Margaret Swaine’s Wine Picks: 90-plus point bottles
This Saturday’s Vintages release focuses on wines that have achieved 90-plus in the 100-point scoring system. Find these high scorers via WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2010
$20.95 (92 Points)
From Margaret River in Western Australia, barrel fermented with wild yeast and matured in French oak, this has a toasty fruit nose. An elegant white, it’s medium bodied with a firm structure, great acid balance and a long finish. Quite intense with flavours of crisp fresh apple and toast, this will match myriad different dishes.
Vicchiomaggio Agostino Petri Chianti Classico Riserva 2008
$19.95 (91 Points)
Vicchiomaggio owner and winemaker John Matta can be depended upon to make well-priced, polished Tuscan reds. Full bodied and structured, this red has lots of ripe berry flavours with cedar and spice overtones. Aged six months in French barrique then in large oak barrels, tannins are supple yet firm in the finish.
Lealtanza Riserva 2005
$19.95 (91 Points)
From Bodegas Altanza, this is a traditional Spanish Rioja at its best. It displays an open, cedary, toasty nose with hints of lavender. Silky smooth on the palate, it has spiced oak complexities and layers of intriguing savoury flavours. It drinks elegantly now — just perfect for lamb chops on the grill.