Curator Marananga Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
G 94
This wine sees only French oak hogsheads, around half of them new, for a year and a half. A fine example of how warm climate Cabernet can be utterly delicious, even if it does not resemble the more traditional styles. Under Diam. Inky dark hue, the aromas offer notes of cigar boxes, cassis, blackberries, coffee beans and mocha. There is a sweet core of choc/cherry, which centres the wine. Supple and seamless with a fine line of acidity, good balance and medium to good length, the oak is deftly handled. This is very much a crowd-pleaser. The palate sees the emergence of notes of cold tea, more chocolate, black fruits and cassis. Ideally, squirrel this away for the next three to five years and then enjoy over the following decade. Drink now–2035 Dandelion Vineyards Enchanted Garden of the Eden Valley Riesling 2025 G 94 Never quite sure whether or not the name for this always cracking Riesling came from Tolkien, the Bible, or somebody’s delightfully twisted mind after a few too many samples. The wine is yet more evidence that the 2025 vintage is another excellent one. A bone-dry style, with relatively low alcohol, 11.5%, it is ideal for summer drinking when a second glass is compulsory. The fruit comes from a range of regional vineyards. Brilliant value. Ripe in style, and perhaps even a hint forward at this early stage, the colour is that of pale straw. The nose gives us notes of citrus, chalk, bath salts, grapefruit, river stones and a hint of peach. Forward it possibly is, but it is also very long, and the intensity is maintained for the full journey. Juicy acidity runs the length. This is clean, fresh, pristine, focused and impressively balanced. Enjoy it over the next 12–15 years. Drink now–2040 Eden Hall Springton Riesling 2024 G 94 A lemon straw hue here, this is a beautifully fragrant Riesling with lime blossoms, florals and gentle hints of peach skins. Construction is immaculate, as is the balance. There is a slight note of a chalky/ talc backing. Fine acidity runs the length with a dry, clean finish. Good length. This is a really attractive Riesling. Drink now–2036 Eisenstone SR802 Ebenezer Shiraz 2022 G 94 Deep colour. Lifted blackberry, elderberry, praline aromas with wood varnish notes. Generously concentrated blackberry pastille, elderberry, hint mint flavours, fine loose-knit chocolaty tannins and well-integrated roasted walnut notes. Finishes chocolaty and long. Drink now–2038 Eisenstone X12 Richardson Goldfeld Vineyard Shiraz 2022 G 94 Medium-deep crimson. Red cherry, strawberry, dried plum, panforte aromas with hints of marzipan/ spice. Slinky textured with ample red and blackberry fruits, fine, loose-knit, chocolaty, touch rusty tannins and well-balanced vanilla/ marzipan/ roasted almond notes. Finishes firm and tight. Attractive volume and vigour. 14.5% alc Drink now–2040
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The Vintage Journal
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