Rieslingfreak No. 10 Zenit Riesling 2025
G 98
This is a special wine for John Hughes at Rieslingfreak. In 2017, the wine was first made in celebration of John’s wedding. Since then, John sees it as the pinnacle of their wines, made in tiny quantities and only in the very best years. This release is 71% Eden Valley and 29% from the Clare Valley. The Eden Valley component comes from the Leinert Vineyard in Flaxman Valley. The initial impression that hits one is the mouth-watering slaty acidity. The colour is a nearly invisible lemon and we have beautifully perfumed aromas, including florals, lavender, talc, citrus blossoms, bath salts, limes and lemons, chalk and grapefruit. That fine acidity runs the length, which is exceptional. The wine is balanced and pristine and delightfully energetic. It will surely provide immense pleasure for the next 20 years. Drink now–2045 Soul Growers Slow Grown Shiraz 2023 G 98 Deep crimsons. Espresso choco-berry aromas and flavours with some herbgarden, Inky deep and smooth with lovely pure blackberry, praline flavours, perfectly integrated supple tannins and fresh quartz-like acidity. A masterclass in selection
and intuitive winemaking. Drink now–2036 Two Hands Holy Grail Single Vineyard Shiraz 2022
G 98
Deep crimson. Classical blackberry dark chocolate aromas with chinotto, bush garrigue notes. Beautifully balanced and evocative wine with pure blackberry chinotto, dark chocolate, hint ginger flavours, fine loose-knit velvety textures and beautifully integrated mocha/ vanilla notes. Finishes chocolaty firm and bittersweet with superb mineral length. 14.5% alc Drink now–2046 Yelland & Papps Limited Cuvée Grenache 2024 G 98 Medium crimson. Fresh strawberry cola aromas with hints of herbgarden. Silky textured and pure with fresh strawberry pastille, chinotto fruits, lovely mid-palate viscosity and lovely long mineral acidity. Medium powered but graceful and flowing. Utterly delicious. Best to drink earlier than later though. Drink now–2030 Barton Rise & Barton View Old Vines Shiraz 2018 G 97 From one of the great vintages of the century for the Barossa region, this is just what one would seek in their old vine Shiraz. Under cork. Opaque/black in colour with a dark maroon edge, there is an immediate impression of vanillin oak, but handsomely integrated. The nose exhibits notes of chocolate, graphite, mocha, coffee beans, cocoa powder, truffles and sage. This is a textbook Barossa Valley blockbuster. The palate sees molten chocolate, cassis and blackberries – those cassis and chocolate notes never waver. Obvious? Yes, but who cares? A cushiony texture, silk tannins and a structure that is just supple, seductive and plush at all times. Love it. This is not a subtle style, but if you are drinking top-notch Barossa Shiraz, you are not seeking subtlety. 10–12 years. Drink now–2037
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Barossa
63
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