Aussie Wine Month Sampler #3 - Australian Reds, Not Just Shiraz 2026

While Shiraz often acts as the primary ambassador for Australian red wine, the continent’s true depth is found in the "other" varieties that thrive in its ancient soils. This sampler moves beyond the shadow of Shiraz to explore the bright, crunchy, and savory side of modern Australian viticulture. From the elegant Pinot Noirs of the cool south to the rustic Mediterranean varieties of the Riverland, these selections prove that Australia is a multifaceted powerhouse capable of producing reds with incredible freshness, structure, and varietal purity.

Unico Zelo "Pastafarian" (Adelaide Hills) This playful blend of Italian varieties is a testament to Unico Zelo’s mission of crafting wines perfectly suited to the Australian climate. Primarily Sangiovese, it leads with a vibrant and perfume-driven nose of red cherry, raspberry, and subtle alpine herbs. The palate is light-footed and exceedingly drinkable, showing a "crunchy" acidity and fine, savory tannins that make it an ideal partner for tomato-based dishes. It captures a modern, lo-fi aesthetic while maintaining a professional level of balance and focus.

By Farr "Irrewarra" Pinot Noir (Western Victoria) Crafted by Nick Farr in the cool, high-rainfall region of Irrewarra, this Pinot Noir is a sophisticated departure from the fruit bombs of the past. It is an elegant and earth-driven wine, offering aromas of sweet and sour cherries layered with notes of forest floor and Asian spice. The palate is mineral-driven and long, with a deceptive power hidden behind its silky texture and fine-grained tannins. It is a benchmark for cool-climate Victorian Pinot Noir, reflecting the moist, clay-rich soils of this unique site.

Smallfry "Jellyfish" Grenache (Barossa Valley) Sourced from ancient, 160-year-old vines in the Vine Vale sub-region, this is Grenache in its most energetic and "smashable" form. Eschewing the heavy extraction often found in the Barossa, Smallfry delivers a wine that is light in color but deep in character, featuring a juicy pop of blueberry, pomegranate, and white pepper. It is organic and biodynamic, crafted with a soft hand to ensure the vibrant acidity and pretty floral aromatics remain the stars of the show.

Elderton Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa Valley) The 2022 vintage provided a wonderful freshness for Cabernet, allowing Elderton to craft a wine with both bold structure and remarkable levity. It presents a rich profile of blackberry compote, dark chocolate, and savory herbs, all framed by classic cedary oak. This vintage has earned high praise from critics, including a 92-point score from James Suckling and a 94-point rating from Wine Orbit, both noting its seamless tannin profile and powerful, persistent finish.

Delinquente "Roko il Vagabondo" Montepulciano (Riverland) This is a vibrant, medium-bodied red that showcases the Riverland’s ability to produce high-value Mediterranean styles. It smells of dark, brambly fruit and charcoal smoke, yet surprises on the palate with a violet-inflected freshness and a tart, zesty energy. By blending two separate picks—one early for acidity and one later for fruit depth—Delinquente has created a wine that is both savory and intensely fruited, offering oodles of drinkability and a refreshing, saline finish.

Murdoch Hill Red Blend (Adelaide Hills) A sophisticated take on the traditional "red blend," this 2021 release is primarily a Cabernet-led Bordeaux style with a surprising splash of Sangiovese. It is remarkably expressive, featuring notes of red currant, blueberry, and dried tobacco, underpinned by what The Wine Advocate describes as a "salty and fine" acidity. The wine has been widely lauded by experts, earning a 93-point score from James Suckling and 92 points from the Halliday Wine Companion, which compared its lissome, peppery tannins to a fine Chinon from the Loire.