It’s the last newsletter of the Aussie winter, and it’s Italy that hogs the limelight. We have a complete introductory offer from Barolo’s brilliant G.D. Vajra, also including the wines from Luigi Baudana – the Serralunga-based garagiste estate of which the Vaira family is custodian. On top of that, we have new Barbera and Barbaresco from Piedmont’s under-the-radar gem, Cigliuti, plus a range from La Spinetta. This latter, famous for its rhino-fronted label, has a new-release Tuscan Sangiovese alongside Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and Moscato d’Asti, not to mention a very impressive Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
On the home front, Julian Langworthy of Nocturne has just landed the title of Halliday Wine Companion Winemaker of the Year, at the very same time that he and wife Alana have put out another gorgeous trio of Chardonnay, Nebbiolo rosé and Cabernet Sauvignon. Another Halliday highlight is By Farr, whose Sangreal, Farrside and Tout Près Pinot Noir all scored monster points, as did the perennially fab Shiraz. Stephen Pannell is also in on the accolades, and we shine a light on his prowess with Grenache in all its guises. We’re also talking ’17 Chardonnay, with Shadowfax and Onannon among the things you should be getting in among. And why not stick a bit of ’18 in there for good measure? Tim Shand and the Punt Road team duly oblige with fresh-as-a-daisy releases of Sauvignon Blanc, Gris on Skins and Cabernet Franc.
Click here to read the newsletter in full.