Latest Wine News

Spinifex Esprit 2008 received 93 points from James Halliday in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion.  He wrote: “Typical relatively light colour; a lifted, spicy aromatic bouquet of predominantly red fruits, the savoury, textured medium-bodied palate a logical follow-on with spicy fruitcake flavours backed by fine tannins. Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro. 93 Points.”

Ashton Hills Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2008 scored 96 points from James Halliday in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion.   He wrote: “Superb green-straw; an immaculately crafted wine, with flavours of white peach, melon and fig; it is the texture that is quite outstanding, the creamy mouthfeel tied by a bow of acidity on the finish; you know French…

Bird in Hand Clare Valley Riesling 2009 the follow up to the cracking 2008 vintage received a great review and 92 points from James Halliday: “Light straw-green; the bouquet is reticent except for some floral nuances, the palate with abundant lime and lemon flavours running through to to a long finish. Rating 92 “

Spinifex La Maline 2008 received 94 points in the Australian Wine Companion by James Halliday.  He wrote:  “Good purple-red, although not particularly vibrant; a very rich and complex wine, texture and structure excellent; the bouquet is aromatic and the full-bodied palate has abundant fruit …  94 Points.”

Bird in Hand Adelaide Hills Sparkling Pinot Noir 2009 has always been one of our favourite bubblies so not surprising James Halliday rated it 92 points in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion.  Here’s his review: “Bright, light pink; no suggestion of bottle fermentation, nor age on lees; however, the flavours are complex, with distinct savoury/spicy…

Ashton Hills Estate Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2008 received 95 points from James Halliday in his latest edition of the 2011 Australian Wine Companion.   He said: “Clear colour with the first traces of development; a fragrant bouquet of spiced berries leads into a long, intense palate, red fruits, spice and forest neatly offsetting each other.…

Bird in Hand Honeysuckle Clare Valley Riesling 2009 got an excellent review and 95 points from James Halliday in his 2011 Aust Wine Companion: “Flowery apple blossom aromas, then a crisp palate that reveals its residual sweetness later than one might expect, as it is so well balanced by acidity. Long future. Strange to go to…

Spinifex Indigene 2008 scored an almighty 96 points from James Halliday in his 2011 Aust Wine Companion.  He wrote:  “Much deeper colour than Esprit; a profound wine in every way, obviously made from older, lower-yielding vines; here black fruits and licorice take centre state, with a velvety texture and very long finish. Shiraz/Mataro/Grenache.  96 Points”

Ashton Hills Salmon Brut 2008 received 90 points and this review from James Halliday in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion: “Bright pink; high quality pinot provides an array of strawberry and spice flavours; excellent balance and length; will gain some complexity on cork.  90 Points.”

Bird in Hand Two in the Bush Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2009  reviewed by James Halliday “Light straw-green; a fresh and vibrant chardonnay with stone fruit and some citrus notes does not need oak – and doesn’t get it. No need for, or benefit from, cellaring. Rating 89 “