10 Reds from Australia for $20 or Less
New reviews of Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet from the 2012 vintage
WineSpectator.com
by Augustus Weed
Posted: February 21, 2014
Australia’s signature red grapes shine in this selection of new releases from the 2012 vintage. Weather conditions were close to ideal that year, with vintners in South Australia and Victoria harvesting their grapes with little difficulty. Many of the resulting wines are impressive for their intensity but also graceful in style thanks to the mild growing season.
PENLEY ETATE Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra Phoenix 2012 Score: 88 | $20
Vibrant, taut and focused, with cedary overtones to the black currant and black pepper flavors, lingering on the toasty finish. Best from 2015 through 2019. 4,300 cases imported. H.S.