Berkmann, a well-respected UK importer, has curated a fascinating portfolio of Australian wines that reflect the diversity and quality of the region. Recently, I had the opportunity to taste a selection from their collection, though I have excluded my separate notes from Yarra Yering.
Tasting Notes
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La La Land Pinot Noir 2022
Hailing from Victoria, this 13% alcohol Pinot Noir is light, juicy, and supple, showcasing sweet cherries along with herbal notes. Score: 89/100 -
Domaine Tournon Mathilda Viognier Marsanne 2021
Also from Victoria, this wine has 13.5% alcohol and represents Chapoutier’s venture into Australia. It is textured and powerful, with flavors of aniseed, peach, and pear, offering a lovely mouthfeel and density. Score: 93/100 -
Domaine Tournon Shay’s Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2017
At 14.5% alcohol, this Shiraz combines a fresh, minty character with meaty overtones, featuring sweet cherry fruit and a spicy finish. Score: 92/100 -
Unico Zelo ‘Pollen’ Gewurztraminer 2023
Coming from Clare Valley with 11.5% alcohol, this wine is intensely aromatic, filled with apricot, pear, melon, and spice notes. The palate is powerful with mint hints and a rich grapey texture. Score: 93/100
Unico Zelo -
Unico Zelo Esoterico Orange Wine 2021
This blend from Clare and Riverland fruit features Fiano, Gewurztraminer, Greco, and Zibibbo. The powerful aromatics hint at lime, honey, and spice, presenting a fresh and pithy palate with nice tannins. Score: 93/100 -
Brash Higgins FNRC Cabernet Franc 2022
At 12.8% alcohol from McLaren Vale, this wine is juicy and lively, with raspberry and cherry notes, offering an elegant and stony character. Score: 94/100 -
Brash Higgins MCC Carignan, Cinsault, Mataro 2019
Also from McLaren Vale, this 13.5% alcohol blend is supple and fresh, filled with sweet cherry and strawberry fruit, balanced by fresh acidity. Score: 93/100 -
Lethbridge Allegra Chardonnay 2016
This Geelong Chardonnay at 14.5% alcohol is powerful, with layers of toast, pear, and citrus, and a beautiful evolving flavor profile. Score: 95/100 -
Woodlands Brook Chardonnay 2020
With 12.5% alcohol from Margaret River, this wine offers richness through nuts, honey, peach, and citrus notes. Its focused profile is quite serious. Score: 95/100 -
Woodlands Russell Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
This 13.5% alcohol wine is characterized by its savory edge and the power of sweet blackcurrant fruit, with a refined concentration. Score: 96/100
These selections highlight the impressive quality that Australian wines can offer, making them a valuable addition to any wine enthusiast’s collection. For more details on the importer, visit their website.