Often described as the “workhorse” or “blending bowl” of major South Australian wine brands, Langhorne Creek has nevertheless been quietly achieving a great deal over the years. Blessed with a sequence of favourable natural conditions, from a maritime climate moderated by Lake Alexandrina’s cooling influence, to fertile floodplain soils fed by the Bremer and Angas rivers, and a long, dry growing season that keeps disease pressure at bay, it’s no wonder Frank Potts, founder of Bleasdale Vineyards, chose to plant roots here in the mid-1800s.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA WINE GUIDE 2026
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
VINTAGE JOURNAL
INTRODUCTION
ANGUS HUGHSON When I first entered the wine trade, over 20 years ago, South Australia was widely described as ’The Wine State’. While other regions also had significant history and a library of fine wines, South Australia was this country’s undisputed centre of wine. The Barossa and Eden valleys were the pinnacles thanks to their sheer volume of quality wine, but McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Langhorne Creek, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills and others could, on their day, hit similar heights. The landscape has certainly changed over the last three decades. New South Wales has grown far past its Hunter Valley origins, Western Australia and Tasmania have asserted their fine wine credentials, and Victoria has blossomed across numerous regions. This has been an exciting time for Australian wine in general as it has grown out of adolescence into a more mature industry with greater self-confidence, technical skill, and genuine aspirations to match the greatest wines from around the world. While there has been a movement across all states and regions, increasingly the wines from South Australia have been forgotten or undervalued in a rush to cover the evolution in other parts of the country or new-wave styles. Yet South Australia is by far the largest state in terms of vineyard area and wine production with a long and proud history which has also enjoyed its own period of evolution, and will, without doubt, continue to deserve a significant focus. The South Australian Wine Guide 2026 has been launched to rebalance the ledger, and provide a definitive guide that throws a light on all of South Australia’s wine regions, with a singular focus on the unique wines from what is still ‘The Wine State’. A number of regions are regularly overlooked by sections of wine media or do not receive the recognition due to them for their contribution to the national wine story – a trend that seems to be getting worse over time. This guide will proudly put every South Australian region on a pedestal to identify the leading local wines and highlight unique regional stories often hidden from view. A key intention for the South Australian Wine Guide 2026 is to go beyond tasting notes and scores and tell the deeper stories of the regions and their recent vintages. Tasting wine is much more profound than simply enjoying an alcoholic beverage. It is tasting the land, its people, and history expressed through aromas, flavours, and textures. From our perspective, providing a regional context is as important as any
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score and a vital component of this guide. Each region opens with an introduction to the area and wines tasted, including standout vintages and varieties to keep an eye out for. Keen Riesling fans will be particularly interested in the Eden Valley and Clare Valley reports of the 2025 Riesling vintage by Tony Love and Jeni Port, respectively. Critic choice is clearly important in guiding consumers. The world of wine has never been more complex, nor have consumer tastes. So, to reflect this diversity, this guide includes reviews from 10 critics of different ages and backgrounds. On the one hand, we have highly experienced tasters such as Andrew Caillard MW, Tony Love, Ken Gargett, and Jeni Port, whose opinions comfortably sit alongside those of rising stars Shanteh Wale, Cyndal Petty, and Lisa Cardelli. We believe a range of palates with a vast array of backgrounds and experiences is essential to provide a compelling and all-encompassing guide that will resonate with all consumers, from novices starting out on their journey to collectors with vast cellars. Our overriding view is that there is a place and a consumer for every wine and so we taste with an open mind across a broad range of styles independent of any personal preference or bias. The South Australian Wine Guide 202 6 is our second foray into building greater recognition for the wines from all of South Australia. This is, we hope, just the start, and we can build the guide into a definitive resource and vinous bible for anyone keen to get a better handle on the wines of this key centrepiece of the Australian wine industry.
