DISCOVERIES

Quite a few this time, far too many to fit into our August issue. We’ll keep them brief.

2005 Cullen Margaret River Chardonnay Very attractive nuts and butter characteristics complement fresh varietal fruit. The palate is well structured, creamy and restrained. ($70.00) Highly Recommended

14.0% Screwcap

2006 Frogmore Creek Iced Riesling Impeccably clean, intense and limey. Very sweet, but perfectly balanced by acidity. A delight. ($22.00/375 ml) Outstanding

8.6% Screwcap

2005 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay Well expressed white peach fruit combines well with matchstick complexity. The classy French oak is impeccably handled, and finishes off a creamy palate. ($29.95) Highly Recommended

14.0% Screwcap

2005 Giant Steps Tarraford Vineyard Chardonnay Complex and restrained – a wine of controlled power. The palate is creamy, long and delicious. ($39.95) Highly Recommended

13.5% Screwcap

2006 Heggies Botrytis Riesling A vibrant sweet style showing tropical fruit and papaw. A super clean, seductive beerenauslese. Outstanding

10.0% Screwcap

2005 Kooyong Chardonnay This wine shows nuts and butter together with Chablis-like nervous acidity. The texture, length and gentle oaking all add to the appeal. ($36.00) Highly Recommended

13.0% Diam cork

2003 Starvedog Lane Adelaide Hills Chardonnay A crisply acidic cool area style that is really starting to show some form. White peach, nuts and all that. ($22.00) Excellent Value Highly Recommended

13.5% Screwcap

2005 Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot The perfect ripeness of fruit shows through. There’s no vegetal character, no mint, just beautiful cassis/dark berry fruit. A firm, rewarding, very cellarable red. ($75.00) Highly Recommended

14.0% Screwcap

2005 Heathcote Estate Shiraz There has been a rash of highly alcoholic, clumsy Heathcote reds of late. That could be due to hot, dry conditions, but it’s a relief to find a fresh, balanced red. It tastes of spicy dark fruits and licorice, and a small amount of grenache adds fragrance. ($40.00) Highly Recommended

14.5% Diam cork

2005 Hewitson Old Garden Barossa Valley Mourvèdre Delicious, velvety and sweet-fruited. How can a winemaker persuade Mourvèdre to be so gentle yet still retain its identity? ($55.00) Outstanding

14.5% Screwcap

2005 Hewitson The Mad Hatter McLaren Vale Shiraz Big, rich and mulberry-like – slightly furry tannins – absolutely typical McLaren Vale. ($50.00) Highly Recommended

14.5% Screwcap

2005 Kooyong Pinot Noir Fragrant and fruit driven, this Mornington pinot exudes red berry fruit. The gentle tannins encourage drinking. Delicious. ($36.00) Highly Recommended

13.5% Diam cork

2004 Watermark Margaret River Shiraz Abundantly shiraz – fresh and spicy berry and cherry – fine tannins – positive but integrated oak. ($24.00) Excellent Value Highly Recommended

Cork