Offcuts

The Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2006, last tasted a few months ago, continues to resolve well. When young, this wine was pretty lumpy, though full of flavour. It is now achieving good harmony across its various elements and, to my taste, is starting to enter into its proper drinking window. Lovely pepper, deep purple fruits, spice and excitement. 

The Mike Press wines have received a lot of press and, of those I've tasted, the 2005 Merlot and Cabernet are my favourites. I had a bottle of the 2005 Cabernet a few nights ago, and it demonstrates a balance and sophistication that its 2006 sibling currently lacks. Really nice Cabernet at a very cheap price. 

The Hoddles Creek Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from 2006 are in fine form at the moment. The Chardonnay has filled out nicely with a few months in bottle, and provides incredible intensity and sophistication for a wine under $20. Lovely, generous flavour profile. The Pinot is a deliciously beetroot/rhubarb-laden wine, good structure, full of flavour and texture. It's more plush and sensuous than it was on release, and all the better for it. I understand the 2007 versions are out and I shall be hunting them down. If 2006 is anything to go by, a few months in bottle will do them a world of good.