Brothers at War The Old Man Syrah 2023
G 92
From a range of vineyards in the Eden Valley region, this Syrah has 10% Grenache included. Maturation is in 500-litre French oak puncheons for 15 months; 10% of those puncheons were new. Very dark maroon, the nose reveals savoury notes of dry herbs, beef stock, mushrooms, plums and blackberries. An appealingly subtle texture with satiny tannins and a lingering finish, this will be better in two to three years and then drink well over the next decade, over which time the score should rise even further. Drink now–2035 Burge Family Winemakers Draycott Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 G 92 Under cork, another example of Cabernet faring well in the Barossa Valley. Opaque maroon in colour with a dark purple rim, the nose offers notes of spices, bay leaves, chocolate, dry herbs, soy, beef stock, plums and blackberries. The palate is a little more earthy, a touch rustic even, and the wine is of medium length. The tannins are a little more burly than with many of its peers. Drink this over the next 8–12 years. Drink now–2037 Camino Wine Co Blanc de Noir Grenache 2024 G 92 Fascinating stuff. Did someone say Grenache is versatile? This is not Grenache B\lanc, which is basically a mutation of Grenache Noir (what we simply call Grenache), but rather Grenache (or Grenache Noir, if one wants to be really picky) which has been crushed and the juice removed from the skins before it can pick up any colour. The ‘colour’ with which we are left is a pale straw. The nose offers spices and herbs, lemon and stone fruits. This is keenly flavoured. A lovely, seductive texture, juicy acidity and impressive length all combine to lift this wine. A must-try. Drink now–2033 Camino Wine Co Rosé Grenache 2024 G 92 The colour is that of an orange/pink sunset, while the nose is all strawberries and cream. There are small, though pleasant, intrusions from dry herbs, florals and red fruits. Quite an exuberant style, this is fresh and clean with medium length and a gentle finish. An attractive rosé, best consumed in the reasonably near future. Drink now–2027 Chaffey Bros. Wine Co Kontra Punkt Kerner 2024 G 92 Solo Kerner is not a variety often encountered locally. This one is from the Fechner Vineyard in the Eden Valley. The grape is actually a cross between Riesling and Trollinger, first created in 1929. It may not have taken off in quite the manner originally hoped, but it does provide some enjoyable wines. Pale lemon/straw, we have notes of citrus, especially grapefruit and lemon, combined with dried herbs and hints of bitter almond on the finish. A wine of medium length and a seductive texture. A curio, perhaps, but certainly worth a look. It should drink well over the next 2–3 years. Drink now–2028
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The Vintage Journal
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