Wine not?
Well, we made it, sort of… Christmas is near, meaning we can nearly tell 2020 to politely go away and never be spoken of again. With ugg-boots slowly being replaced by thongs, the time has come to start dropping hints for what you really want to find under the tree… and what more could anyone want than a bottle of wine (especially after this year!).
Since Christmas is stressful enough, we’ve made things a bit easier and compiled a list of 9 wines that will bring you joy this festive season.
You’re so welcome.
For those who are looking to impress with award winning-wine…
Try Patrick of Coonawarra’s Home Block Cabernet Sauvignon – RRP: $45
Bring this award-winning wine out to lunch, dinner or when the kids have gone to bed. Two years in new French & American tightly-grained oak barriques sees a great varietal expression and a bold yet savoury Cabernet. Rich blackberry fruit is balanced with subtle spice and cedar aromas. Pairing perfectly with a true Australian favourite, roast lamb rack.
For the conscious consumer who wants to do more than just gift this Christmas.
Pick up The Hidden Sea Shiraz – RRP: $18
Made by renowned winemaker, Oliver Crawford, you can drink this rich (yet elegant) wine while simultaneously doing good for the environment. This all-round premium wine doesn’t only taste fantastic but will remove the equivalent of 10 plastic bottles from the ocean for every six bottles of wine purchased.
For those who like to leave the kids to do the lunchtime dishes and kick the feet up…
Try Patrick of Coonawarra’s P-Series Rosé – RRP: $19
This creamy rosé captures the essence of the modern Australian rosé, embodying floral aromas and berry fruit flavours, leaving you with a vibrantly coloured wine to sit back and enjoy. An easy-drinking rosé sure to cleanse everyone’s palates between feasts; dry in sugar but having enough fruit sweetness and weight to be interesting and refreshing.
For those who have embraced the care-free lifestyle that 2020 has welcomed… a little too much.
Try Fat Bastard’s Pinot Noir – RRP: $18
While we wouldn’t go as far as ‘fat’, this unadulterated expression of Pinot is a juicy, medium-bodied offering. Given a bit of breathing room, a certain plumpness unfolds with its ripe raspberry and dense dark cherry fruits. Combined with its lip-smacking, cranberry juice-like acidity, fine tannins and a hint of smoky spice, this Pinot is incredibly moreish on a summer evening.
For the dads, pops, brothers and uncles who are a bit too competitive over backyard cricket after lunch.
Knock them for six with Backline Wines ‘295’ McLaren Vale Shiraz – RRP: $295 per six pack.
Three of Australia’s most celebrated Wallabies players, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, have turned their focus from the sporting field and into the vineyard with the debut of their wine brand, Backline Wines, a tribute to the trio’s rugby career together in the Wallabies’ backline. An extremely limited release, with only 1063 bottles produced (the same number of points scored by the trio in tests for the Wallabies), the flavours in this Shiraz are full and finished with a quality embossed bronzed label and wax sealed by hand; a wine to be enjoyed now or in the next 15 years.
For those who went hard on Christmas Eve and need a hair of the dog to get started.
Enjoy the Rochford Estate Blanc de Blanc – RRP: $33
A must-have sparkling wine on the Christmas drinks menu this year. Whether for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or dessert, this drop demands attention and will find time to do so throughout the festive season. Mineral aromas of wet slate blossom to lemon sours, citrus burst and sherbet tones greet you, evolving into flavours of toasted muffins and lemon butter, leaving a mouth-filling texture on the middle palate.
Don’t drink alcohol? Simply embracing the sober-conscious movement over summer? We’ve got you covered.
Say hello to Edenvale’s alcohol-removed Sauvignon Blanc – RRP: $9.98
A dry, fresh Australian Sauvignon Blanc distinguished by its wonderful fruit flavours, definitive capsicum, ripe gooseberry and herbaceous fruit aromas and straw green colour. This alcohol-removed wine offers an alternative for those who do not drink but want to partake in a fresh glass of Savvy B with friends.
For those looking to pick something up on the way to the in-laws.
Shop your local First Choice/Liquorland for the Fat Bastard Chardonnay – RRP: $18
Just like they used to make them, the Californian Chardonnay has an opulent, rich palate of grilled pineapple, spiced butterscotch and loaded with peach and apricot. Filled with macadamia and almond meal notes, bright acidity brings liveliness and freshness. Full bodied, served chilled, perfect for the blistering Australian heat.
And finally, for those who want to move away from wine and want to really get the party started.
Shop Rochford Wines’ Pinot Noir Gin – RRP: $92
A woody spice of aniseed cinnamon and cloves pair with orange peel to bring a rich and deep spice forward to complement the pine notes of the hunter; the backbone of this gin. Think about it, if you’re nice enough to him you could even pour yourself a cheeky G&T too.
