#top aussie red

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie Red

Eloquesta by Stuart Olsen Shiraz Petit Verdot, Mudgee 2011 $32

A young man with a modern approach to Mudgee red which includes fermenting whole bunches, Olsen has made a wine of elegance, depth and fine texture. An aromatic bouquet of flowers, spices and red fruits leads into an intense, focused palate with commendably supple tannins. Now to 20 years. 14.5 per cent alcohol. 93/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: rabbit casserole

Stockist: Bonds Corner Northbridge; Wine Odyssey 

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie Red

Heemskerk Abel’s Tempest Pinot Noir, Tasmania 2012 $32

This has a deep, youthful colour and charming dark-cherry and subtle spice aromas, the palate backing up with abundant sweet, dark-cherry fruit. It’s bright and fruit-driven, with layers of flavour and good extract giving it texture. It will also age well. Now to six years. 13.5 per cent alcohol. 92/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: pan-roasted duck breast

Stockists: Tom’s Cellars West Pymble & North Turramurra

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie Red

Voyager Estate Girt By Sea Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River 2011 $24

The colour is deep red-purple and the wine smells very cabernet-like, with sweet blackberry and blackcurrant aromas. It’s soft and fleshy in texture, an attractive young wine which is a little plain and fruit-driven at this stage but is full of potential. Now to 2026. 13.8 per cent alcohol. 90/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: pink lamb chops

Stockists: Cremorne and Annandale Cellars; Vintage Cellars

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie Red

Hugh Hamilton The Rascal Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2012 $29.50

Here’s a big hearty winter red for those who want something gutsy with their roast. Very ripe, full-bodied, oaky as well as spicy, with earthy regional notes and a powerful, firmly tannic, solidly structured palate. It should age well too. Now to 15 years. 15 per cent alcohol. 91/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: rare rump steak

Stockist: Lock Stock & Bottle, Abbotsford

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie Red

Kirrihill Grenache Sangiovese Tempranillo, Clare Valley 2012 $28

An unusual blend of grapes which works well in a deeply coloured, bright, fruit-forward style. Aromas of raspberry and blackberry, laced with dried herbs. Full-bodied and rich, fleshy and smooth textured with some alcohol warmth and fine tannin backing. Long finish. Now to 2025. 14.8 per cent alcohol. 92/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: steak and kidney pie

Stockists: Amato’s Liquor Mart, Leichhardt; Bourke Street Wine Shop, Waterloo

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie Red

Journey Wines Shiraz, Heathcote 2012 $40

Journey Wines is Damian North, a young, Yarra Valley-based winemaker. This elegant, refined, classy shiraz has smoky, earthy, peppery aromas and a beautifully balanced medium-bodied palate. Bright colour, gentle tannins, refreshing acidity and great drinkability. Now to 2022. 13.5 per cent alcohol. 92/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: vitello tonnato

Stockist: Bonds Corner Fine Wines, Northbridge

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie Red

Chateau Tanunda The Whole Dam Family, Barossa Valley 2013 $24

A fruit-salad blend of shiraz, grenache, mourvedre, carignan and cinsault. Deep colour and a rich, brooding, smoky-bacon, dark-berry aroma. It’s rich and fleshy, full and soft on the palate, with smooth, ample tannins that glide across the tongue. Very good current drinking. Now to 2022. 14.5 per cent alcohol. 89/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: slow-braised meats

Winery: www.chateautanunda.com , 08 8563 3888.

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie Red

Seville Estate Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley 2013 $36

A cracking good pinot, with full red-purple colour and bright red-fruit, spice, violet and peppermint aromas. It’s intense and mouth-filling, loaded with charm, the tannins present and providing structure without being assertive. It has a future too. Drink now to 2021. 13.8 per cent alcohol. 92/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: marinated barbecued quail

Stockists: Annandale Cellars; Clareville Cellars