A savoury red dominated by smoked meat, spice rub and cracked black pepper aromas, which are wrapped around plums and blackberry, leather, dark cocoa and iodine. It has a saline element on the palate with similar succulent meat, spice and dried herbal flavours. It's full-bodied and smooth with a peppery, toasted finish.

©copyright 2012 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - November 2nd, 2012

In the language of the native peoples of the Calchaqui, Amalaya means hope. Owned by the Hess Family of wineries (the properties are located on four continents: South America - in Argentina, North America in Napa Valley, Australia - Barossa Valley, Africa - in South Africa) Amalaya is home to the highest vineyards on earth.
The aromas in this Malbec based red blend are sweet but notably earthy - wild briary berries are layered with currents, dried herbs, mineral-rich earth and peppery spices. It is smooth and solid on the palate, the balance is good and it lays down flavours of coffee, mixed wild berries, vanilla and spice. It is an interesting red, quite chic, with a bright, juicy finish.

©copyright 2012 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 23rd, 2012

This Cortese is a terrific departure from your everyday Sauvignon or Chardy option. Delicate aromas of pear, minerals, pretty apple blossom and citrus, a hint of guava, beeswax and herbal undertones. The texture is rounded, slightly oily with flavours of citrus peel and white fruit, almond lingers. The finish is clean and zesty. Pair with fish or light appetizers.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - August 5th, 2009

Made from almost equal parts Shiraz and Merlot this delicious and affordable Aussie red presents aromas of mulberry, fresh cherries, eucalyptus, baking spices and dark mocha chocolate notes. There is plenty of supple fruit in the mouth - berries, chocolate and spice dominate but there's a hint of saline here as well. It has quite a substantial and flavourful finish.
Excellent value and perfect for upscale junk food - pizza, burgers or pretty much anything you can throw on the barbecue.

©copyright 2012 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 12th, 2012

Vibrant purple with juicy blueberry, plum, sweet spice, vanilla and chocolate notes and a hint of menthol. On the palate it's liqueur-like, warm rich fruit, smooth and weighted with lingering dark chocolate and spice on the finish.
Pair with Christmas cake during the holidays and sweet and sour pork the rest of the year!
©copyright 2007 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - November 27th, 2007