Bethany First Village GSM 2023
G 94
Cracking value here in this traditional Barossa GSM blend. Whole berry fermentation with a small percentage of whole bunches to enhance the complexity, the wine spent nine months maturing in a mix of older oak and stainless steel. Plum/dark cherry hue, the nose gives us notes of chocolate, black fruits, cassis, liquorice and plums. A supple and seductive texture, this is a most approachable style and one of immense generosity. Lovely length, this is simply delicious with fine tannins and good balance. The sort of wine that just demands a second glass. A 10-year proposition. Drink now–2035 Bethany GR Shiraz 2022 G 94 This wine represents the best parcels of Shiraz from the Bethany sub region available to the team. The name is a tribute to the founders of the estate, Geoff and Robert Schrapel. Maturation, usually for around a year and a half, is in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads, 35% of them new. There is one small parcel of old vines, fewer than five acres, in the foothills of the Barossa Ranges, which regularly excels and demands inclusion. Under Diam. An opaque maroon hue, the nose exhibits notes of black cherries, plums, spices, chocolate, liquorice, cassis and cloves. The wine is generous, ripe, balanced and most attractive, with very good length, finishing with silky tannins. Notes of choc/cherry emerge on the palate towards the finish. The wine maintains intensity throughout and oak integration is proceeding well. It will continue to improve and provide pleasure over the next 12–15 years.
Drink now–2040 Bosward Wines Barbera 2024
G 94
Medium-deep crimson. Lovely boysenberry espresso aromas and flavours. Buoyant and spicy with abundant dark berry fruits, roasted coffee notes and long chalky firm tannins. Drink now–2032 Brothers at War Nothing in Common Riesling 2025 G 94 Finely crushed rocks and a little flint, florals sitting in behind. Lovely, elegant flavours and tempered acidity, with yellow citrus senses revealed in the finish. An even, long, almost spicy finish wraps it all together. Very smart. Drink now–2036 Burge Family Winemaker Homestead Shiraz 2021 G 94 Under cork, this Barossa Shiraz is from the brilliant 2021 vintage. The colour is that of a bruised plum/cassis hue. On the nose we have notes of black cherries, tar, mocha, chocolate, mulberries, blackberries and chocolate. The wine is concentrated and the intensity is maintained for the full journey. The oak has integrated impeccably. Seductive texture, silky tannins and excellent drive are all present and correct. Finely balanced, this will easily age for another 10–15 years, continuing to improve on the way. A cracking Barossa Shiraz. Drink now–2040
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The Vintage Journal
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