2018 Yangarra Noir

One of the most interesting projects we’ve been watching is over at Yangarra. They’ve planted most of the grape varieties of France’s Chateauneuf-du-pape region, some of which I can barely pronounce, like Counoise (if you say something like “Coo-Nwah-z” that’s about right). In 2018 they finally released something with all the red varieties blended together called “Noir”. Pete Fraser is the brains behind the winemaking – my parents also happen to be his godparents, but I think wine lovers with an unbiased view would agree his wines are incredible. This is fresh, lively and jam-packed with flavour, perfect for the introduction of winter and something braised.

2018 Turon Wines Pinot Noir

I’ve been in this game long enough to see a few generations come and go, and when Turon White knocked on the door and showed his wines, I knew it was a good idea to buy up … like Apple shares in the ’90s.
 The combination of immaculate fruit, incredible attention to detail and a stylish package all culminate to produce something that punches way above its weight in a very tough field; if you can find it, you should snap it up! The Pinot market is a tough one to crack, but Turon has it wrapped up.

2016 SC Pannell Nebbiolo

My love for grapes doesn’t only consist of Chardonnay, it also embraces Pinot Noir and Italy’s King, Nebbiolo. Stephen Pannell is a pioneer of the variety here in Oz, and I’m certain that his 2016 is the best Nebbiolo produced in Australia to date. Steve’s studied, worked and most importantly, drank, with some of the best producers of Neb in the world and, frankly, this is next level. It’s floral, tannic and incredibly graceful, like all great Nebs should be. Perhaps the most impressive thing I can say about this is that it has that elegance and European feel to it.

NV Rockford Black Shiraz

I don’t always have a great deal of this in my cellar, but after a recent Tasting Australia masterclass, I have a renewed passion for this uniquely South Australian style. Few Christmases in South Australia are complete without a bottle of sparkling red and East End Cellars is fortunate enough to be one of the few places you can pick up a bottle of what is essentially the hen’s teeth of the sparkling red world.