Mr Riggs Woodside Sauvignon Blanc 2025
G 93
Like many McLaren Vale-based producers, Ben Riggs heads up to the neighbouring Adelaide Hills for many of his aromatic whites, here into the central region at Woodside for this quite charming and elegantly styled Sauvignon. Well mannered blossom and citrus fruit to begin, the palate has a delicate scoop of passionfruit but more generally a tropical fruit salad set of flavours, without escaping a well-cast Hills trait of yellow grapefruit. Neatly entwined tang and sweetness make for a very friendly offering, which should please all comers. Drink now–2027 Murdoch Hill The Phaeton Pinot Noir 2024 G 93 A reductive, flinty nose – I like that. Rustic and handsomely rugged. Freshly picked strawberries, dried lavender and mushroom broth. The palate is light and delicate, with more umami, this time coming through as forest floor. Tannins are gentle, squeaky and framing. A dirt-kissed-berry whimsy that feels both grounded and free. Drink now–2030
Nepenthe Apex Pinot Noir 2022
G 93
From the Morialta Park Vineyard, multiple clones, in new and old oak. This is crafted in a more delicate style, waiting perhaps to rise as it ages further. There’s an earthy-minerals feel to begin, savoury with subtle black cherry fruit in the palate, again covered in a dusting of fine crushed rocks, its tannins giving some muscle in the finish. Drink now–2032 Ngeringa Syrah, Viognier 2024 G 93 Deep mandarin hues. Sweet summer peaches and flowering orange blossom – it’s Spring in a glass. A serious Rosé, with a palate as generous as the nose: oily, textural, and full of intent. Apricot kernels, candied mandarin rind and white pepper. Drink under a pergola, in the sun. Drink now–2030 Ngeringa Iluma Vineyard Syrah 2023 G 93 Not flashy. Doesn’t need to be. It’s gentle – perhaps an imprint of the cool 2023 vintage. Blueberry, cinnamon and blood orange. There’s a humble nature here, a rawness, an unshaven manner to the wine. Maybe it’s the biodynamics, the soul – or maybe just good, honest, hands-off winemaking. The tannins are firm and granular; more spice and char lead into a savoury, dried gum nut finish. A humble, eloquent wine. Drink now–2031
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Adelaide Hills
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