Pike & Joyce Vue de Nord Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2023
Shaw + Shaw M3 Chardonnay 2023
G 94
G 94
From the Lenswood estate. Lovely aromatics of cherry, woodlands, Asian spices, all slipping easily into a light-hearted and spicy/peppery palate, a bit of fruit tang in there as well, fitting in neatly with a light grippy finish. Fresh and flavourful. 13.5% alc Drink now–2028 Pike & Joyce W.J.J. Reserve Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2022 G 94 From the P&J estate vineyard in Lenswood, crafted in a Reserve style with a decent amount of structure built in. Darker cherry notes, a faint suggestion of blood orange, light oak charring, medium bodied with present tannins and even acidity. A more complex expression of Hills Pinot. 13.5% alc Drink now–2032 Riposte The Scimitar Riesling 2024 G 94 Riposte Wines proprietor/winemaker Tim Knappstein knows a thing or two about Clare Valley Riesling, sourcing this from a prized vineyard east of the Watervale village in one of the region’s most renowned districts. To begin, the wine is all about the exotic nature of ripe lime fruit, blossom and flesh, with faint but effusive heady scents of lily playing along with their pretty aromatic depth. That lime thing just gets deeper and deeper into the core of the palate, accompanied by delicate acidity with an almost spicy edge. It’s delicious and very approachable, with fairy dust chalkiness in the finish. Riesling which delivers flavour above and beyond its natural varietal zing. (An extra note: The label now carries a side-line: Tim Knappstein and Son, pointing to a promising future for the brand.) Drink now–2030 Riposte The Katana Chardonnay 2023 G 94 Riposte is the family brand of Tim Knappstein and Son, based in the Adelaide Hills district of Lenswood after Tim’s earlier years forging an admirable reputation in the Clare Valley. This Chardonnay is single vineyard sourced out of the Kenton Creek district, going straight to press as mostly whole berries before fermentation (50% wild) in French barriques (25% new), where the yeast lees remained for around eight months. All contemporary, cool climate winemaking skills enabling a Hills Chardonnay stamp in freshly cut white nectarine aromas and flavours, a creamy feel in the tasting, subtle citrus underlay and deft handling of oak offering texture and balanced richness without woody interference. Tasteful and tasty – a sophisticated expression. Drink 2026–2030 Saint & Scholar The Masters Series Chardonnay 2022 G 94 Lemon with a translucent hue. Beautifully perfumed, sweet and floral – white peach, almond nougat, meringue and frangipani blossom. Poised, the power is a gradual ascent from the wine’s sweet stone-fruit core. A vinous lemon meringue in buoyancy, creaminess and subtle acid lift. The savoury moreish finish calls for another glass. Drink now–2028
Glassier lemon straw. Aromas playout with intricacy, initial char, stone-fruit flambé, extra virgin olive oil, lemongrass and a sweet air of macarons. Immediate drive of citrus flavour, the palate is weighted but remarkably supple. Composed it holds steady against taut acidity, all the while enveloped by a subtle savoury creaminess. Oak plays a courteous hand, evident without distraction – it leaves an echo of spice long after the wine is gone. A revered wine by consumer and producer alike. Drink now–2030
Shaw + Smith Riesling 2024
G 94
Pale, straw hue. Instantly shows class; green apple, kiwi, lime curd, camomile and elderflower, with hints of slate. Concentrated, while retaining a sense of elegance. Well pitched in a display of citrus, kiwi and florals – spicy acidity carries the length
of its finish. A long one at that. Drink now–2030 Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay Chardonnay 2022
G 94
Pale in the glass, hyper refined style, delicate florals, fine French oak in the background, subtle white nectarine with citrus flavour threading, finessed acidity and texture. Hallmark S+S Lenswood identity. 12.5% alc Drink now–2030 Sidewood Ironstone Barrels The Old China Hands Syrah Shiraz/Syrah 2021 G 94 Single clone, single vineyard sourced from an estate vineyard in the Echunga district. Attractive berry ripeness, mint notes, dark chocolate suggestions all build into a rich and complex style, underpinned by solid structural acidity and beneficial tannins. Length and pleasure assured. 14.5% alc Drink now–2035 Sidewood Abel Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2023 G 94 One of three single clone releases grown at Sidewood’s Oakbank district vineyard. Here, there’s a bit more flesh, and a bit more weight and structure, a more complete expression than the other two single clones. Cherry fruit, fallen pine needles, well rounded and balanced palate structures. 13.5% alc Drink now–2032 Sidewood Chardonnay Chardonnay 2023 G 94 Fully expressive Chardonnay from the outset, with varietal ripeness, the stone fruits perhaps more yellow than white, and a sense of honeydew melon as well. An added creaminess has a note of vanilla in it – smart oak handling, for sure, with the finish perky, as a good line of acidity keeps the wine refreshed and lively. Great value. 12.5% alc Drink now–2030
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
South Australia 2024
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