$20-$35
???Rob Dolan Pinot Gris, Yarra Valley 2014 $30
Score 90
The colour is full copper/orange and the bouquet is rich in ripe vanilla, strawberry characters. The palate is more restrained, with softness and balance, a long finish and more character than most gris, without relying on sweetness. (13.7 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Best within four years.
Food: Creamy-sauced chicken casserole.
Stockists include Shorty's Liquor (NSW); Wine Republic, Fitzroy (Vic).
Wine of the week
Clarnette & Ludvigsen Shiraz, Grampians 2014 $35
Score 96
An impressive wine, with very deep red-purple hue; the bouquet powerful in concentrated blackberry, licorice, ironstone and plum aromas. It's full-bodied, high-impact, powerful and persistent, with great structure: the tannins will ensure a long life. (14 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Cellar from five to 28 years.
Food: Hard cheeses: cheddar, Heidi gruyere, or Comte.
Stockists include clarnette-ludvigsen.com.au
Something else
Glenmorangie Extremely Rare Single Malt Whisky 18-year-old $145/700ml
Score 96
The colour is light amber and the bouquet is lightly peaty, complex and savoury while the taste is very intense and lively, multi-faceted and delicious, with an impression of sweetness. It's a superb whisky of great character as well as drinkability. (43 per cent alcohol; cork stopper)
Stockists include Dan Murphy's stores.
Stella Bella Serie Luminosa Chardonnay, Margaret River 2013 $65
Score 96
This subtle, beautifully balanced chardonnay has a touch of matchstick in its bouquet, mingled with restrained fruit that registers on the palate in grapefruit, lemon, cashew and subtle spice flavours. The aftertaste is long and harmonious. A smashing chardonnay of real finesse. (12.5 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Drink now to eight years.
Food: Grilled Western Australian marron.
Stockists include Twisted Vine Fine Wines, Preston West (Vic); Jim's Cellars Waitara & Crows Nest (NSW).
