Chaffey Bros. Wine Co Not Your Grandma’s Riesling Riesling 2025
G 93
Definitely not my grandmother’s Eden Valley Riesling. She was convinced that so much as looking at a bottle of alcohol meant eternal damnation. I always find it a little ironic that she made the world’s best lemon butter on toast, which is, of course, a typical character found in aged Riesling. She would, however, have approved of what excellent value this wine is. From the Noack Vineyard in the southern parts of the Eden Valley, the vines are up to 55 years in age. A shining lemon hue, there are attractive citrusy notes, with limes, lemons and grapefruit. There is also a touch of a fragrant lemon detergent note, something I find as a positive. In addition, hints of florals, river pebbles and bath salts. The structure is seamless with fine balance and medium length. A touch firm on the finish, this will provide pleasure over the next 8–10 years. Drink now–2035 Chaffey Bros. Wine Co Super Barossa Cabernet, Shiraz 2022 G 93 The great Australian red blend, nowhere does Cabernet and Shiraz quite like the Barossa. An even split between the two varieties. Just 490 cases made, the fruit comes from old vines on the Rohrlach/Dorrien Vineyards and spends a year and a half maturing in French oak hogsheads. A maroon core, with a deep red rim, the nose is earthy with chocolate, leather, animal skins, aniseed, soy, mushrooms and bay leaves, giving a pleasing savoury impression. The wine lifts on the palate and there is good oak integration throughout. Of medium length, it finishes with sleek tannins. For drinking over the next 8–12 years. Drink now–2037 Chaffey Bros. Wine Co Lux Venit Old Vine Rosé Grenache, Mourvèdre 2025 G 93 An absolutely cracking Barossa Rosé, just 493 cases made. Wild fermentation, with the fruit coming from the Lyndoch sub-region. The wine had a spell in French oak. A gentle fading pink, this is attractive, fresh, poised and clean. A bright style with depth of flavour. We have notes of strawberries, cherries, spices and florals along with hints of citrus. A touch savoury, there is excellent length here. Enjoy this over the next 3–5 years. Anyone who dismisses Rosé as not serious is in for a revelation. Drink now–2030 Chaffey Bros. Wine Co Not Your Grandma’s Rosé Grenache, Mourvèdre 2025 G 93 Ideal varieties for a succulent Barossa Valley Rosé, the team have also included a dollop of white varieties from the Eden Valley, for the “X factor”. As I have said elsewhere, my grandmother, wonderful woman that she was, was actually convinced that any hint of alcohol meant eternal damnation so, yes, definitely not my grandmother’s Rosé. The palest pink hue here, this is fresh, enticing and focused. We have notes of florals, a touch of muscat, strawberries and raspberries. A pristine style with good energy and impressive intensity, this is both alluring and delicious. A fine line of acidity runs the length. A seriously good Rosé which, for me, is a step up on last year’s very fine effort. Enjoy it now and for the next three years. Love it. Drink now–2028
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The Vintage Journal
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