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BEST OF THE BEST
Alkina Striato, Shiraz 2023
Barossa
Angove Brightlands, Shiraz 2021
McLaren Vale Coonawarra
Balnaves, The Tally Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Barton Rise & Barton View, Reserve Old Vine, Shiraz 2018
Barossa
Bekkers, Syrah 2023
McLaren Vale Adelaide Hills Langhorne Creek
BK Wines, Remy, Pinot Noir 2022 Bremerton, Old Adam, Shiraz 2022
Burge Family Winemakers, Draycott Reserve, Shiraz 2022 Charles Melton, Nine Popes, Red Blend 2022 Château Tanunda, 100 Year Old Vines, Shiraz 2022 Château Tanunda, 150 Year Old Vines, Shiraz 2022 Eisenstone, X11 Hoffmann Dallwitz Vineyard, Shiraz 2022
Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa
Elderton, Command, Shiraz 2022 First Drop, The Cream, Shiraz 2021
Henschke, Cyril Henschke, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Henschke, Hill of Grace, Shiraz 2021 Henschke, Hill of Roses, Shiraz 2021 Henschke, Mount Edelstone, Shiraz 2021 Hentley Farm, Clos Otto, Shiraz 2022 Hentley Farm, The Old Legend, Grenache 2023, Hickinbotham, The Peake, Cabernet Shiraz 2022 Jacob’s Creek, Our Limited Release Survivor Vine, Shiraz 2021
McLaren Vale
Barossa
Jim Barry Wines, The Armagh, Shiraz 2022 John Duval Wines, Eligo, Shiraz 2021 John Duval Wines, Integro, Cabernet Shiraz 2016 Kaesler Wines, Old Bastard, Shiraz 2022 Kilikanoon Wines, Walton 1946, Grenache 2021 Lake Breeze, Arthur’s Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot 2022 Langmeil Winery, The Freedom 1843, Shiraz 2022
Clare Valley
Barossa Barossa Barossa
Clare Valley
Langhorne Creek
Barossa Barossa Barossa
Levrier Wines by Jo Irvine, Grand Levrier, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mirus Vineyards, Block 5 Sand Hill, Shiraz 2023
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Mr Riggs, The Chap, Shiraz Cabernet 2021 Orlando, Centenary Hill, Shiraz 2018
McLaren Vale
Barossa
Parker Estate, 95 Block, Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2021
Coonawarra
Paulmara Estates, Aristotle, Shiraz 2021 Penfolds, Bin 95 Grange, Shiraz Blend 2021
Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa
Penfolds, RWT Bin 798, Shiraz 2023 Penfolds, St Henri, Shiraz 2022
Peter Lehmann Wines, Stonewell, Shiraz 2018 Peter Lehmann Wines, Stonewell, Shiraz 2019 Rieslingfreak, No. 10 Zenit, Riesling 2025
Rieslingfreak, No.4, Riesling 2025 Riposte, The, Pinot Noir 2025 Schild Estate, Moorooroo, Shiraz 2022
Adelaide Hills
Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa
Seppeltsfield, 100-Year-Old Para, Vintage Tawny 1925
Sons of Eden, Remus Old Vine, Shiraz 2022 Soul Growers, Belle Ame, Shiraz 2021 Soul Growers, Slow Grown, Shiraz 2023
Tarrawatta Wines, Ambervale, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Taylors, The Pioneer, Shiraz 2019
Clare Valley
Terre à Terre, Crayeres Vineyard Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Cabernet Franc 2021 Terre à Terre, Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Thistledown, Sands of Time, Grenache 2024 Torbreck Vintners, Hillside Vineyard, Grenache 2023 Torbreck Vintners, RunRig, Shiraz Viognier 2022 Two Hands, Holy Grail Single Vineyard, Shiraz 2022 Two Hands, Yacca Block Single Vineyard, Shiraz 2022
Wrattonbully Wrattonbully McLaren Vale
Barossa Barossa Barossa Barossa
Weaver, Riesling 2025
Adelaide Hills Clare Valley McLaren Vale McLaren Vale
Wines by KT, Howarth Vineyard, Shiraz Cabernet 2022 Yangarra, Hickinbotham Clarendon, Grenache 2023
Yangarra, High Sands, Grenache 2023
Yelland & Papps, Limited Cuvée, Grenache 2024
Barossa
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Langhorne Creek, 2007
LANGHORNE CREEK
LANGHORNE CREEK
LISA CARDELLI
Often described as the “workhorse” or “blending bowl” of major South Australian wine brands, Langhorne Creek has nevertheless been quietly achieving a great deal over the years. Blessed with a sequence of favourable natural conditions, from a maritime climate moderated by Lake Alexandrina’s cooling influence, to fertile floodplain soils fed by the Bremer and Angas rivers, and a long, dry growing season that keeps disease pressure at bay, it’s no wonder Frank Potts, founder of Bleasdale Vineyards, chose to plant roots here in the mid-1800s. There’s a remarkable level of consistency achieved year after year in the region, with the 2025 vintage described as “one of our best in the last few years,” says Mark Gilbert, winemaker and co-owner of Karrawatta. He’s echoed by Tom Keelan, viticulturist and winemaker at Pawn Wine Co., for whom last year was “crazy good. We had the shortest vintage ever, with above-average yields and superb grape quality. The whites retained purity and lift, and the reds showed definition, rather than density.” In 2025, the region experienced warmer days and long, uninterrupted ripening periods, allowing Mediterranean varieties to thrive in the warm weather they love. Fruit developed excellent flavour and colour, while retaining the refreshing acidity that has become the region’s hallmark. According to Wine Australia, Langhorne Creek’s crush for 2025 was 36% higher than in 2024, ranking it just behind the Adelaide Hills among the largest cool-to-temperate regions of Australia. