Red Wine

• The following 2019 Berton Vineyard ‘The Black Shiraz’ was sourced from the wide-ranging Geographical Indication (GI) of South Eastern Australia from the following wine regions: Murray Darling NSW, Riverina, Padthaway, Gundagai, Riverland, Coonawarra and Mount Lofty. This 2019 vintage recently won its share of Gold Medals, and an über-prestigious ‘Best Shiraz’ Trophy against other shiraz wines from across all of Australia. Kudos and a cheerful doff of the cap!

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Berton Vineyard ‘The Black Shiraz’ 2019
GI South Eastern Australia $16.00 (11933) 14.5% alcohol
The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour here. Lifted aromas of black plum and dark juicy cherry provide segue to a glorious mouthful of medium-plus bodied, fully textured surge of palate flavours with black bramble berry, sweet vanilla and lip-smacking tang to the fore. This showcases deft balance, purity of fruit, both poise and pizzazz, and a luxurious finish with each sip as good, or better, than the last. Don’t hesitate to pick up an armful drinking now to 2023 along with meat-laden pizza, burgers or grilled, spicy Italian sausage. (Vic Harradine)

Spirits: Gin

• The following Isle of White Distillery ‘Mermaid - Small Batch’ Gin is hand crafted on the Isle of Wight using ten ethically sourced botanicals. Slow and tightly controlled distillation in column stills and local sustainably sourced ingredients coalesce to produce and allow capture of the sweet spot of the distillation.

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Isle of White Distillery ‘Mermaid - Small Batch’ Gin
Isle of White U.K. $84.35 (13443) 700 mL and 50 mL at $7.95 (16889) 38.0% alcohol
Alluring, spirited aromas of pine cones, lemon zest and white pepper provide segue to a smooth-as-silk gin that sits gently on the palate along with a wisp of mineral/salinity on the finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own with a slice of lime and some ice, or mix with ice cubes, tonic water and a squeeze of fresh lime to begin a relaxing and refreshing end-of-your-workday happy hour. (Vic Harradine)