Gibson My Darling Merlot 2023
G 91
While this may seem a curious name for a Merlot, each to their own and there is always a reason; what is far more important is what is in the bottle, rather than what is on it. The name is actually a tribute to winemaker Rob Gibson’s wife, Anne. The colour is a ruby magenta hue. The nose gives us notes of bay leaves, dried herbs, plums, raspberries, animal fur and warm earth. Quite savoury in style, it is perhaps more of a richly flavoured Barossa red than a classic Merlot, but it certainly provides pleasurable drinking. The wine is fresh, with a gentle texture and is a medium length. Enjoy it over the next 2–5 years. Drink now–2030 Golden Amrita Lumenval Moppa Shiraz 2021 G 91 A fine Barossa Shiraz which takes advantage of a super sub-region and a stellar vintage – the team employed partial whole bunch ferment techniques in the making, before the wine spent a year and a half in a mix of French oak and ceramic eggs. Dark crimson in colour, this is proceeding very much along the red-fruited path. Along with the red fruits, notably raspberries, we have chocolate, dried herbs, liquorice, warm earth and cranberries. A wine of medium length, this is fresh, finishing with very fine, satiny tannins. It will improve further over time. Drink now–2033 Golden Amrita Fortified VP Shiraz 2021 G 91 A year maturing in old whisky barrels for this very pleasant fortified style from Barossa Shiraz, it is near black in colour. This fortified is surprisingly soft and approachable, even at this young age. There are aromas of coffee beans, chocolate and raisins. It is perhaps a little one-dimensional at this stage, but early days. The palate is quite dense, but there is balance and very good length with the intensity maintained for the full journey. The type of wine which very much suits the half- bottle format. It can be enjoyed in its early years, but those with patience will be rewarded. Drink now–2045 Greenock Estate Angas King Riesling 2024 G 91 The team has persisted with their rather unique combination of a curious, clear bottle and a Riesling under cork with this latest vintage which, for me, shades its predecessor. A pale lemon hue, the nose is quite pungent, with notes of citrus and even a touch of the tropicals, with spices and hints of grapefruit. Good intensity, medium length, fine acidity and a slow fade. Enjoy over the next eight years. Drink now–2033
South Australian Wine Guide 2026 | Barossa
161
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