Five wines to discover this spring
Spring has definitely sprung, and there’s an unmistakable pep in our step as the world comes into bloom. Could be something to do with the wines that we’re loving this season - here’s five new arrivals that have got us all vibey.
Brightwater Lord Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc 2022
A Nelson sauvignon blanc from Brightwater that exudes class and pedigree. Grapefruit, lime zest and perfumed notes of jasmine combine for an impressively elegant drop. We’ve been working with Brightwater for a few vintages and they always deliver the goods, so much so that our mofos always come knocking when we can’t deliver. Everyone wants to hang out with Brightwater this spring, especially oysters and fish ‘n chippies.
Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2022
Petaluma needs no introduction. They’re simply icons of the South Australian wine scene. And we’d be insulting your intelligence if we explained why Clare Valley riesling is so damn good. So let’s just jump straight into the wine. Handpicked, whole bunch pressed, fermented, rested, filtered and bottled. Very straightforward with no need to get too clever. The fruit speaks for itself. Drop your nose into the glass and immediately experience citrus blossoms and spice. Have a sip and you’ll note lime, guava and a touch of salinity. The acid carries it all of course and this one will age well for at least a decade. Why settle for less than the best?
Twin Valleys Reserve Blanc de Blancs NV
Blanc de Blancs is just a fancy way of saying your sparkling wine is made purely from white grapes. And there's no better white grape for bubbles than chardonnay - just ask the Champenois. Twin Valleys sourced chardonnay from a single vineyard in Moyhu, a gorgeous little spot in the King Valley that always delivers the goods. This is elegant and engaging, offering up green apple, jasmine, brioche, hazelnut and waves of citrus. But don't look past the mouthfeel, starting with a very fine bead and rolling into a creamy palate and lingering vibrancy from the citrusy acid. Boasting a pair of 95pt scores and a five-star rating, it’s unbelievable value at this price.
Matahiwi Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2021
A pinot named Best in Show at the International Cool Climate Wine Show 2023 - double gold-winning and rated at 96pts. What else can we say? Light and bright, it ticks the fruit, complexity and pinosity boxes with a flourish. A firm favourite of our customers and staff, excitement levels get pretty high when Matahiwi enters the building. Affordable pinot is becoming harder and harder to get hold of, so it's safe to say that a 'best in show' winner that's easy on your wallet is a near miracle.
Clarendon Hills Kangarilla Grenache 2016
Beautifully blue fruited despite the not-insignificant time in cellar, and awarded 95pts by no less than Robert Parker. It has such richness and deep, brooding, plummy weight. A distinctly impressive wine that is in perfect shape – its right in its prime drinking window, though it will surely stay there for some time. Beyond the dense fruit profile there's smoke, spice, bristly acid, wet earth, umami, terracotta minerality, grassy savoury notes, cedar and pine – entirely too much going on to capture in one thought. This is a candidate for Wine of the Year for us. Buy it now, but be sure to save a bottle for when the 'rellies come by for Christmas lunch (or for when they leave, depending on how much you like your 'rellies).
Keen to shop a few more spring hits? Browse the best in season here.