April 2025 - Australia

The Australian wine industry is one of the world's largest exporters of wine, with approximately 800 million out of the 1.2 to 1.3 billion litres produced annually exported to overseas markets. The wine industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy through production, employment, export, and tourism region.

Vine cuttings from the Cape of Good Hope were brought to the penal colony of New South Wales by Governor Phillip on the First Fleet in 1788. Wine produced from this was initially for household use. Other settlers managed to successfully cultivate vines for winemaking and Australian made wine was available for sale domestically by the 1820s .

Wine is produced in every state, with more than 60 designated wine regions totaling approximately 160,000 hectares; however Australia's wine regions are mainly in the southern, cooler parts of the country, with vineyards located in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. The wine regions in each of these states produce different wine varieties and styles that take advantage of the particular Terroir. The major varieties are predominantly Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sémillon, Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. Wines are often labelled with the name of their grape variety, which must constitute at least 85 percent of the wine.

*Australians coined the term "Shiraz" to differentiate the unique taste of their Syrah wines.

*Most Australian wines are bottled with with a screw top (stelvin), even age-worthy wines. Wines can be stored upright.

Whites

Rieslingfreak No 33. Clare Valley Riesling 2023 Clare Valley

Aromas of guava, grapefruit, lime, and a subtle wet slate note. Bone dry, with guava and ruby red grapefruit leading the way, followed by apple blossom, lime pith, and saline notes. A refreshing, fruit-driven style with classic flavors of ripe lemon and lime, and some tropical fruit notes, with a soft, velvety palate of exceptional length and long zesty finish.

Franklin Tate Semillon/ Sauvignon Blanc 2024 Margaret River

The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon were processed individually and fermented in stainless steel vessels with aromatic yeast stains and cool fermentation temperatures. Dry, light-bodied wine with a crisp and bright acidity, featuring lemongrass and lime notes complemented by juicy guavas and honeydew melons.

Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache Blanc 2023 South Australia

Bright, tangy citrus laced fruit with hints of honeysuckle and lemon balm. Taut, yet textured and complex, this is a beautifully crafted white that breaks the mold. (91 pts JS)

Franklin Tate Chardonnay 2022 Margaret River

Bright fruit aromas of white peach, nectarine, fresh citrus, melon, and cashew nut notes. Dry, with medium plus acidity and a light body. Flavors of lemon and pear, followed by toasty oak and a hint of ginger.

Reds

Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache Rouge 2022 Clare Valley

Sourced from a number of old vineyards in the Riverland and McLaren Vale, some of which are dry grown bush vines. Wild fermented, whole bunch inclusion, larger oak and no filtration or fining help define the delicious, energetic character of the wine. Aromatic and lifted on the nose with a beautifully layered, textural palate with wild strawberry and spice. (90 pts JS)

Tait Ball Buster, 2021 Barossa Valley

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This 2021 vintage starts out with brooding black plum jam on the nose, followed by a trace of black cherry pie, bitter dark chocolate and cardamom & clove Palate: Full bodied berry palate with a textbook sweet silkiness and a lingering spiciness.

Franklin Tate Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot 2021 Margaret River

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot. Aromas of dark plum, mulberries, blueberries and sweet spices. A subtle palate of ripe dark fruit, blueberries, raspberries, and baking spices. A silky finish and smooth tannins. Pair with pot roast, Bolognese pasta, pepperoni pizza, or pot roast. Drink now or cellar for 5-8 years.

Oliverhill Red Silk Shiraz 2020 McLaren Vale

Expansive, 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. Can be enjoyed today or cellared for 10+ years. (91 pts Vinous)