Different Drop Blog 2017 Ravensworth Autumn Release

Bryan Martin is a winemaker in Bradman-esque form at the moment. Setting aside the exceptional work he is doing behind the scenes at regional flagbearer, Clonakilla, his Ravensworth wines have become some of the Canberra region's hottest releases.Bryan's winemaking style is equal parts science and artistic flair. He's an adventurous spirit trapped in the body of a technical virtuoso. A concert pianist jamming to free jazz. It's a killer combination. His formidable skills are on full display in the Autumn release of his wicked range.There are two reds on offer: the Spanish-inspired 2016 Garnacha Tino and his ludicrous value 2016 Sangiovese. Both are bright and energetic, pitched to drink equally well on their own or with food. Fresh fruit flavours with savouriness and structure at their core. Delish.The whites are a little wilder: the slippery, glossy 2016 The Grainery (Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne) and the 2016 Seven Months - a wild and edgy skin contact blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. Both intriguing wines that suck you into the glass.And finally, a new creation, the Outrageous Claims Bitter Tonic - a dry, spice-shot, Vermouth-esque concoction, built for sipping or blending in cocktails. It's a rare treat.All the table wines have received excellent early reviews from The Wine Front's Mike Bennie (printed in full below). These are made in small batches, even in the context of Bryan's tiny range. If you are yet to try some of Bryan's delicious creations but would like to, now is the opportune time, before they sell out.Mike Bennie Reviews:2016 Ravensworth Garnacha Tinto ($32) - 93 points. "Blood plums, blood sausage, cinnamon and clove spice, red cherries pickled and fresh - wafty, lush perfume. Vibrant bouquet. Soft and gently sweet-sour to taste. Crunchy textured, the wine runs Doppler effect through the palate with peppery spice, crisp red cherry and pomegranate flavours, raised on brisk acidity. So easy to drink, finely structured, pitch perfect wine for versatility of drinking occasions."2016 Ravensworth Sangiovese ($25) - 93 points. "Bright cherry fruit, sweet spice, sarsaparilla, touch of rose hip, whiff of smoke, floral notes. Sloshes jovially around in the palate, light to medium weight, bright in red fruits, fringed with a puff of talc-like tannins, finishes with a lick of mouthwatering, cranberry juice and well meshed orangey acidity. Delicious!"2016 Seven Months ($36) - 93 points. "Super exotic scents, so complex, lemon ginger tea, garam masala, citrus peel, frangipani. So pretty, so curious. Lemon barley water in the palate with soft juiciness and chalky fringes and brittle acidity. Has a gentle kind of nature, almost un-wine like in its spice, herbal character, vermouth, botanical and amaro feel. Feels like a chef's final condiment to dishes, and drinks superbly. Superbly."2016 The Grainery ($36) - 93 points. "Rich scents but not overblown, sniffs of honey, ripe pear, toasted almonds, nougat. Decadent, but has a fresh floral lift too. Soft and slippery in texture, set on curves of stone fruit, nashi pear, slightly bitter in the nicest way, great length of flavour, vitality and so much personality. Cool, complex and fascinating wine. It's alt-styling is a great asset."