Ngooleek Light Dry Red 2025

Wurundjeri Country

A collaboration wine forged around an ideal of ‘celebration, belonging, country and community’ bringing together Mac Forbes, Jayden Ong, Centare Vineyard, Giant Steps, Barrique Wine Store with activist Tony D’Abbs and support for Coranderrk Aboriginal Station. The community approach to the wine sees a blend of pinot noir, shiraz, malbec, cabernet franc, delivered in equal parts by the wineries. All profits (it works out around $10 a bottle) go to Coranderrk. The aim is to connect more meaningfully with the Wurundjeri people on whose land the fruit and wine work comes from. It’s neither here nor there on the points attributed to the wine, for posterity only; let it be said that it is a fantastic drink.

Symptomatic of an interest and drinking repertoire, this wine reminded me instantly of bright, refreshing pelaverga. Incredibly so. Crisp edges, glassy texture, tart red cherry fruitiness, dashes of spice, alpine herbs, crushed rock minerality and a saline twang. Blood orange, botanicals, bitter herbs in tow. Yes thanks. It’s got some layers and interest in its varied grape varieties for those seeking complexity alongside their drinkability. Light it up with a good chill if you like too. Delicious, straight up. - WineFront.com.au

2025 // 750ml // ABV 13.5%

Similar: Cabernet Franc, Mac Forbes, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Yarra Valley