From the very safe winemaking hands of Frank Newman and Aidan Menzies, well regarded for the value Deakin Estate range from near Mildura, in Victoria’s north-west.

La La Land, Malbec, Victoria, 2016

Fruit driven, bright even handles a chill to amplify the black cherry and raspberry. Sweet vanilla bean oak jeeps things cuddly with tomato stalk herbaceous notes, smoky bacon meatiness and red crayon waxiness. It’s not overly complex but the quality of the fruit is obvious as it presents it’s credentials with balance and finishes with savoury char, coffee and burnt orange.  Tannins are fine and don’t detract from the task at hand. As fun to drink as the label suggests.

RRP $18
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 17/20

Wine sample courtesy of La La Land wines