Rivar Mayer is striking out with his inaugural releases made alongside his renowned father, Timo Mayer, on the family property in Yarra Valley. This is a superb pinot gris, bright and flavoursome, but slippery with appealing textural feel. A good, delicious wine.
Mike Bennie shares his predictions for the top drops of the new decade
Get your pen and paper out – Mike Bennie is sharing his predictions of the top drops for the new decade.
Never Never Distilling Co Dark Series Amaro, $55
Never Never Distilling Co doesn’t put a foot wrong with its high-quality gins, so the expectation for its ‘Fernet’-switch-out was very high. This is such a good drink (do it as a cold shot!), full of botanical, floral, spice and sweet-savoury character.
Das Juice Maceration 2019, $28
This is a skin-fermented white wine of good pedigree – fine, chewy texture, bright acidity for freshness and a good deal of vibrant fruitiness for general enjoyment. The duo behind it are experts in drinking these kinds of wine styles, so their own version is ideal. Pair with picnics.
Gemtree Luna Temprana 2019, $23
This is a juicy, frisky red produced from organically farmed tempranillo grapes, so expect classic cherry cola, sarsaparilla, peppery spice and light herbal character, all set in a light-ish frame. It’s an ideal red for sloshing around cold on a warm day.
Predictions Love Can Vodka Yuzu, $6
Poor Tom’s, the excellent artisan distillers from Sydney’s inner west, has partnered with soft drink producer Strangelove to create a brilliant range of spritzes in cans. This tangy, tart, fizzy drink has such a good vibe and is perfect for summery fun.
Sin-Ko-Nah Tonic Syrup (200ml), $24
What a coup this is. A superb product that, when blended with soda, will produce a fantastic tonic for gin. It can also simply be sipped as a complex, refreshing non-alcoholic beverage when married with something fizzy.