The Grapevine

Treasures for $30 or less!

Wine aficionados should make the most
of current bargains like these.
When the flow-on effect of the drought takes hold
we will all be paying more for local wines.

Brokenwood Pinot Noir 2006 Around $24.00		Hungerford Hill 2006 Victoria Pinot Gris Around $23
Hunter Valley based Brokenwood here shows the value of their newer Beechworth, Victoria vineyard. Robust in looks and full of cherry, chocolate and earthy characters. Enjoyable right now as a rich, young Pinot Noir - but sure to reward a few years cellaring.		Another Victorian venture, this from Hungerford Hill. People are getting curious about this less usual white grape and here＊s a reward for curiosity. Varietal strengths drawn from Murray-Darling and King Valley grapes provide distinctive fruit notes of pear and strawberry..
Terra Felix Mourvedre 2005 Around $15		Henschke Louis Eden Valley Semillon 2006 Around $28
A rare offering of Mourvedre alone, not blended with other reds. Vibrant, ruby colour 每 rose petal and spice aromas 每 and an earthy, gamey taste. But still medium-bodied, soft and dry finishing in a more European style. A taste revelation, and a bargain at this price.		100% Eden Valley Semillon featuring a green-gold colour, intense lemon and fresh apple aromas. Rich, full, soft and intense in the mouth. Layers of flavours, crisp acid and excellent length. Exceptional vintage, drink now to 2016.
Scarpantoni The Brothers Block Cabernet Sauvignon Around $25 每 30		De Bortoli Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2005 375ml
A McLaren Vale treasure to watch out for, winner of the envied Jimmy Watson Trophy, to be released in the next 4/5 months. It offers a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, mint and spice characters with hints of sweet toasted vanillin oak. Soft, round and elegant, it will cellar up to 15 years.		An alternative to their legendary Noble One, this is a new classic sticky under the 'Deen' label. Light-bodied, sweet apricot and peach flavours, intense, rich and concentrated with a creamy texture and fresh cleansing acidity to finish. A dessert wine to create a dream ending to any meal.