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec remain the undisputed kings of the area in terms of quality, with a recent stylistic shift toward brighter fruit expression, softer structures, and approachability in their youth, notes Nicole Clark, director of Kimbolton Wines. Keelan believes producers should continue to focus on globally recognised varieties. “Someone once said, ‘It’s easy being the world champion of a sport that no one else in the world plays’, and I think we have that problem with Shiraz. But with Cabernet, we can genuinely go toe-to-toe with producers around the world.” With the arrival of new clones and improved canopy management in recent years, Cabernet is now on track to rival other major players, such as Coonawarra, in longevity, even if Langhorne Creek examples tend to show softer tannins and riper fruit profiles. As Clark notes, “I’ve been drinking many Langhorne Creek Cabernets
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and blends from the 2004 vintage, and all were exceptional”. The pedigree of the regional expression has also been recognised in major wine shows, including the Royal Adelaide. “We’ve been a finalist in the Wines of Provenance class on numerous occasions”, says Greg Follett, winemaker at Lake Breeze Wines, “and this year we picked up the Provenance Prize for our Arthur’s Reserve”. Malbec, too, continues to shine. Several single-varietal examples have impressed for their ability to match vibrant colour with expressive fruit and structure, while maintaining freshness. One of my highest scores, in fact, went to a single-varietal Malbec. “Malbec is a bit like Goose in Top Gun – it’s the wingman to Cabernet, but over the last decade it’s really excelled as a stand-alone variety,” says Keelan. Thriving under warm days and cool nights, Malbec is prized by locals for its ability to deliver wines of penetrating colour and intoxicating perfume, though it demands extra care during heatwaves. According to the SA Winegrape Crush Survey 2025, “Malbec price increased by 8 per cent to $1,280 per tonne.” Beyond its classic reds of great longevity and value, Langhorne Creek is now drawing attention for its success with Mediterranean varieties. “At the 2025 Langhorne Creek Wine Show, trophy wins spanned both classic and emerging styles, from Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec through to fresh, expressive alternatives like Pecorino and Graciano”, says Sam Watkins, winemaker at Watkins Wines and Chair of the Langhorne Creek Winemakers Committee. “This breadth
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Langhorne Creek
Southern Flinders Ranges
Clare Valley
Riverland
Barossa Valley
Adelaide Plains
Eden Valley
Adelaide Hills
Adelaide
McLaren Vale
Langhorne Creek
Currency Creek
Southern Fleurieu
Kangaroo Island
Langhorne Creek
Padthaway
Mount Benson
Wrattonbully
Robe
Coonawarra
Mount Gambier
Lake Alexandrina
langhornecreek.com
of achievement reflects a shift from being known primarily for workhorse reds to being recognised for dynamic, modern wines that resonate with today’s drinkers.” Among the locals, Rebecca Wilson, of Bremerton Wines, and Tom Keelan were among the first to bet on varieties like Vermentino, Fiano, Tempranillo, Graciano, and others. “They hold acidity, handle the heat, have a savoury edge, and deliver flavour without excessive alcohol”, says Keelan. “As the climate shifts, it’s about adaptability, not chasing fashion.” Clark grafted her first Montepulciano in 2006, has since added Fiano and Carignan, and has never looked back. Follett is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Vermentino, now joined by Nero d’Avola and the rising star Pecorino, which took home the trophy for Best Sparkling Wine, White Wine, and Rosé at this year’s Langhorne Creek Wine Show. If there has ever been an exciting time to make wine in the region, it’s now, Watkins says. Langhorne Creek’s dual personality, capable of producing both structured Malbec and bright, lifted Tempranillo, as Keelan highlights, combined with high- quality viticulture and premium wines priced more moderately than those of neighbouring regions, is among its greatest strengths. The relatively new Project 5255, launched in 2020 by the Langhorne Creek wine region, has also brought