Tired of the same old varieties and want something a little bit different in your glass? Or ever find yourself staring at a wine list unsure what a Mourvedre (Moo-ved-erah) or a Malbec or a Gruner Veltliner (grew-ner velt-lee-ner) tastes like? We’ve got you covered with this selection of unconventional varieties which not only has scored an amazing 94 Points or better from the worlds leading wine critics but serves to highlight that something new does not have to be expensive. 

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles      Hewitson Baby Bush Mourvedre 2020
3 bottles      Bleasdale Second Innings Malbec 2021
3 bottles      Bremerton Special Release Langhorne Creek Fiano 2023
3 bottles      Hahndorf Hill White Mischief Gruner Veltliner 2021

Hewitson Baby Bush Mourvedre 2020
Super value here with what is a strongly varietal Mourvèdre and you will struggle to find a better example than this under $50. It’s a robust, big red but never loses its shape or intensity. It opens with layers of ripe, rich fruits; mulberry, blackberry and new leather plus old oak in the background. The palate then takes it up a couple of notches with Mourvèdre’s more savoury personality coming through thanks to earthy, rustic tones underpinned by sweet, dark Barossan fruits. Concentration is good although the length is better with firm but manicured tannins also providing some very good aging potential. Put it away for a couple of years to let Mourvèdre’s more feral side come to the party. Date: Dec 2021; Drink: 2021-2030; Price: $28; Rating: 94 Points; Wine Pilot

Bleasdale Second Innings Malbec 2021
Three gold medals at second tier shows, silver at Perth Royal Wine Awards and Royal Adelaide Wine Show. Bleasdale is Australia’s foremost maker of malbec, investing it with rich, velvety plum and blackberry fruits, supported with amiable tannins. For the record, matured for nine months in French puncheons (10% new). Drink to: 2031; Price: $22.00; Date: Feb 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Rating: 95 Points; James Halliday; The Weekend Australian Magazine

Bremerton Special Release Langhorne Creek Fiano 2023
This southern Italian variety is the best white grape to come onto the market for many years. It has a natural textural framework to go beside its fragrant lemon curd and fig flavours. Its length and acidity will stand it in good stead if cellared. Date: Nov 2023; Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $26.00; Drink by: 2027; Rating: 95 Points & Top 100 Wines for 2023; James Halliday Wine Companion

Longview Macclesfield Adelaide Hills Gruner Veltliner 2023
Hmm. Isn’t this something? It has a dusting of white pepper on the bouquet, the palate with quite wonderful flavour and a glorious texture, thanks in part to near-invisible tannins. Bosc pear and a hint of dried apricot are sidelines. Date: Nov 2023; Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $30.00; Drink by: 2033; Rating: 97 Points & Top 100 Wines for 2023; James Halliday Wine Companion