Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir 2025
G 92
From a warm, dry and early vintage, this new release sits more in a savoury pocket than straight out fruit bomb territory, exhibiting kitchen garden aromas, thyme especially, through to native foliage, saltbush, and more exotic Boronia, delicate and seductive, tempered a touch with subtly charry oak. All this settles comfortably into the palate that has a thread of black cherry flavour, echoing aromas, and a neatly fitting, soft Velcro-like tannin grip to finish. Still quite tight in its youth and will unfold with further personality over the next year or two, when its crazy value will increasingly reward. Drink now–2033 Sidewood Estate Sparkling Shiraz NV G 92 Few things feel more Australian than sparkling Shiraz – a true cultural artefact, especially in South Australia. Deep black cherries, blueberry compote and pressed lavender. The sugar work is smart, the finish off-dry and dank – in the best way. Cherry cola and organic cacao. Drink with your friends from afar, at Christmas, or while watching The Lord of the Rings. Drink now–2028
Sidewood Estate Chardonnay 2024
G 92
Bright and zinging style in this Estate level iteration. More grapefruit citrus than sweeter white stone fruits, though both are flavour components. The acidity, citrussy big time, is a palate-dominant factor, with the faintest of oak spice in the background. Pucker up. Drink now–2030 Sidewood Estate Gamay 2024 G 92 Light and breezy, blueish florals, white mushroom, juicy, with great energy rather than complexity. Drink now and through summer, possibly with a chill. Drink now– 2028 Smeaton Estate Sienna Riesling 2019 G 92 From a single vineyard in the Forreston district, the colour is now mid-gold, with attractive lime leaf and zest now moving into deeper aromatic realms. Flavours are well mannered, as is the acidity, while the mouthfeel is chalk-dusty and minerally, through to a salivating exit. Drink now–2029 The Lane Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon 2024 G 92 A wine to make you stand at attention. Taut and tense. Gooseberry, orange blossom and fresh lime. The acidity is linear – like a lightning bolt – cutting through with precision. Lime rind, tea tree and fresh daisies trail behind. A clean, refreshing finish. Drink now–2031
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The Vintage Journal
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