Specials 2 to 9 MayIt is a very long time since any wine retailer has offered a selection of quality wines at prices significantly better than Dan Murphy’s (noting, of course, that Murphy’s advertise widely the fact that they will match any advertised price by a competitor). The 1st Choice insert has a long list of value wines in most price categories and varieties, so I’ll start with the most underrated variety made—riesling. The two rieslings on offer are arguably (by me, happily) two of the best made and
both are available at ludicrously low prices, as well as being the product of two of
our most renowned makers of the variety, John Vickery and Neil Pike. The Richmond
Grove, Watervale made by Vickory continues the line of crisp, citrus and acidic
beauties that show the variety at its best when young, then dazzle those who have the
patience and cellar to resist for a decade and enjoy the rich toast and honey flavours
and depth of the aged version. The Pike is similar but less acidic now and may not last
as long; both are cheap enough to allow the purchase of multiple bottles so you can
monitor the wine’s development (the only problem is that when you taste it after a
few years you may not be able to resist opening another and another).
They also have the Marlborough Sav. Blanc that started the phenomena Cloudy Bay
for a few silver coins less than 30 bucks—not much more than it cost when first
released and a lovely refreshing drop, even for a serious anti-sauv blanc drinker like
me. The Bridgewater Mill at half the price also passes my fairly rigorous standards,
the Wither Hills is a further few bucks cheaper and not half bad either (and there ends
two-decade aversion to the most popular drink of our age!).
Moving on to reds (real wine!) there are some Pinots that are in the MUST TRY
Category, starting with Tassies best kept secret (unless you are a long-time followerof
my musings), ’the Joseph Chromy Sepik. At only $16.20 it is another case buy so
there is always some under the bed when duck is on special or a shooter you know
brings you a wild one (s)he just shot. For a few bucks more ($20.70) grab a bottle of
the Stoniers from the Peninsula or really lash out and try Nzeds Mt Difficulty, a pinot
that is, thankfully, closer in taste to shiraz than raspberry cordial.
Now that we have reached the $30+ price point there are a few more great value
wines that are well worth thinking about, starting with the Menzies Cabernet ($37.80)
one of our best non-Coonawarra cabernets. And the St Hallet Blackwell Shiraz
($29.70), consistently one of the best from the Barossa. As is the Saltram No. 1
($56.70). At the lower price points stock up on the Ardent Heathcote
Shiraz ($10.80), the Hewitson Miss Harry GSM ($20.80) and the delicious Tar &
Roses Tempranillo ($16.20).
A full review of the Penfolds next week if they send me some samples!
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This site aims to do two things: first, on Wednesdays to allow me to rant about wines I like and those parts of the wine industry I do or don'tt like without an editor telling me what I've written is libelous or offensive to advertisers or the proprietor; second, on Thursdays to pass on to anyone who logs on my analysis of the best value wines being offered by the major wine retailers - as I have been doing for friends and family for a decade or so. As you can see there is no advertising to sway my opinions and, apart from samples (and the odd free lunch) I am incorruptible, so what you get is my opinion influenced only by the taste of the wine and the comments of my drinking mates.
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© 2013 Jeff Gordon |