NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK!

In the cool picturesque Australian wine region of Adelaide Hills is a myriad of smaller family wineries producing innovative wines. These wineries are producing wines that offer elegance, as well as some that are more esoteric. Paracombe is one of the wineries that stand out with a range of wines that, in my mind, offer tremendous value with many of the reds being released with some age and perspective.

It is a winery that has a great story to tell. The vineyard was planted after being ravaged by the Ash Wednesday bushfires and Kathy and Paul Drogemuller have a determined hands-on approach to create individual wines that truly qualify as ‘little gems’.

Kathy attributes the mineral character to the 1.7 billion years old soils in the vineyard being very lean in organic matter yet rich in minerals. The vine’s roots grow deep to access those rich minerals.

The grapes have access to plenty of sunshine and it is a considerably cooler climate than regions such as Barossa Valley to the north. This means grapes have longer to ripen and at the same time they still retain their acid and develop spicy characters. While the reds are very ripe, sometimes bold, they all show elegance. The tannins prove that they are in very good hands. They are soft and finely coat the mouth, contributing to the very more-ish texture.

I recently had the opportunity to taste the current vintages here in London on Kathy’s recent visit as Paracombe Wines are now available in the UK. (see details below)

Enjoy!

Paracombe Gruner Veltliner V5 2017

The V5 is a delightful mix of floral spice, lemon and ripe tropical notes. There is fun to be had here. It starts lightly on the palate before finishing fleshy and long with plenty more floral spice. Made for hedonistic enjoyment and will be a great companion for Asian spices or Sunday fish and chips on the beach. I am very much looking forward to taste the next vintage of the V5. AU$22 |UK £20

Click here for the full review of V5 2017.

Paracombe Pinot Gris 2018

A well balanced Pinot gris with a drier personality. A personality that is not shy about showing its more floral, riper side with some soft nectarine and honey joining some zesty lemon and slatey minerality. That citrus line pulls it all together. A good food wine that deserves to be appreciated. Do not serve it too cold, just lightly chilled to fully appreciate this delicacy. AU$23 |UK £20

Paracombe Chardonnay 2017

The climate of Adelaide Hills is well suited to a Chardonnay such as this.  There is a honeyed note to the crisp apple and citrus flavours. Leaving this Chardonnay in stainless steel with no oak means that the more mineral element shines though.  More peach and melon flavours come to the fore on the palate. I think that while this is a good drink now, I would love to see it in a few more years. AU$21 |UK £20

Paracombe Rueben 2014

A wine named after a pioneering Paracombe settler called Rueben. Since I first tasted this wine, the ’05 vintage, it has continued to impress me with just how generous it is for its remarkable value. With five years already giving it a gracefulness, the time has not dulled its vibrant appeal. Pepper, black currant, chocolate and sage fruit has been embellished with a pinch of nutmeg spice. The tannins are supple and shapely. Being a blend, it is an easy entertainer and it will, and often does, rise to any occasion. AU$23 |UK £21

Paracombe Shiraz 2013

Another of their reds that they release with some age and this 2013 has so much life left in it yet. It is a well settled meld of spiced cherry, plum and raspberry fruit with some rich vanilla and a light pepper. The fruit is still fresh and vibrant so this is drinking really well now. And it will continue to do so for a long time yet. A great value cellar candidate here! AU$23 |UK £21

Visit paracombewines.com for more information.

UK customers:

Paracombe is now available on-line for delivery to the UK. Cotswold Wine Imports offers a 12 bottles straight or mixed discount of 15% when purchased directly. Phone 07900 932726 or email leighton@cotswoldwineimports.co.uk

or you can order via ozwines.co.uk