the best in the nation
August 23, 2012
Australian wine expert Rob Geddes has nominated five South Burnett wines as being among Australia’s best in the 30th edition of his soon-to-be-released Australian Wine Vintages.
Geddes, who became Australia’s third Master of Wine in 1992, tastes more than 3000 wines a year. His “Gold Book” provides readers with detailed tasting notes, information about vintage quality and indicative prices for more than 5000 wines from 320 of Australia’s best wineries.
It also includes a list of Certified Organic and Biodynamic wineries and a quick guide to wine varieties and regions so readers know what to look for.
The book’s Gold Star list recognises the most consistent wine producers in Australia. An annual list of the top 100 wines tasted is also included.
It provides up-to-date advice about which cellar doors to visit plus where to eat and stay, drawing not only on Rob’s experience but also the experience of winemakers in each region.
The 30th edition – which will be released next month – gives high rankings to five South Burnett wines.
Here’s what it has to say about them:
- Clovely Semillon 2009 – $20.00
Look out Hunter Valley! This lean, compact wine runs a delightful acid line and lemony fruit texture. Crisp, light and ideal for seafood or to enjoy in hot weather.
- Barambah First Grid Shiraz 2008 – $34.00
Cola and tar aromas and a lick of brown spices with a bright blackberry fruit-filled palate, soft finishing and really well balanced.
- Clovely Vineyard Estate Double Pruned Shiraz – $60.00
Fresh black fruit aroma and little date and prune before unfolding big and bold on the palate with surprising freshness and blackberry fruit. A full-bodied red suitable to have with a main course.
- Clovely Left Field Barbera 2010 – $20.00
A bargain! Italian varieties work in this region delivering a lush red cherry aromas and luscious fruit with a full-bodied tannin finish. There is something special here.
- Barambah Rack Dried Semillon 2009 – $29.00
Dessert-style wine. Luscious, creamed honey aromas and a varietal fingerprint of lemon. The palate is oily and rich with caramelised sugar to light toffee.
Australian Wine Vintages is released as a travel-friendly pocket-sized handbook but is also available in eBook and application formats from Amazon and iTunes (the app version includes an interactive map for travellers looking for local wineries).
Copies can be ordered from The Gold Book website.
