“Australia is arguably the world’s most dynamic wine region right now,” said Ray Isle in Food & Wine. Boring, mass bottlings have dinged the country’s reputation, but the nation’s more adventurous winemakers are learning to bring out the light, brisk side of Shiraz. Better yet, they’re producing some of the planet’s best pinot noirs.
2012 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir ($20). Look to Yarra Valley for the best Aussie pinots. This “fragrant and elegant” example is “absurdly good for the price.”
2012 Luke Lambert Crudo Syrah ($44). This “incredibly drinkable” Syrah can make you forget that many a jammy Shiraz comes from the same grape.
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