New Releases - Dombeya from South Africa

I reckon it's about time we got some gear from South Africa but good 'uns can be a bit tough to find. Thankfully Eurocentric, new kid on the importing block, in bring in tiny amounts of Dombeya, a quality focussed produced from Stellenbosch. Only 64 cases across the 3 wines in the whole country!

Chardonnay 2007 $30

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar - 90pts
"Bright, pale yellow. Discreet but highly nuanced nose melds musky citrus notes, subtle oak, dusty stonefruit and nutmeg. Dense, concentrated and harmonious, with lovely lift and integrated acidity giving shape and lift to the peach, lime and light oak flavours. This tactile, chewy chardonnay finishes with a strong impression of extract and impressive energy."

Shiraz 'Boulder Road' 2006 $34
One of the best shiraz-based wines I have tried this calender year. A very good example of what medium-bodied shiraz should be saying.

Gary Walsh, WineFront - 90pts
"Quite spicy, with bright raspberry / blackberry fruit, a wisp of smoke, pepper and barely-there oak. Medium-bodied and distinctly spicy red-berried palate. It is neither concentrated nor heavy, but rather lithe and lovely. It is a classy wine that drinks beautifully."

'Samara' Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2005 $34
Robust structure will lend to some decent aging, although looking very good right now as a 4 year old.

Gary Walsh, WineFront - 92pts
"Strong red-purple. Medium bodied with a mix of blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, chocolate, dried herb, earth and pencilly oak. It leans more towards a dry savoury Old World flavour profile rather than a sweeter-fruited New World one. There are some fairly firm, chalky, open-weave tannins, with crisp, clean acidity providing a solid framework. Finishes with dried herb and earthy flavours. Very enjoyable."

New Releases - June 26th

Cabernet and Blends
Charles Sturt Cabernet Merlot 2005 $13 (Wagga Wagga)
Charles Sturt 'Limited Release' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $20 (Wagga Wagga)
Grand Puy Lacoste Bordeaux Blend 2002 $115 (Bordeaux, France)
Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 $64 (Tasmania)

Chardonnay
Chard Farm 'Closeburn' 2007 $26 (Central Otago)

Dessert Wines
Chateau Filhot Sauternes 2005 $45 (Bordeaux, France)

Italian Reds
Chalmers Langrein 2005 $19 (Murray River)

Italian Whites
Coffele Soave Classico 2007 $29 (Italy)

Merlot
Pfeiffers 2004 $24 (Rutherglen)

Pinot Gris
Chard Farm 2008 $31 (Central Otago)

Pinot Noir
Ata Rangi 'Crimson' 2008 $35 (Martinborough)
Bream Creek Pinot Noir 2007 $27 (Tasmania)
Calulu Park 2008 $19 (Yarra Valley)
Charm Farm 'Rabbit Ranch' 2007 $32 (Central Otago)
Wedgetail Estate 'Single Vineyard' 2006 $43 (Yarra Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc and Blends
Airlie Bank 2008 $19 (Yarra Valley)
Chateau Charbonnieux Dry White $90 (Bordeaux, France)

Semillon
Coolangatta Estate 2001 $26 (Shoalhaven Coast)

Shiraz
Black Estate 2005 $19 (Bendigo)
Brothers in Arms 2005 $40 (Langhorne Creek)
Chalk Hill 2006 $21 (McLaren Vale)
Clonakilla 'Hilltops' 2007 $27 (Hilltops)
Craiglee 2006 $46 (Sunbury)

Spanish Whites
Condes de Albarie Albarino 2007 $32 (Spain)

Tokay
Pfeiffers 'Classic Rutherglen' NV $30 (Rutherglen)

Verdelho
Baddaginnie Run 2008 $16 (Strathbogie Ranges)