renewed attention to the area. Each year, three winemakers from across Australia can apply to work with Langhorne Creek fruit and create a blend. The initiative has attracted such respected names as Robert Mack of Aphelion Wines, Greg Clack and Kate Horstmann of XO Wine Co., and Brendon Keys of BK Wines. For many, this first-time collaboration has developed into an enduring relationship with the region. Still, a key question remains: why does Langhorne Creek count little more than a handful of producers? “For most growers, it’s simply unsustainable. Consumers expect premium products for nothing in a flooded market,” says Gilbert. Keelan, however, is more optimistic, seeing a shift in narrative as rising costs in other wine regions highlight Langhorne Creek’s affordability and quality. And, perhaps, less really is more. The region’s small, close-knit group of producers continues to work collaboratively towards the shared goal of promoting Langhorne Creek to a wider audience. At the same time, sustainability remains front and centre, with most of the region’s vineyard area participating in Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, a commitment that, as Watkins notes, “reinforces that Langhorne Creek is not only positioned for today’s achievements, but for tomorrow’s responsibilities”. As John Glaetzer aptly puts it, “It’s a region built on trust and partnership, not ego”.
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The Reviews
Bremerton Old Adam Shiraz 2022
G 97
An inky purple-red colour presages a wine of considerable stature. The nose is a concentrated burst of luxurious fruit: blue plum, mulberry, boysenberry, and cherries dipped in liqueur and wrapped in chocolate. Yet there’s also an exotic side that’s hard to miss, that from oak, yes, of Tahitian vanilla, star anise, spearmint. This is certainly a wine with thick skin, almost syrupy in texture, with glue-like tannins that cling tightly without letting go. It could have gone sideways, overwhelmed by a generous whiff of alcohol. Instead, it finishes gracefully, carried by just enough vibrancy and juiciness to promise a long future. Drink now–2038 Lake Breeze Arthur’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot 2022 G 97 A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot, named after the man who planted the very first vines on the property at the end of 1880s. Thanks, Arthur Follett. This is Cabernet at another level, such is the intensity of its aromas: an elegant hint of savouriness and a mineral embrace of gravel frame of tightly packed blackberries and blackcurrants surrounded by layers of mint, dark chocolate, cigar box, clove, cassia bark, tomato bush leaf, and dried violet. The palate is defined by succulence and pedigree, with imposing gravelly tannins that drive length, persistency, and intensity of flavour, all working in favour of a truly great wine. Drink now–2040 The Pawn Wine Co Malbec 2023 G 96 Two years old, and the colour is still fresh as a daisy. As for the nose, luxurious, well- polished blackberries, black plums, and black cherries, with violets and spearmint leaping out of the glass. Then come all the lovely oak-spice notes: dark chocolate, cedar, vanilla pods, and a savoury edge of roasted olives. The mid-palate presence is incredible, with slowly building granular tannins that expand sideways, making space for a stream of acidity that carries the flavours through to a fine, extended finish. No alcohol burn in sight. Just pure enjoyment and drinkability. Drink now– 2032 Kimbolton The Rifleman Shiraz 2021 G 95 An intense, deeply ruby red with a vibrant blue hue, showing the energy and youthfulness of the wine. The nose is lifted, opening with polished mulberries, blood plums, black cherries, and pomegranate, then shifting towards a savoury layer of olive tapenade, dried herbs, and salted chocolate. On the palate, it feels both coiled and fruit-laden, an initial burst of flavour that gradually narrows into a focused line, guiding the wine to a well-composed finish. Fine-grained tannins support the length and structure. Drink now–2035
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Lake Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
G 95
