Bargain Under $20 Reds

With the new financial year here and the cooler weather certainly set in, we thought it was only appropriate to feature a couple of outstanding value reds that recently grabbed our attention. Both of these wines well and truly 'over-deliver' for their price and are sure to provide some very enjoyable winter drinking.

The 2007 Longhop Shiraz is a wine made by Domenic Torzi, the man responsible for producing the extremely popular Torzi Matthews 2008 Schist Rock Shiraz. The 2007 Longhop Shiraz has been described by wine scribe Josh Raynolds as "an elegant, focused and strikingly graceful rendition of shiraz that finishes with excellent clarity and length". At our special price of $13.90 we think it delivers simply sensational value.

For many years we have been saying that is very difficult to find a good quality Pinot Noir under $20. The 2008 Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir is certainly good quality and sets a new benchmark in terms of value for this at times difficult variety. Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh recently named it the 'Pinot Noir of the Year' in 'The Big Red Wine Book 2009/10'; a great accolade for a wine available for well below $20.

The team at Auscellardoor 

www.auscellardoor.com.au

Ph - 1800 088 022

All orders of $200 or more are delivered freight-free throughout Australia. 

2007 Longhop Shiraz - $13.90

The Longhop range of wines are produced by former high school mates Domenic Torzi and Tim Freeland. Many of you will be familiar with Domenic Torzi, who produces some outstanding wines under his Torzi Matthews label, including the 2008 Schist Rock Shiraz that we sang the praises of recently. The 2007 Longhop Shiraz is another superb value wine from Domenic Torzi and whilst a little richer and juicier than the Schist Rock, this still has plenty of fantastic texture, freshness and classy tannin.

"Inky ruby. Intensely spicy raspberry and blackberry on the nose, with vibrant minerality contributing energy. Youthful, primary red and dark berry skin flavors display impressive purity, with silky tannins adding gentle grip. An elegant, focused and strikingly graceful rendition of shiraz that finishes with excellent clarity and length. Pretty irresistible right now. 91 Points." - Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer Wine Cellar Sep/Oct 08.

"It's fully loaded with spice, macerated dark cherry, leather and liquorice - complex and vinous way beyond its price point. On the palate full bodied and deep with spice, cherry liqueur, leather and good freshness even though it's fully rich and ripe. Fine grained supple tannins and excellent texture - hale and hearty yet not without sophistication. Long finish. Outstanding value. Top wine. 91 Points." - Gary Walsh, May 2008.

2008 Hoddles Creek Yarra Valley Pinot Noir - $17.90

For the past couple of years we have been hearing some very positive things about Hoddles Creek of the Yarra Valley. Recently we tasted the newly released 2008 Pinot Noir from Hoddles Creek and were instantly impressed by it. This is unmistakably Pinot Noir displaying plenty of cherry and strawberry flavours, supported by nice structure and an approachability that makes it perfect for enjoying now. This wine was recently declared Pinot Noir of the Year, by Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh in the recently released The Big Red Wine Book 2009/10.

"Pinot of the Year. You might have to hunt around for this, but they make a good amount of it, so with a bit of legwork you will find it. It's worth the effort. Hoddles Creek is the little Yarra Valley winery that roared. Most years they make a Pinot Noir that is well worth $40, and yet they keep selling it for less than $20. This is a complex, stylish Pinot Noir that Australia should be proud of. It matures well in the cellar, too. Remarkable" - Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh, The Big Red Wine Book 2009/10.