The latest edition of GTW is out with reports on several interesting collections. We’ll start with ALL THAT FIZZ, a rundown on our best sparkling wines by Ken Gargett.
Ken came to wine from the legal profession. Now he ‘has a regular column in the Brisbane Courier Mail, Sunday Herald Sun newspapers and is an occasional contributor to Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine. Ken is a winner of the prestigious Vin de Champagne Award in Australia, recipient of a Len Evans scholarship and judge at The Royal Sydney Wine Show … Ken’s love affair with Champagne has been recently recognized when he was made a chevalier of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne.’
Sadly, most of the bubblies listed in Ken’s article aren’t in our range of $25 or even the extended range (for special occasions) of $30.
Here’s the very short list, starting with Ken’s recommendation for cheap and cheerful options:
Seppelt Fleur De Lys Chardonnay Pinot Noir – $9 at Dan M’s (take this with a grain of salt)
Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2011 – $13 at Dan’s (online only). 91 points from Ken G, made from Adelaide Hills fruit. 11.7% points to a lean style. 1St Choice has the 2012 on special for $10.50.
Yarra Burn Premium Cuvee Brut – $14 at Winelistaustralia – this is more like it, in our view.
2012 Brown Brothers Limited Release Prosecco – $18 at Vintage Cellars
Jeremy Pringle: ‘Green apple and pear with a bit of mashed banana on the mid palate. The finish is refreshingly dominated by lemon citrus. Delicate architecture underpins the infectious enthusiasm in the mouth. Noteworthy persistence. Sophisticated fun. 90 Good. 89 points from Ken G.
As his top sparkling ROSE, Ken picks Dominique Portet Sparkling Brut Rose NV – $25 at WinesellersDirect , 93 – ‘like a creamy bowl of fresh berries …’
Domaine Chandon Vintage Brut 2009 – $28 at Dan M’s. Gets 94 from JH and is a step up in quality from the NV. Ken G recommends the ZD (late disgorged) version but it’s on the wrong side of $30.
Arras Brut Elite Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV – $29.75 at Kemenys
JH: Has obviously spent time on lees, with the added benefit of reserve wines enhancing its complexity. Alcohol: 12.5%. Date tasted: Apr 2013. Drink by: 2016. Price: $44.99. Rating: 94/100. Trophy, Best Sparkling, Sydney Royal Wine Show 2012 plus 2 gold medals
Stephano Lubiana NV Brut – $30 at Winestar . Stephano is a serious and talented winemaker
‘A 95:5 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Traditional methode champenoise techniques including oxidative juice handling and barrel maturation using a range of reserve wines. All degorging and final treatment is carried out by hand. The NV Brut stays on lees for a minimum of eighteen months.’
Yarrabank Vintage Cuvee 2009 – $30 at Hunt for Wine.
Elegance and finesse, terrific length, knife-edge balance, citrus and green apple notes, first class (94), Ken Gargett. Suggests a lean and sharp style of bubbly so check it out first.
d’Arenberg The Peppermint Paddock Sparkling Red – $26 at Jim’s Cellars. It’s on Ken’s list along with the Rockford, Turkey Flat and Charlie Melton red sparklers (all neighbours), which are well above even our extended price ceiling.
