Vintages Release; July 20, 2019

• Fruit for the following 2017 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Chardonnay was harvested in the Clare Valley after dark. All was whole-berry pressed, quickly chilled and pressed. The majority of the juice was filled to French oak barrels—10% new, 20% one year and the remainder two and three year-old—for fermentation. A small parcel was fermented using wild yeast and a small parcel fermented in stainless steel. All were lees stirred for four months prior to fermentation ceasing. After 10 months oak maturation, wine was blended, stabilised and fined in stainless steel prior to bottling.

90 
Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Chardonnay 2017
Clare Valley, Australia $16.95 (711556) 13.5% alcohol
Oaky/nutty notes mingle with pit fruit aromas. It washes over the palate with flavours of piquant spice and lemon tang interwoven with pineapple and honeydew melon. It’s medium-plus bodied and nicely textured with more than its fair share of charm and pizzazz. It finishes lengthy and lingering with flavour replays from the palate and plenty of lip-smacking tang. Pour with roast beer-can chicken or Caesar salad layered with thin slices of chicken breast. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 3, 2019

87 
William Fevre ‘Espina – Reserva Especial’ 2017
DO Central Valley, Chile $15.95 (464412) 13.6% alcohol
Dark, juicy berry fruit and grilled herb aromas precede a rich, ripe river of palate-coating flavour with black berry jam, kirsch liqueur and black plum compote prominent. It’s medium-full bodied and heavily textured with a jammy, sweet finish. Pour with smoked, grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 17, 2019

92   

Gérard Bertrand ‘Grand Terroir - Tautavel’ Grenache/Syrah/Carignan 2017

AOP Côtes du Rousillon-Villages, Tautavel $18.95 (272575) 14.5% alcohol

Rich aromas of dark juicy black cherry, mocha and pipe tobacco soar from the glass. It captures the palate with a fresh lively wash of black and red cherry intertwined with cassis and mixed herbs and spice. Medium weight and well textured, this showcases deft balance, good purity of fruit and plenty of charm. Pour with grilled rack of lamb or breaded and pan-fried pork cutlets. (Vic Harradine)

89   
Vineland Estates ‘The Memory - Game Changer’ 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (498758) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry and watermelon appear after a vigorous swirl. It coats the palate with a sweet-tinged creamy-smooth stream of bright red plum and lightly sugared strawberries supported by hints of tangy pie cherry and hints of rhubarb. This blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% cabernet franc delivers in spades. It’s good weight, nicely balanced and delivers from twist top to last drop. The finish is flavourful, crisp and refreshing. Pour with roast chicken, cold red pepper soup or pan-seared salmon. (Vic Harradine)