Barossa Wine Guide 2025

Chaffey Brothers Not Your Grandma’s Rosé Rosé 2024

Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Chardonnay 2023

G 92

G 92

A percentage of the grapes harvested here spent time fermenting in older French oak with the intention of increasing the complexity of the wine, while maturation includes some new French barrels. Deep yellow hue, this is poised and taut. We have notes of hay, citrus, peaches, a touch of nuts and the merest hint of oak dust. There is a supple palate which sees the peach characters come to the fore. Showing medium to good length, fine balance and underlying supporting acidity, this will provide pleasure over the next four to five years. Drink now–2029 Cimicky Estate Autograph Shiraz 2022 G 92 Deep crimson. Blackberry, hint mocha aromas with herb garden, liquorice notes. Richly concentrated ripe dark berry fruits on the palate with dense chocolaty tannins and underlying roasted walnut notes. Finishes bittersweet with stone fruit notes. Acidity tightens the finish. Cork. 14.5% alc Drink now–2030 Cooper Burns Museum Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 G 92 Great buying for those keen to experience older wines and see what they can offer. A fine Barossa style with a developed red hue. This is mature with an earthy, savoury, beef stock, animal hides, soy, liquorice, dried herbs and bay leaves with touches of black cherries as well. Quite a supple palate with silky tannins and good length. The palate has a more chocolatey approach so enjoy it now and over the next five years. Drink now–2029

I think we can safely say that the name here is spot on. Definitely not. In fairness, my grandmother, rest her soul, thought all alcohol was Satan’s soda and would send us to the very hot place without so much as a single genuflection (sadly, she was not alone among my relatives in holding that view). So, definitely not my grandmother’s Rosé. The blend is old vine Grenache and Mourvèdre, both ideally suited for use in quality Rosé. The Grenache was picked early to provide a vibrancy to the texture. The colour is a gentle and alluring pink. The nose is delightfully fragrant with spices, red fruits, strawberries, rose petals and a hint of honeycomb. A touch of lavender and even a hint of Turkish Delight. Clean and fresh with good energy and decent length, this will provide simple but delicious drinking for the next few years (although not for certain members of my family). Drink now–2026 Chaffey Brothers Pax Aeterna Old Vine Grenache 202 G 92 4 Old vine Barossa Grenache is surely one of the most exciting wines on the planet at the moment. This is done in what might be seen as a Nouveau style, with around 35% whole bunches in use. The grapes come from Vine Vale in the northern Barossa, from 90-year-old vines. The name means eternal peace or its equivalent (and good luck with that), from John 14:27. A pale strawberry/garnet hue, there are strawberry notes on the nose with dry herbs, florals, bergamot, orange rind and a hint of peppermint. A lovely, lingering finish with fine acidity and a good, gentle tannin balance. A focused style which will offer pleasure today and for the next four to six years. Lots to like here. Drink now–2030 Chaffey Brothers La Conquista Red blend 202 G 92 3 A Spanish Barossa blend with Tempranillo from Gomersal, Graciano from Moculta and Garnacha from vines in excess of 50 years old from Lyndoch. The name comes from the 1811 Battle at Barrosa Ridge (yes, it is supposed to be spelt that way) where Spain fought the French. The famous Colonel Light, integral to the Barossa, fought in that 1811 conflict, hence the name of both the region and this wine, even if the spelling of the former took a tumble along the way. eight months in French oak. Delicious stuff. This is deep garnet in hue, with a nose of warm soil, dark berries, leather, coffee grinds and roast meats (which is also something that would match this wine rather wonderfully). There is a satiny texture, making it almost an easy drinking style, with very fine tannins and a lingering finish with a gentle fade. Absolutely terrific drinking now, it will offer pleasure for the next six to eight years. Drink now–2032

Corryton Burge Grenache 2022

G 92

Medium-deep crimson. Fresh red cherry red plum herb garden aromas and flavours with red liquorice notes. Slinky textured wine with attractive mid-plate volume and mineral length. Finishes chalky/al dente. Drink now–2027

Corryton Burge Riesling 2023

G 92

Clear straw. Classic lemon, lime, tonic water and hint of passion fruit and slatey aromas. Razor-sharp acidity, pure fruit expression, lime juice, lemon curd, citrus pith with al dente notes and fine chalky texture. 12.5% alc Drink now–2030 Dandelion Vineyards Fairytale of the Barossa Rosé 2024 G 92 A very fine Rosé from 90-year-old bush vine Grenache from the Ebenezer subregion. The free run juice, after basket pressing, is fermented with wild yeasts in old French oak barriques, before spending five months maturing on lees. This adds an extra level of texture and complexity that is rarely present in Rosé. A fairytale perhaps, but for me, that lovely pink/orange colour would have led to the name, ‘Glorious Sunset of the Barossa’. The nose offers raspberries, dried herbs, sage, aniseed and floral notes. That supple texture is most appealing and there is focus and energy here. Bright fresh acidity runs the length, to a clean, dry finish. A most enjoyable Rosé for the next two to three years. Drink now–2027

140

The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus

South Australia 2024

141

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