This is the pedigree of true Aussie Cabernet, majestically blending the best of two worlds. Aromas of spearmint and cedar mingle with chewed tobacco, dark cocoa nibs, cassis, black plum, and a decadent hint of potpourri. While luxurious and exotic, the palate is juicy and lifted, savoury and detailed, with a fine level of puckering tannins that never intrude. Fruity and spicy flavours work in harmony, melting together into a long, elegant finish. Simply delicious. Drink now–2035 Lake Breeze Winemaker’s Selection Shiraz 2022 G 95 Produced only in the best vintages, this wine includes a substantial portion (around 80%) of fruit from 50-year-old vines. It still shows a youthful vibrancy in its colour, with a lively purple rim. While more secondary, oak-derived aromas dominate the nose, the blue and red fruits remain fresh and vivid, displaying a well-polished character. Alongside notes of new leather, vanilla, cedar, and pink peppercorn, there’s a generous layer of mulberry, blueberry, raspberry, and blue plum that keeps the drinker engaged. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity contribute to both the wine’s length and its ageing potential. Drink now–2035 Bremerton Special Release Fiano 2025 G 94 The aroma of poached pears with cinnamon hits the nose straight away, followed by lemon curd, orange zest, yellow apples, and fresh dough. The palate is far more expressive than the nose, where the aromas required some coaxing. Here, instead, there’s a clearly defined combination of aromatic and floral notes, frangipani, yuzu, apricot, and honeydew melon, faintly reminiscent of Viognier. A subtle lick of fruit sweetness adds depth to the flavour profile and propels the length, supported by the lively acidity. Drink now–2028 Bremerton Bâtonnage Shiraz, Malbec 2022 G 94 Dark and deep, staining the glass without shame. The aromas and flavours follow the same line, packed with brutal force into an alternating mix of red and black plums, mixed berries, and the spicy lift of pink peppercorn, cloves, chewed tobacco, and a touch of dried herbs. Big, chunky tannins wrap around the entire palate, showing real presence and carrying through with a brooding attitude. There’s still plenty to unpack here over time. Drink now–2031 Karrawatta Christos’s Paddock Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 G 94 Broody, deeply coiled, and dense, with blackcurrant, blackberry, and prune tightly wrapped in layers of dark chocolate, spearmint, and rolled tobacco. The palate shows soaring freshness that contrasts strikingly with the thick, inky flavours, supported by chunky tannins that still have sharp edges, giving a reminder that this wine has plenty of life ahead of it. Drink now–2038
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Lake Breeze Malbec 2023
G 94
An enticing purple colour leads the way to an inviting, lifted and fruit-driven nose, with dark cherries, blood plums, blackberries, macerated violets and oak, intercalation of cloves, carob and cracked black pepper. On the palate it maintains the shimmering aspect of the fruit, also showing a certain juiciness, coupled with gravelly tannins and a consistently sweet and savoury end of the palate, all while maintaining a good dose of finesse. Drink now–2033 Zonte’s Footstep Violet Beauregard Malbec 2023 G 94 At its core, this is a Malbec of brooding dark flavours, prunes, blackcurrant, pink peppercorn, and crushed violets, complemented by herbal hints of dried rosemary and bay leaf. Yet on the surface, it wants to be refreshing and lithe, like summer rain, with supple tannins and a sleek, lingering finish. This medium-bodied style is a delight to drink in its youth. Drink now–2030 Bremerton Special Release Malbec 2023 G 93 Vibrant purple in colour, with lifted floral notes of crushed violets, shimmering dark cherries, blackcurrants, and black plums, layered with vanilla, milk chocolate, and a tempting hint of mixed berry tart. A Malbec that ticks all the boxes, coaxing the palate with sticky, generous tannins clinging to the sides, and a lingering dark cocoa aftertaste built to last. Drink now–2030 Karrawatta Chistos’s Paddock Grand Vin Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 G 93 As intense as it comes, with a mix of confectionary notes – think cherries dipped in chocolate, plum liqueur, macerated blackberries, polished leather, bay leaf, and tobacco leaf. The palate is juicily vibrant and firmly structured, showing a graphite- like thread through the mid-palate, where deeply savoury elements of black olive tapenade, cloves, and pencil shavings dominate. It finishes dry, with a lingering dominance of dark cocoa. Drink now–2035 Karrawatta Spartacus Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz 2020 G 93 A blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Malbec, and 18% Shiraz, made from hand- picked grapes sourced from the best, low-yielding parcels of old vines. The wine shows a ruby-red colour of medium intensity, with an expressive nose full of sweet berry fruit, preserved black plums, macerated violets, cherries, polished leather, and cocoa nibs, lifted by hints of umami soy sauce and dried mushrooms. The palate is thick and full, continuing the interplay of sweet and savoury elements with a distinctive savoury streak. It’s tightly packed through the mid-palate, with round tannins and plenty still to unfold. Drink now–2036
