Uncorked: Wine reviews by the awardwinning Gill Gordon-Smith IWE

Uncorked Wine reviews by Gill Gordon-Smith IWE

Meet the makers In this edition of Uncorked, we’re going beyond the bottle to discover a little about some of the winemaking legends who have influenced the Fleurieu. You may not know all their names but you’ll probably have tasted the work of these sometimes quiet achievers who have introduced grapes and styles to our region, leading the way for many of our winemakers.

Mike Farmilo

This multi-award winning winemaker has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and contributed to the making of some of Australia’s most iconic wines, including Penfold’s Grange. His list of achievements, including two Jimmy Watson trophies, would definitely fill any pool room. Mike’s wine journey has taken him around the world and he has quietly influenced many labels and winemakers. From making classic Australian styles to working with Mediterranean varieties and collaborating with local growers, his passion for winemaking has never wavered.

Colab and Bloom 2019 Fleurieu Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a grape that has travelled from its Italian home of Abruzzo (and the Marche) to Australia and has found a solid following in the Fleurieu. Lifted black cherry, ripe red and black fruits sit alongside fennel and a blood orange pithiness with chalky, soft tannins that carry the flavour right through to the finish. The acid is crunchy and lively before the wine finishes on a slight herbal note. Great food wine with beautiful balance that is varietally correct.

Diana Genders

Diana Genders has a long family history of ground-breaking women in wine, dating back to Mary Laurie, South Australia’s first registered female winemaker and grape grower. Diana finished her degree in 1988 and worked for many well-known wineries locally as well as spending time overseas consulting in France. She is one of the most hardworking and independent women in wine, running her vineyards and McLaren Vale winery basically by herself and producing exceptional, classic wines.

Genders 2014 Keith Shiraz

Classic McLaren Vale with dense, dark chocolate and ripe black fruits, cigar box, pure vanilla bean and toasty oak. There’s a floral, violet note, along with dried rosemary and dried oranges. On the palate, the tannins and lovely acid cut through the concentrated fruit flavours and freshen and lift the wine. It’s a class act all the way, so beautifully made and built for the long-haul.

Tim Geddes

Super-talented winemaker and all round nice guy, Tim Geddes is the man behind or the kick off point for many of the best wines and labels in the region. A master of grenache hailing from New Zealand, Tim is humble and prefers to simply get on with doing what he does best: making exceptional expressions of the Vale, rather than chasing awards (though he has many).

Seldom Inn 2018 Grenache Mourvedre

Complex and slightly shy at first, when this wine starts to open it’s full of red and black fruits and dusty savouriness with a little touch of smoked meats. There’s a velvety-ness on the palate, with exotic spices layered amongst the dark fruit. The wine strikes a wonderful balance between the fruit and the structure, with fine tannins and perfectly ripe grapes.

Mark Lloyd

Mark Lloyd’s name is synonymous with the premium wines, food and music that have made Coriole a cultural and gastronomic frontrunner in the region. His curiosity and forward-thinking have seen him lead the pack in alternate varieties on the Fleurieu, being one of the first to plant fiano and sangiovese among other varieties, while still championing our classic shiraz and grenache.

Coriole 2019 Fiano

Lifted and vibrant nose of florals, citrus and quince, bright and zippy acidity with a lovely textural mouthfeel full of citrus fruit, white peach, peach skin and fresh spearmint. Has weight to the palate without being heavy and overblown. Beautiful balance, fresh, lively and a delicious food wine; always reminds me of Italy.

FOOD WINE GIN DISCOVERY

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