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2018 Gilbert Lignée Magnum
The shiraz-pinot blend is a Hunter Valley classic, made famous by Australian wine pioneer Maurice O’Shea. The 2018 Lignée Magnum is a homage to the historic regional blend but in a vibrant, modern style. A collaboration between next-gen winemakers Angus Vinden of Vinden Wines and Will Gilbert of Gilbert Family Wines, this small-batch, medium-bodied red is full of bright fruit flavours and intriguing herbal notes. Pop it in an ice bucket and enjoy it slightly chilled this season or take it as a generous contribution to your next backyard event. Only 400 magnums made.
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NV Agrapart Terroirs Blanc de Blancs
This grower-producer Champagne is a favourite of in-the-know wine professionals everywhere. One of its claims to fame is that once it’s lost its fizz, it drinks just like a lovely chardonnay (although there’s a slim chance of this wine remaining in your glass long enough to test that theory). This Grand Cru Champagne is made in limited quantities and highly sought-after, so it’s a wonderful wine to share with your nearest and dearest. Delicate, extra-dry, and exceptionally easy to drink, you won’t be disappointed with the decision to invest in twice as much of this fizz.
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2019 Nocturne Margaret River Sangiovese Nebbiolo Rosé
Nothing says “summer” quite like a litre-and-a-half of rosé. And what better bottle to start the party than one from the king and queen of pink, Julian and Alana Langworthy of Nocturne Wines? The 2019 Nocturne Rosé brings some Italian flavour to the table with its 60/40 blend of sangiovese and nebbiolo. This attractive pale-salmon hued wine is textural, delicate and lower in alcohol, making it ideal for sipping over long, hot afternoons. Or, in Julian and Alana’s words, “best drunk from the magnum, on a boat, wearing white”.
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2017 Yarra Yering Pinot Noir
The pretty characteristics of Yarra Valley pinot, with its clear crimson hue and explosion of cherry fruit, make it the ideal sort of style for the season. Medium-bodied, silky, and with a fantastic depth of flavour, the 2017 Yarra Yering Pinot Noir will be an impressive magnum to crack open once the sun goes down, whether over a drawn-out dinner with friends or while kicking back outside on warm nights. Yarra Yering produces consistently beautiful wines, and if you’re looking for a classy red to sip over summer, you simply can’t go wrong with this one.
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2018 Mewstone Tasmania Riesling
You won’t regret having a bigger bottle of refreshing riesling on hand for summer. This one, from 2019 Best New Winery Mewstone Wines, has spent time in old oak and has a creamy, leesy character, making it a super-approachable riesling for a range of occasions. Combining classic Australian acidity and citrus fruit with a softer, European-inspired style, it’s a versatile wine to have as an aperitif, alongside a banquet of bright and spicy Asian flavours, or on its own in the sunshine.
RRP $90 | gilbertfamilywines.com.au
RRP $380 | champagne-agrapart.com
RRP $60 | nocturnewines.com.au
RRP $250 | yarrayering.com
RRP $115 | mewstonewines.com.au
This article appears in the February/March issue of Halliday magazine, out now. For 12 more magnum ideas, pick up a copy or subscribe today.