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Karrawatta Joseph Grand Vin Block 1 Shiraz 2019
G 93
Made only in the very best years, from just five rows, a small production. Now entering a stage of development, it shows macerated red cherries and plums, hints of caramel and barbecued meat, cedar, and a savoury counterpoint to the sweetness, with a distinctive sarsaparilla note that’s particularly noticeable on the palate. Rich and bold, it calls for hearty, earthy dishes to match its stature. The delectable freshness and granular tannins will assist in elevating the overall culinary experience. Drink now–2031 Lake Breeze Vermentino 2025 G 93 Like a whiff of crisp spring air, it carries aromas of lemon sherbet, orange blossom, mandarin, guava, and pineapple. The palate combines a lovely creamy texture with a discerning phenolic grip, while maintaining enough tension and an irreverent energy of zesty citrus appeal that lingers towards the back of the palate. Consistently one of the most solid examples of Vermentino in Australia. Drink now–2028 The Pawn Wine Co Fiano 2024 G 93 The aromatic side of this Fiano is initially masked by generous lees notes, crème fraîche and fresh dough. With each swirl, aromas of honeydew melon and lemon verbena emerge, joined by jasmine and a delicate nutty hint of almond. The texture is beautiful, though the flavours are more restrained than the nose, taking time to unlock its fruity profile. It finishes with a distinct phenolic tang. Drink now–2027 Zonte’s Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2022 G 93 A vibrant red colour leads into crunchy notes of red cherry, red plum, rhubarb, and mulberry, complemented by enticing hints of vanilla, cedar, and dark chocolate nibs. The palate is both silky and energetic, with just the right amount of dusty tannin grip and a moreish, exquisitely fruity core. While the finish leans towards the delicate side, the burst of flavour across the palate is both attractive and tasty. Drink now–2030 Bremerton Bâtonnage Chardonnay 2024 G 92 As the name implies, there’s plenty of fresh cream and ricotta-like aroma to unpack from the lees stirring before reaching the core of the fruit: Jazz red apples, Meyer lemons, and white peaches, among others. The lees influence continues to dominate on the palate, creating an uber-textural, multidimensional structure that caresses the tongue, leading the way to a well calibrated, refreshing line of acidity. Drink now–2030
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Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2022
G 92
With a name hailing from Scotland, the native village of winemaker Rebecca Willson’s grandfather, this wine leans into an aromatic, lifted style. Violets, vanilla, and milk chocolate open the conversation before the focus shifts to mulberries, blueberries, and blood plums. There’s a pleasing sappiness and, as expected, a medium-bodied frame that makes this an effortlessly drinkable wine, yet one that still has years ahead of it. Drink now–2030 Karrawatta Joseph Shiraz 2019 G 92 Only 140 dozen made, from low-yielding vines grown in Christo’s Paddock off the Angus River in Langhorne Creek. Lifted and fragrant, it offers a pleasant interplay of mulberries, red cherries, pomegranate, and cloves, with hints of dark cocoa and leather. On the palate, gravelly tannins frame the luxurious fruit, leading to a lingering bittersweet tang on the finish. Drink now–2030 Kimbolton Single Vineyard Fig Tree Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 G 92 There’s a savoury, mineral-gravel opening that hints at a Claret-like profile. But let’s contain our excitement for a moment. Aromas of blackcurrants and blackberries mingle with prunes and figs wrapped in chocolate, followed by notes of charred wood, fresh tobacco, spearmint, and cedar. On the palate, it weaves together fruity, savoury, and spicy elements in an arc, framed by muscular tannins that finish with a bitter edge and an exotic accent of oak. Drink now–2035
Metala William Formby Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
G 92
There’s a touch of dustiness here, with the fruit seeming somewhat subdued beneath the oak and savoury notes of soy sauce and bitumen. The palate still feels partially restrained, as the fruit struggles to emerge, though it does, little by little. Not for the impatient drinker, but with some decanting, it should open up. Drink now–2040 The Pawn Wine Co El Desperado Tempranillo 2023 G 92 A brilliant ruby-red with a smidge of orange at the rim, hinting at some evolution, yet the nose remains delightfully lifted and moreish. Intensely polished and shimmering aromas of morello cherries, cranberries, blood plums, crushed violets, vanillin, cinnamon, and orange covered in chocolate. The palate is both refreshing and packed with luscious berries and sweet spices, framed by sandy tannins and a fruit-driven finish. Drink now–2029
