Coming from arguably what is Victoria’s best Nebbiolo vineyard, the Malakoff. Extended maceration follows (2–3 months), before pressing off and maturation in old French and Austrian 500L oak puncheons.

Handpicked Wines, Trial Batch, Nebbiolo, Pyrenees, 2022

Bitumen, kitchen herbs, licorice, black cherry, tobacco, a little choc mint and rosehip tea. Relatively smooth and silky palate up front with dark red fruit, studded with those licorice/anise savoury herbs before Nebbiolo’s trademark tannins kick in. Drying and spreading out through a long tail. There’s a freshness that cleans up and brightens the close, leading to a thoroughly enjoyable drink. Wanting kangaroo or wallaby kebabs over a roast beetroot salad. Bargain.

RRP: $29
Alc: 13.8%
Rating:  91/100

Wine sample courtesy Handpicked Wines