“Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.” Albert Einstein wasn’t talking about wine, of course, but the sentiment still applies. Some wines are so easy to enjoy that we tend not to slow down and give them the attention they deserve. I think Angullong’s Fossil Hill range falls into that category. They have a certain “un no sé qué” that is quietly valued by those who drink them.
Tempranillo might be a Mediterranean variety, but it has found a comfortable home in Orange, where the balance of fruit, savouriness and structure seems almost effortless. It’s the kind of wine you can drink happily without thinking, yet it rewards you the moment you pause and take notice. The 2023 release is another reminder that sometimes the most satisfying wines are the ones that simply earn attention and accolades without the headlines.
Region: Orange Region, NSW Price: $30 Source: Sample thanks kindly to Angullong Wines and Define Wine
The nose opens with blackberry and black cherry, a gentle herbal edge and a touch of spice. The palate follows with those dark fruits sitting comfortably alongside a savoury note, a welcome addition that doesn’t weigh the wine down. The tannins feel fine-grained, offering a food‑friendly structure that sits true to the variety. There’s a lovely persistence here too, the fruit carrying through with good varietal focus. It’s a delightfully approachable, well-made Tempranillo that brings both generosity and a genuine ‘yum factor’ in equal measure.
Words from a Wine Glass 