shiraz
This is one of three reds in a new range from long-time Barossa Valley standout Peter Lehmann Wines. All three wines are shirazes blended with a small amount of another variety. In this case that is montepulciano, originally from Italy. The others are tempranillo, which is a Spanish grape, and touriga, which is a Portuguese variety. This just took the gold medal for me, a fun, bold blend that would match well with a barbecue or beefy casserole. $23.
Bargain buy
Hesketh 2021 Twist of Fate Cabernet Sauvignon
Here’s a great choice for anyone on a tight budget: a lip-smacking cabernet from the Limestone Coast in South Australia – just down the road from Coonawarra. There is a lot of fun to be had here with lashings of dark berry and currant flavours with oak and chocolate notes and hints of nuttiness and spice, It’s fresh, juicy and ready to enjoy. Think pizza, pasta or burgers. $16.
See more of Winsor’s wine reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com
