When it comes to selecting a wine, either a premium wine or just the very best value for money, you have to try these wines. Without a doubt these wines are a must have for the table or the cellar.

Cullen Wines

Diana Madeline 2007 ($105)

Surely this is the best Diana Madeline yet released – and there have been some damned fine ones before now. What a fabulous wine. The only reason I haven’t pointed higher is that I suspect there a couple of even better wines in the pipeline. It's a wine of elegance, poise and style with an effortlessly long and silky fine palate. Powerful palate held in check for now but with cellaring will emerge into something truly exceptional. One of the... more

Oakridge Yarra Valley 864 Syrah 2008 ($60)

This is a glorious statement of shiraz. First sniff is an ethereal mix of spices and sweet perfumes. The medium weight palate is a peppery and spicy mix with supple medium weight fruit packing stacks of intensity. It's atypical of Oz shiraz and quite a departure - but it's got me on the platform to catch a ride.

Score: 97/100 Cellar: 10 years

New Releases April 2010

Bella Ridge Estate

Swan Valley Chenin Blanc 2008 ($22)

Swan valley chenin in all its glory. Has been given plenty of oak treatment and the result is a wine of tremendous complexity and interest. The palate is soft flavoursome and generous with a fine lingering acid keeping it tight and lively. It’s a leaner style than previous years but retains that essential creamy mouth feel and texture

Score:94/100
Cellar: 8 years
March New Releases
YOU MUST TASTE THIS MARCH 2010

Jim Barry

The Armagh Shiraz

The Armagh, a 100% Shiraz aged 16 months in French and American oak. It is an opaque purple-hued, super-intense effort displaying great precision and richness. Notes of melted asphalt, acacia flowers, blueberries, blackberries, charcoal, and espresso roast emerge from this full, dense, opulent Shiraz. The finish lasts for over 45 seconds. This is a great example of one of the icons of Australian Shiraz. Anticipated maturity: now-2025.
YOU... more

Churchview Estate

The Bartondale Reserve Marsanne 2009 ($22.50)

There's very little of this Rhone variety in WA. The most famous example is Tahbilk in Victoria. This one gets some French oak fermentation adding complexity and texture. The nutty citrus aromas with a little dollop of cream are beautiful. The palate has richness but is held with a tight restraining acid. Nice wine and a nice alternative. Great with food.

Score:90/100
Cellar: 8 years
New releases June 2010