Richard, the Good Wine Shops super palate and Taster in Chief has curated another thrilling selection of wines that were true standouts from his various tastings over the past few months. Lucky for you he condensed those 1000+ wines to a compact selection of 6 bottles that are truly unique and worth discovering if you have not done so already.
This case contains one bottle of each of the wines listed below.
Tess & Jeremy snapped up a property and vineyards in Beechworth after the big players pulled out - they thought the altitude was too high. In fact, this comes from the second highest Riesling vineyard in Victoria and, being a thoroughly wholesome couple, they have put sustainability and organic viticulture to the fore. The wine is off-dry but very zesty and full of energy, lemons and limes engaging with the crushed rock minerality, all concluded with a purr of scrumptious rhubarb fool.
A new South African star- I meet with Rudger van Wyk, of Stark-Conde, earlier this year to taste wines from his new side project, Kara Tara, where his focus is cool-climate wines. His Chardonnay has an enchanting light oak seasoning, a leesy richness, and a lemon sherbet character, all showcasing what a deft touch Rudger has. And, to have that stony texture, giving is a real sense of place, at this level, is extraordinary.
Chassagne-esque: Domaine Feuillat-Juillot, Montagny 1er Cru Cru Les Coeres 2021 - A mother & daughter run this impressive Domaine and this is their flagship wine, coming from a small plot of very old vines and being raised in oak. The result is a classy, creamy concentration with a tantalising, mouth-wateringly vigour and an opulence that puts me in mind of a good Chassagne - all at a fraction of the price but unfortunately limited availability with only a few bottles on hand.
Charming Chianti: I Fabri, Chianti Classico Terre di Lamole - I have huge admiration for the 11th generation Susanna Grassi heading back to her family estate and rejuvenating the vineyards. A hilly, high altitude (up to 740m asl) and forest fringed location, and concrete tank aging lend a flawless purity to this lighter style and chillable Chianti. The southerly amphitheatrical exposure and rugged sandstone terrain radiates succulent fruit and a stony sense of place.
Vive la révolution: Domaine Bliskowice, Monday Lisa 2017 - a Rondo and Regent union with Burgundian and Barolo influences - from Poland. Ticking all the natural wine boxes in a marginal, albeit it warming, climate is not easy, yet this wine is made of grapes only which, unusually, has nothing whatsoever added. 34 months in French oak from Meo Camuzet give it a classy Pinotic vibe. With just a hint of half hidden natty volatility and cured meat, the well-defined structure marches forward with intense dark cherry, smoked Victoria plum and forest fruit flavours revealed. Though not quiet a knife and fork wine, it is definitely the pièce de résistance.
Eastern (European) promise: Bratanov, Merlot Reserva 2016 - From an family run estate that has recently been revived after a 50 year hiatus, this Bulgarian Merlot knocks most Californian Merlot into a cocked hat at this price. Think ripe juicy black plum and cherry, and notes of Pu-erh tea, and Kalamata olives. Only 3,200 bottles of this complex and commanding wine were made.
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