Four Winds Vineyard Reviews

Alinga Chardonnay 2009 - $16

“Canberra is one of the most exciting wine regions on the contemporary Australian wine scene. Few of the wines are as reasonably priced as this unoaked chardonnay from the Lunney family’s Four Winds vineyard. It’s pale, light and fresh with melon, apple and citrus aromas, medium-intensity melon flavours and a clean, persistent finish.” Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age

“Simple, yet with a certain je ne sais quio - whatever that means - and a certain style. 8.3/10” Max Crus, Grape Expectations

Alinga Sangiovese 2009 - $19

“This is one of the juiciest, loveliest Australian Sangiovese’s I’ve tasted. Jaime Lunney made it from the Yarra Yering clone of the variety, grown on her family’s Murrumbateman vineyard. It’s medium coloured and bodied and finishes with sangiovese’s typical firm, fine, savoury tannins. But it differs from most of the local versions in its buoyant, lively, earthy perfume – a characteristic that carries over to the delicious, drink-me-now palate. I know little of this clone. But they say clonal selection is vital with Sangiovese. Whatever it is, there’s something very good going on here.” - Chris Shanahan, The Canberra Times

”Light, clear red; a very attractive light-bodied Sangiovese driven by its sour cherry and red cherry fruit, tannins no more than an extra. Ready right now with Italian food.” Rating 90 - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Four Winds Vineyard Merlot 2009 - $19

“Blackberries are centre stage but it's the tangy yellow plum flesh and sour plum skin which interests me. The sun-dried tomato characters are intriguing as well. Nice regional nutty qualities are present, if in the background.” -Jeremy Pringle, Wine will eat itself blog

“The Lunney Family’s 13ha vineyard lies just east of Murrumbateman and the wines are made by Graeme Lunney and his daughter, Jaime - a forensic biologist-turned-winemaker. The merlot shows high-toned, plummy aromas and the bright, vibrant fruit of the outstanding 2009 vintage. It is medium-bodies and vibrantly fruity, with the elegant, taut-but-soft structure of cool-grown merlot. It’s made to enjoy now or in the next couple of years either on its own, thanks to the bright fruit and softness, or with light, savoury food.” -Chris Shanahan - The Canberra Times

Alinga Cabernet Merlot 2008 - $19

Bronze - 2010 NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show

“Alinga Canberra District Cabernet Merlot 2008 deeper colour than the Merlot, accurately suggesting greater depth and more structure; blackcurrant and plum fruit is supported by persistent savoury tannins; again seems to have higher alcohol, but it barely matters.” Rating 90 - James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011

“Black currants, plums and blueberries with dark tobacco and some gentle leafiness. Coffee grounds and chocolate come courtesy of the oak and there’s a bit of spice & mint for good measure. Enough friendly tannin at the end to please most people and, although it’s not an overly detailed wine, its form is very pleasant. Cherry, earthy characters play foil to the sweet fruit creating an appealing package. I haven’t had much success with Cabernet blends from Canberra but this works very well. Further evidence that the Four Winds Vineyard is capable of some special things.” - Jeremy Pringle, Wine Will Eat Itself blog

Alinga Shiraz 2008 - $19

“Top Aussie Red

Canberra is yielding lovely shirazes these days, one after another. This new brand is a lighter-bodied version with the same lovely elegance, spicy/meaty fragrance and fleshy texture we see from the famous names. Fine tannins, harmony, softness; seductive stuff. Now to 2020. 90/100.” - Huon Hooke, The Sydney Morning Herald

“The Lunney family planted their 13ha Four Winds Vineyard at Murrumbateman in 1998 during BRL Hardy’s push into the region. Indeed, daughter Jaime Lunney worked two Canberra vintages with Hardys and now makes the family wines. The unoaked chardonnay, sourced from Four Winds Vineyard and other Canberra vineyards offers a great big gob-full of ripe melon-and-peach chardonnay flavours - a simple generous, fruity and fresh wine. The estate-grown shiraz is just lovely, and great value. It’s in the elegant, regined Canberra style: limpid colour; bright and ripe berry fruit under-lying spicy and savoury characters; and a juicy, easy-drinking medium-bodied palate.” - Chris Shanahan, Top Drops, The Canberra Times

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Alinga Riesling 2010 - $17

“A wine with a price tag that makes it a steal” Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age

“A very appealing, very young riesling from the Canberra region, this is an appetising, German-style drop. It opens with an interesting mix of apple, musk, spice and limey scents. The palate has a delicate element of fruit sweetness but its steely, tight structure and zesty acidity keep it crisp and tangy.” - Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age

“Alinga is very much a family affair, based at the Four Winds Vineyard, Murrumbateman. Graeme and Suzanne Lunney planted the first vines in 1998 and their children have all since joined the business. Their 2010 Riesling is an appealing, gentle style - delightfully aromatic, with a delicate, juicy, soft palate and a good burst of acid giving backbone and crispness to the dry finish. It will probably be at its best over the next two or three years.” Chris Shanahan, The Canberra Times

“This one smells of brown pears, citrus and paw paw pulling up just shy of lychees. Pear and melon enrich the mid-palate with some grapefruit and lime balancing the tropical sweetness quite well. Length is decent. Some of the most attractive traits are the light spice and candied orange peel that come in at the end.” Jeremy Pringle, Wine will eat itself blog

Alinga Shiraz 2009 - $19

Wait a little while for a thin covering of confectionery to blow off and you have a nice little Shiraz here. Forest berries, peanuts, damp earth, a little mint and some pepper. Nimble with tangy acidity riding the flavours the whole way through.

There's a bit of tannic grip, always nice to see at this price point. The finish isn't emphatic but I like the salty sour plum flavour that the wine goes out on.

Four Winds Vineyard are certainly establishing themselves as a small winery worth watching. This is a step up from the previous release; hopefully indicative of where the things are heading in the future. - Jeremy Pringle, Wine Will Eat Itself blog

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