Chris Jansen
Numbered from top to bottom, left to right
1. CELLAR ME
2015 Grosset Gaia, Clare Valley, $83
One of the best vintages ever of this eminently cellarworthy Clare cabernet blend: exquisite perfume of cassis and bay leaf, elegant and sinewy in structure with underlying plush fruit. grosset.com.au
2. CLOUDY BUT FINE
Hurdle Creek Still Pastis, King Valley, $95
This lovely local anise-flavoured spirit is infused with indigenous botanicals mintbush and anise myrtle. Add a splash of water and watch it go cloudy. Louche, baby, louche. hurdlecreekstill.com.au
3. SPICE TEMPLE
2016 Domaine Vincent Paris Saint-Joseph, Rhône Valley, $50
Brilliant expression of the syrah (aka shiraz) grape from one of northern Rhône’s finest winemakers: gorgeous lifted peppery spice. Imported by redandwhite.com.au
4. MOUTHFILLING
2017 Kalleske Elenore Semillon, Barossa Valley, $21
I’m a big fan of Barossa sémillon, which is fuller-flavoured and riper than Hunter sém. This outstanding example fills the mouth with rich but refreshing citron flavours. kalleske.com
4. SMALL PACKAGE
2017 Chapel Hill Home Grown Shiraz Mourvèdre, McLaren Vale, 375ml, $15
Sometimes a whole bottle is too much. Dining alone? All you want is a cheeky little half. Stash a few of these away for such occasions: bold, juicy, gutsy, and great with steak. chapelhillwine.com.au
6. STRAIGHT UP
Willett Straight Rye Whiskey, Kentucky, $145
Superb, retro-styled rye whiskey from recently rejuvenated Kentucky Bourbon distillery, Willett. Swirling aromas of rich toasted rye, oats and grain, creamy texture, lingering balanced sweetness. spiritsoffrance.com.au
7. SILK PURSE
2013 Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, $170
The Pepe family take trebbiano, a grape considered humdrum, and turn it into magical, long-lived white wine: scintillating with flavours of lemon pith and chalk. Imported by mondoimports.com.au
