Tasting notes:

The De Bortoli Melba Vineyard at Dixon’s Creek was first planted in 1971, with additional plantings in 1987, 1988 and 1990. The Melba brand is a tribute to Melbourne born operatic soprano Dame Nellie Melba. The wine, too, is a superstar. Deep ruby-hued, it is elegant, pure and intense, with blackcurrant fruit accented by tobacco and cedar wood and a gentle violet note. Beautifully balanced, the palate shows fresh acidity and velvet textured tannins, leading to a lingering, fragrant finish. Serve this wine with tempura-fried snails and baby vegetables in creamy parsley and garlic, with a side of frog’s legs in a Viennoise fresh herb sauce – a dish as complex and beautifully constructed as the wine itself.  (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)