If you like your Shiraz rich and generous, head on over this way.
The entry-level FU Manchu Montepulciano is a dangerously slurpable beast, but this Good Doctor's Antidote from Dr Plonk just takes things to another level. Is it the best Australian Montepulciano I've tasted? All signs point to yes!
If Montepulciano translates to "yummo" then the crew at FU Manchu and Dr Plonk have nailed the brief. Yikes! This is a great slurp.
Dry and mouth-sapping, waves of spices wash through effortlessly. One thing you can't miss is the layers of interest that seem never-ending.
The Good Doctor knows best. A muscular wine busting out with Tannat leading the charge, there is an elegance about its carry that I find irresistible. I loved the 2012 release and my sentiments haven't changed with this 2014.
Savoury, skinsy and lip-smackingly dry, this is a great starting point if you'd like to step into the world of natural wines.
I taste this and my mind goes back to a McLaren Vale trip in 2020. I learnt that unique parcels of Carignan are all over the district, but most of the fruit is blended away. When allowed to stand tall on its own (which is rare), it's a great drink - just like Exhibit A here.
These FU Manchu wines are fun and interesting. Loaded with personality, there is satisfaction and joy around every corner. This Rosé hits that mark once more.
A very herby and savoury Cabernet that gains terrific momentum with time in the glass. Made in the Amarone style, the fruit was rack dried to intensify the flavours.
A big McLaren Vale red. A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, this calls for Sunday night roasts.
Your face lights up immediately when you meet Brioni. Her infectious smile brightens the room and this wine, much like her, brightens the mood big time. Vibrant and energetic, it's a blend of Mataro, Touriga and Shiraz. Loaded with juicy fruit, it's all party shoes on and let's get dancing. More like this please - it is an absolute beauty.
This is a great Shiraz for the budget conscious. It's dense and generous - get your claws into kinda stuff.
The organic wine market continues to surge and this small batch Shiraz from Chapel Hill is their red wine contribution. Good gear, it flows with ease.
Brad Hickey has moved into the Grenache game. Usually producing a Grenache Mataro blend, he's stepped things up and sourced some fruit from the 70 year old vines in the Smart Vineyard. What an excellent and delicately handled debut this is!
Brisket on steamed buns with a glass or two of this. Yes please! Tempranillo is made for food so load up a plate and fill your glass.