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Bremerton Coulthard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
G 91
A vibrant and punchy Cabernet, with its herbal guns blazing. Mint-chocolate, blackcurrant leaf, and blackberry lead the way in an open, generous bouquet. Chunky tannins and a mineral-laden undertone of graphite frame the palate, washed through by brisk acidity and layered with savoury and oak-derived flavours on top. Drink now–2030 Karrawatta The Meddler Malbec 2021 G 91 A limited-production wine hailing from Christo’s Paddock and named after Mark Gilbert’s mother, affectionately known as “The Meddler.” The nose shows generous aromas of macerated cherries and violets, with plenty of carob, mocha, and molasses. The palate is bold and juicy, with chunky tannins and a clear presence of sweet fruit. Despite its richness, it has a good drinkability, finishing with incisive notes of sweet berries and oak on the back palate. Drink now–2031 Lake Breeze Pecorino 2025 G 91 Pecorino is becoming a thing in Australia, and why shouldn’t it? Heat-resistant, thick-skinned, and able to retain acidity. Yes, please! The Lake Breeze example is simply delicious. It shows notes of crunchy red Jazz apple, nectarine, and lime, with a gentle floral lift of fragrant acacia. On the palate, a balance of creamy texture and tingling acidity shines through, finishing with a lip-smacking, sherbety finale. Drink now–2028 The Pawn Wine Co El Desperado Pinot Grigio 2025 G 91 Fragrant with a capital F, with aromas of Packham pear, lemon, grapefruit, Granny Smith apple, and blossom that leap from the glass. Tense and zingy, vibrant and utterly refreshing, yet poised, with citrus and crunchy green fruit carrying through the mid-palate and into the finish. A terrific, crisp, and frisky Grigio. Drink Now Bremerton Walter’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 G 90 Fruit aromas here are tempered by a notable presence of oak and herbal characters. The flavours lean towards sweet black fruit, with layers of vanilla, choc-mint, chewed tobacco, clove, and black olive paste. Grippy tannins still pad both sides of the palate, and while each structural component is largely in balance, the wine has yet to fully resolve the time it spent in oak. Drink now–2032
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Bremerton Tamblyn Cabernet, Shiraz, Malbec, Merlot 2022
G 90
A blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Shiraz, 12% Malbec, and 6% Merlot. The nose is dark, herbal, smoky, and woody, revealing layers of prune, blackcurrant, mint, tomato leaf, olive tapenade, charred wood, cigar box, and clove, in that order. Roasted capsicum from the Cabernet opens the palate, followed by a burst of generous alcohol at the centre and relatively grippy tannins on the finish. Drink now–2030
Bremerton Special Release Tempranillo, Graciano 2022
G 90
An all-Spanish blend that works, offering a balanced display of fruity and savoury elements: polished cherries and blackberries, dark chocolate and vanilla, brewed black tea leaves, and olive tapenade. That duality continues on the palate, culminating in a medium-bodied svelte wine with plenty of refreshing tang. Drink now–2027 EKIN Wine Co Sparkling Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2023 G 90 Pink with a faint bronze in the glass, good red fruit flavours and a terrific mousse/ bubble through its core. Well put together for an everyday party style. Drink now– 2028 Kimbolton Single Vineyard M14 Fiano 2025 G 90 A shimmering yellow colour, with vibrant aromas of melon, Kanzi red apples, pink grapefruit, Nashi pear, and fresh rosemary leaping from the glass. On the palate, it delivers a velvety texture balanced by mouth-puckering acidity. This light-bodied style layers subtle citrus honey and lemon verbena notes with crunchy green fruit flavours and a hint of saltiness on the finish. Drink now–2031 Metala White Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 G 90 There’s plenty of meat on the bones here, with dried blackberries, blackcurrant, prunes, dark cherries, cigar box, chocolate mint, and cedar. Generosity aplenty. The massive, bulky tannins are tempered only by lively acidity, while the fruit profile feels more reserved in this instance. With time, more flavours will unfold. Drink now–2038
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Langhorne Creek
229
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