TOP 100 WINES MONEY WEEK 2022 – Matthew Jukes
2021 Gertie, Cabernet Franc, Clare Valley, South Australia (£29.99, www.nicholsonswines.co.uk).
My second Aussie wine does not appear in 100 Best because it is a very recent arrival in the UK, and this is a scoop if ever there was one. Imagine a red wine with the texture of a Pinot Noir, the minerality of a Crozes-Hermitage, the freshness of a Chinon and the juiciness of a Moulin-à-Vent – meet Gertie. Made by Ben Marx, who by day makes wine at the iconic Clare Valley estate Jim Barry, this rare Clare Cab Franc is a revelation. There is so much energy, momentum and integrity in this purple-hued, mulberry and blackberry-soaked wine it is incredible. I have only tasted it once when Marxy was over in the UK, and I will be standing on the docks to greet the container when it arrives this month.