Top 10 Australian reds

Following on from last week’s top Australian whites as selected for Wine Australia’s Inspired tasting, we round up the reds that made an impression on the UK trade.

Each of the wine pros who travelled to Australia recently asked to choose an Australian wine that inspired them.

The results gave an insight into the breadth and depth of styles and varieties currently coming out of Australia.

Most roles within the trade are covered from on to off-trade as well as the press and educators.

As reported in the drinks business Brits apparently prefer big-brand Australian reds but these results suggest there’s also a fondness quirkier, lesser known varietals like a Tempranillo from the Mclaren and a Mataro blend from the Barossa.

And Shiraz makes the odd appearance too!

Scroll through to see some of the wines the UK trade found inspiring…

1. Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Pinot Noir 2012 (Yarra Valley, VIC)

Nominated by: Katie Exton.

Why inspiring? This is tightly laced, lithe and full of charming red cherry, rose, blood orange and a touch of spice on the finish.

Lively, fresh, and so incredibly elegant.

Every time I’ve drunk this wine I find myself thinking about how good it is for days after.

How Much? £49.00 Fortnum & Mason
.

Katie Exton

9. Spinifex Esprit Mataro, Grenache, Cinsault, Shiraz 2009 (Barossa, SA)

Nominated by: Matthew Hemming MW, Averys.

Why inspiring? I think some of the most inspirational wines were those made by Pete Schell at Spinifex.

They weren’t necessarily the best wines of the trip but there’s something very compelling about a dude in a shed making bloody good wine his own way!

His expression of Barossa terroir – unafraid to blend and achieving cool, snappy, toothsome wines – was also both eye opening and inspiring.

I think it was all about the authenticity of wine/place/man – no BS, no special effects, no pretensions.

How Much? £25.00 Caviste.

Matthew Hemming MW

8. Gemtree Luna Roja Tempranillo 2012 (McLaren Vale, SA)

Nominated by: Michael Buriak, WSET.

Why inspiring? This is the grape which I feel will take on a rosy future for Australia – remarkably easy to quaff cherry, raspberry, strawberry fruit – very juicy and plush with well integrated oak.

How Much? £N/A UK.

Michael Buriak

7. McHenry Hohnen The Rolling Stone Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot 2009 (Margaret River, WA)

Nominated by: Anne McHale MW, Berry Brothers.

Why inspiring? I visited McHenry Hohnen in Margaret River in 2012 and was impressed by the energy of both David Hohnen and his classy wines (as well as by the sensational view from the winery).

The Rolling Stone is a delicious Bordeaux blend which includes a decent whack of Petit Verdot and Malbec.

It effortlessly combines upfront blackcurrant fruit and a tasty spiciness with a trademark Margaret River savoury streak.

How Much? £18.99 Oz Wines, Ann et Vin, Berry Bros. & Rudd, General Wine & Liquor Co.


Anne McHale MW

6. Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Coonawarra, SA)

Nominated by: Richard Hemming, Press.

Why inspiring? This is a great example of what Australia can do so well: perfect varietal typicality, made in reasonably large volumes for a comparatively cheap price – and this wine can age superbly.

How Much? £15.99 Waitrose.

Richard Hemming

5. Castagna Genesis Syrah 2010 (Beechworth, VIC)

Nominated by: Fiona Beckett, Press.

Why inspiring? For any lover of Hermitage, Julian Castagna’s Genesis will seem immediately familiar.

It has that savoury, gamey character mature Syrahs acquire, but also a beguilingly exotic almost floral note that immediately makes me want to head for the kitchen and cook up some wonderful Ottolengi-ish dish of spiced lamb and pomegranate.

It’s pretty well natural – Castagna is biodynamic, uses native yeasts and his wines are unfined and unfiltered – but don’t let that put you off.

A wine that reflects each vintage and proves its creator amply understands the notion of terroir.

How Much? £63.99 The Wine Society.

Fiona Beckett

4. Tyrrell’s Four Acres Shiraz 2009 (Hunter Valley, NSW)

Nominated by: Simon Woods, Press.

Why inspiring? It’s a shame this isn’t called 40 Acres, as the world deserves more of this fragrant beauty.

On my visit to the Hunter in late 2010, I tried the 2009 and the 2007, and both had the svelte, open-hearted appeal that provided something of an explanation as to why similar wines used to be labelled Hunter Burgundy.

But the heady, violet- tinged dark fruit flavours reminded me of another great wine region: the Douro.

But hey, let’s not make comparisons, this is terrific wine from a region that many forget as a source of top-class Australian Shiraz.

How Much? £62.99 Fells.

Simon Woods

3. The Lane Block 14 Basket Press Shiraz 2012 (Adelaide Hills, SA)

Nominated by: Gabriel Savage, the drinks business.

Why inspiring? I was blown away by the quality and sheer energy of all the wines we tasted at The Lane, but this one definitely made my pulse beat faster.

Above all, the winemaker has produced something that really shows off the stunning quality of the fruit rather than his own signature.

If you’re looking to explore beyond the Aussie Shiraz stereotype then look no further.

How Much? £25.50 Corney & Barrow.

Gabriel Savage (Right)

2. Skillogalee Basket Pressed Shiraz 2010 (Clare Valley, SA)

Nominated by: Zachary Yu.

Why inspiring? Attractive purple colour.

Intense aromas of juicy dark cherries, prunes and mixed peppercorn with a layer of oak spices.

The palate is fresh and smooth, medium bodied with flavours of cherries, coffee, black olive with hints of mint on the finish.

Great potential to age.

How Much? £17.95 Great Western Wine, Partridges, Harper Wells, Whalley Wine Shop, The Fine Wine Company.
 

Zachary Yu

1. Kalleske Pirathon Shiraz 2012 (Barossa, SA)

Nominated by: Paul Liversedge MW, Real Wines.

Why inspiring? Biodynamically farmed from old Barossa vines in a fantastic vintage in South Australia, this is everything I love about Barossa Shiraz and more; rich, full bodied, powerful, and packed with a multitude of different fruit and oak flavours

It has the immense structure and fruit concentration to develop in bottle over at least 10 years, but is so ripe and opulent that it, like you, can be happily drunk already.

And it’s great value.

How Much? £24.00 Good Wine Online, The Vineking, Winos, Reserve.

Paul Liversedge MW