Fans of Patina Wines in Orange might want to stock up because Gerald Naef, the affable California-born owner-winemaker, has started winding down his career.
In a recent newsletter Naef, 69, who has been making quality wines for 25 years, says he is "nearing the home stretch" with plans to do more travelling with wife Anji. He is not even sure if, after the stellar 2024 vintage, he will make any more wines at all.
"It's been a great ride but I'm progressing to the next phase that will involve more travelling," he wrote.
Last year Naef was a finalist for Halliday Winemaker of the Year, with six of his wines scoring 95 points or more.
"My biggest reward is to see the appreciation my wines have garnered from loyal followers. I have remained a small producer making the style I like and not paying much attention to what is popular."
Naef estimates he has enough wines in his warehouse to last a couple more years if sales figures remain stable.
WHAT'S NEW
The bottle is different, the name unusual, the label visually striking and the wine not exactly run of the mill.
Welcome to Old Fat Unicorn's latest range, Golden Horn.
It features Barossa's best known red, shiraz, and also a cabernet, made in unashamedly bold, decadent style.
As a point of difference, they come in stumpy, frisky-shaped bottle reminiscent of your favourite whisky, featuring on the label - you guessed it - a unicorn with a golden horn.
A further twist is that at least 25 per cent of the finished product is finished off in aged whisky barrels ... think of it as where the winery and the distillery meet.
"By including portions finished in used whisky barrels we're bringing an interesting flavour twist," winemaker Brittany John said.
"In this case the old whisky barrels impart nuances of caramel and malt with a hint of aromatic spice, which brings another added dimension to these rich and textured wines."
You can try these at BWS and Dan Murphy's. They range from $19 to $24.
EARTHWORKS
There's another label that also comes in around the $20 mark and while not exactly new, it is getting a new lease of life. It's called 'earthworks' and a new marketing campaign aims to re-introduce the brand to the public.
The range encompasses a 2022 vintage Barossa Shiraz, Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon and a Tempranillo, and from the 2023 vintage a Riesling and a Rosé. These are all solid drinking. At Liquorland, First Choice or Vintage Cellars.
MARRI
The Marri range is a new budget-priced addition to the Cape Mentelle portfolio.
Named after the Marri trees that are native to Western Australia's south west, the range is an introduction to Margaret River's most famed varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc.
All are $25 easy drinkers and good bang for your buck. At Dan Murphy's and BWS.
WINE REVIEWS by RICK ALLEN
SURPRISE PACKAGE
Chateau Tanunda Granda Barossa Shiraz, 2022
$25
The Grand Barossa range is for blended wines - in this case the grapes are fermented in small batches to retain their sub-regional characters. This is typical Chateau Tanunda, with rich, ripe fruit, almost dense, but nonetheless retaining balance and drinkability. Dark berries, plum and blackberry, and a dollop of spice. A lot of wine for the price.
PENINSULA PINOT
Crittenden Kangerong Pinot Noir, 2022
$50
This is a powerful but lip-smackingly delicious pinot from the Mornington Peninsula. The nose is an inviting mix of florals, red fruits, musk and potpourri. It takes you to a palate of dark cherry, plum and very subtle spice. While there is obvious richness and intensity, it remains velvety and poised, with ultra fine tannins. Seriously good.
CRISPY CITRUS
Howard Park Great Southern Riesling, 2023
$45
Grapefruit, citrus and lavender bouquet, all very appealing. On the tongue there's initially slatey citrus flavours of lemon and lime, so fresh and penetrating, filling out in mid-palate to bring in pear, stonefruit and white peach notes. It's all carried along by fine, driving acid that accentuates the long, crisp finish. Impressive.
