presented by Rachel Sosebee of Fine Wine Trading
Rieslingfreak 44 ~ 2022 ~ [Organic, Biodynamic / 92 pt J. Suckling (21)]
Rieslingfreak was established in 2009 by John Hughes, who grew up on a family vineyard in the Clare Valley, South
Australia. His passion for Riesling was noted in his university days, where he always had a bottle or two of Riesling to share, and soon became known as the “Riesling Freak”. The fruit for this Eden Valley Riesling is sourced from five different vineyards across the southern ranges of Eden Valley.
Grapes: Riesling 100% – ABV 11.6 %
Tasting notes: A sweetly aromatic bouquet of white flowers and sweet spice dance above citrusy notes of fresh lime, lemon balm, and Holy basil. The palate is bright yet richly flavored with the iconic slate-like minerality, continuing with citrus and sweet spice notes onto a crisp, lingering finish.
Pairings: This is quite complementary to a range of cuisines. Australian Rieslings pair well with Asian foods – Thai, Vietnamese, and even Indian.
Producer: Rieslingfreak/ Appellation: Eden Valley, Australia (7200 bottles)
Gorgeous Grenache ~ 2022 ~ [Organic, Biodynamic / 90 pt J. Suckling]
Thistledown believes that Grenache is Australia’s signature grape variety, and they’re slightly obsessed with it. They are unanimously considered to be Australia’s top Grenache specialists. These wines are characterized by balanced, aromatic fruit profiles, crisp acids, and a capacity for both youthful exuberance and aging.
Grapes: Grenache 95%, Shiraz 4%, Mataro 1% – ABV 14.5 %
Tasting notes: Aromatic and lifted on the nose with a beautifully layered, textural palate with wild strawberry and spice. It is deceptively light but with beautiful wild fruit, and slurpy, supple tannins.
Pairings: Enjoy with grilled meats like steak, lamb, or chicken. Pairs well with slightly stronger cheeses, like gouda, mature cheddar, red Leicester, and Manchego. Try with chocolate to bring out the wine’s fruity flavors.
Producer: Thistledown / Appellation: South Australia, Australia
Red Silk ~ 2020 ~ [Organic, Biodynamic / 91 pt Vinous (19)]
Back in 2008, when the Aussie category began struggling at the higher price points, Stuart Miller decided to take the wine from their old ‘Jimmy’s Section’ vineyard and age it in used barrels instead of new ones. Winemaking is simple here – hand picking, open tank fermenting, with persistent hand plunging, 100% basket pressing, French oak ageing and then finally, bottling unfiltered and unfined.
Grapes: Shiraz 100% – ABV 15.3 %
Tasting notes: Very spice-accented black and blue fruit and floral scents, along with hints of vanilla and cola. In a plush, forward style, offering appealingly jammy cherry and boysenberry flavors that show good depth as well as energy. Smooth, slowly building tannins add shape to the long supple finish, which strongly echoes the blue fruit note.
Pairings: Goes well with many foods, like grilled meats, vegetables, cheeses, stews – think steak, burgers, and eggplant!
Producer: Overhill / Appellation: McLaren Vale, Australia
“The Wild Ride” ~ 2019 ~ [Organic, Biodynamic / 92 pt J. Suckling (21)]
Following the success of the iconic wine – ‘The Ball Buster’ – Bruno Tait was looking to add to the product range. He had been working on a GSM blend for three straight years, but it wasn’t coming together. Frustrated, Bruno jumped on his Ducati motorcycle to go on one of his road trips to get out and see things from a different perspective. Great for all concerned as he came home from his “Wild Ride” with a reimagined blend in mind – SGM of Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro.
Grapes: Shiraz 40%, Grenache 40%, Mataro 20% – ABV 15.5%
Tasting notes: Rich cherry red color, with concentrated aromas of mulberry, spice, rosemary, and earthiness with hints of vanilla that jump from the glass. The palate is rich showing ripe and rich fruit, great length and a velvety soft lingering finish.
Pairings: Great with BBQ, Stews and casseroles, Antipasto, Roasted meats, Tomato-based pasta dishes, Grilled meats.
Producer: TAIT / Appellation: Barossa Valley, Australia
