A combination of sustainability (the cardboard is recyclable, if not their foil bladders), value for money, ease of use and lack of wastage is winning new fans, with growth in premium quality casks.
To be fair, I didn’t approach this range expecting an epiphany as that really isn’t the point; however, I do like the way they democratise wine, making a reliably good glass of wine an accessible and affordable prospect at a time of year when demands on your wallet are never-ending, while the cask format keeps them fresh till the last drop.
If it means more people enjoying a glass with dinner that’s great by me.
The Winesmiths range are vegan friendly too, making their accessibility even greater. Cheers to that.
2023 Winesmiths Ross Murray Edition South Australia Dry Rose
Rating Very Good
Nice nose, fragrant, spicy, currants
and red berries. Fruit-driven palate
adding cherry to those red berryfruits,
clean, fresh and well made. There’s
some sweetness here (off-dry rather
than dry?) but that’s nicely contrasted
by a tangy, almost sweet/sour interplay
that is rather refreshing. A little orange
zest joins the mix. Generous and nice
flavour depth.
2022 Winesmiths Ross Murray Edition South Australia Merlot
Rating Good to Very Good
Charry oak, vanilla and a touch of herb
leap from the glass. As the fruit begins
to open up there’s hints of plum, cherry
and chocolate. The oak char quite
evident here matched by a bittersweet
quality and a touch of firmness
suggesting that this might work best
alongside food.
Winesmiths Ross Murray Edition South Australia Pinot Gris
Rating Good to Very Good
Gentle nose, lanolin, hints of lemon and
nectarine. Good textural richness leads
the way, fruit sweetness, a touch of
honeyed pears, the warm glow of the
summer sun frames the finish. Not
huge flavour but I’m reminded of
visiting family in Italy where wine is an
essential accompaniment to food but
the focus is on the company. This fits
that role admirably.
2024 Winesmiths Ross Murray Edition South Australia Chardonnay
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Subtle yet nicely varietal nose. Peachy
tropical fruit with hints of melon and
cashew nut. Good intensity in the
mouth, clear flavours typical to the
variety focusing on peach with vanillan
lift while bright acidity keeps this fresh.
A wee standout offering excellent vfm,
brimming with flavour and with good
carry on the close.
2023 Winesmiths Ross Murray Edition South Australia Cab Sauvignon
Rating Very Good
Woodsmoke, dustiness, a little leafy/herb
aspect, milk chocolate. Carries those
characters through on to the palate,
adding blackcurrant and blackberry.
There’s some crunchiness that adds to
the texture, a nicely dry close, and quite
good length. Another wine that’s true to
its variety, bright, clear flavours, offering
good drinking.
2023 Winesmiths Ross Murray Edition South Australia Shiraz
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Immediate sumptuousness, red
berries, spices, cracked pepper.
plums, light oak seasoning. Ripe fruit
gives fruit sweetness yet this is still
dry, richness yet medium-bodied
which makes this wonderfully
approachable, and nicely balanced. An
intensity of flavour that stands out with
good length and an appealing finish.
Quite a success.
