By David Ellis from vintnews.
We read and hear plenty about Coonawarra, that small but extraordinary strip of vineyard country in South Australia that comprises limestone and terra rossa (red soil) layered over a deep, one-million year old sandstone ridge, and on which are produced some of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
What few know, is that in the south of the region, that ancient ridge rises from the depths; and where it emerges on just one vineyard in all of Coonawarra, results in a Cabernet Sauvignon that is incredibly unique.
That vineyard is owned by Rymill Coonawarra, and Winemaker Sandrine Gimon says of the company’s recently-released 2013 Sandstone Cabernet Sauvignon that it is so distinctively different “it has made me fall in love with Cabernet all over again.”
Created from low yielding, highly flavoured fruit so typical of Coonawarra, this is everything the Cab Sauv devotee could wish for, with a palate of lively fresh berry flavours with hints of liquorice, cocoa and black olives all rolled into one.
Wonderfully elegant and refined, it’s worth the $60 price tag with a family or friends’ Sunday slow-roasted lamb lunch or dinner.
One to note: good news for bubbly buffs who don’t like having to wait for some special occasion or event to pop the cork, Mistletoe Wines in the Hunter Valley have released a Sparkling Mozcato for virtually anytime enjoyment – because it has less than half the normal alcohol strength at just 5.8%.
Made from Mistletoe’s own-vineyard Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains (arguably the world’s greatest Muscat grape cultivar, and used in Italy for making Moscato D’asti,) this one’s spelt Mozcato in deference to the oz for Australia.
With lovely crisp and fizzy tropical fruit flavours on the palate and not excessively sweet, its available cellar-door only at $22 a bottle, with discounts for 6- and 12-bottle buys. Hop onto www.mistletoewines.com.au.
