#318 Lillian from John Brocksopp

Australian wine can be incredibly boring.  The same grapes, the same styles and the same overly powerful, sweet, jammy mess.  Not from Lillian though.  After a quarter of a century working at Leeuwin Estate, John Brocksopp now makes wines from Rhone varietals in Pemberton in the south east of Margaret River.  They offer restraint, subtlety and finesse, yet are still noticeably Australian and I tried a pair of his lovely wines.

2008 Lillian Marsanne Roussanne
Rich honey aromas with lovely mango pith and just a hint of over ripe banana coming through.  The palate leads on to a gorgeous honey coated pear flavour.  So clean, a touch of cream coming through on the back end with kisses of oak on the finish.  It cleans up beautifully with no noticeable alcohol at all.  9/10 £21.00

2005 Lillian Shiraz Mataro
This Shiraz Mataro (Mourvedre) blend has lots of compote berries on the nose, with just a little cream poured over the top of it.  Blackcurrants come to the fore on the palate, with soft, vegetal notes coming through.  A long lasting mid section, hints of tar and spice, and an equally long, drying, savoury finish.  A stunning wine, with great balance and wonderful to find an Aussie red wine under 14% alcohol!  8.5/10 £20