SA Wine Guide 2025

Brand & Sons Honeysuckle Riesling 2024

Redman Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 2021

G 91

G 91

This open-knit and approachable 2021 Cabernet Merlot blend delivers generous aromas of mulberry and dark earth with a dusting of dried herbs. Fresh upfront acidity with restrained flavours of redcurrant is supported by firm, chewy tannins. Built for the cellar. Drink 2026–2034 Smith & Hooper Merlot 2022 G 91 Medium-deep crimson. Concentrated and focused aromas of blackberry and gravel with cedary hints. Mouth-filling with fruit pastille, dried herbs and chocolatey tones while fine yet firm tannins will provide some longevity. Drink now–2030 Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023 G 91 This is a more delicate expression of the Crayères vineyard thanks to the cool vintage which is not necessarily a bad thing. The more generous Wrattonbully style has tightened up delivering classic chalky, herbal citrus aromas, with tightly reined oak. Super zesty with mouth-watering acidity, which drives a firm angular palate. Length is good while the fruit needs time to build. Drink 2027–2030

Pale straw. Exotic aromas of melon and nectarine with pear notes showcase a richer, flavoursome style. Crisp acidity and measured sweetness deliver a wine with significant upfront appeal which holds over a sustained and balanced finish. Drink now–2026 Eight at the Gate Cabernet Shiraz 2021 G 91 Deep crimson. Pure fruit pastille, dark cherry, red earth aromas with camphor notes. Bone dry with open-knit blackburn/blackberry flavours before strong herbal tones rise up on the finish. Drink now–2028 Leconfield Blanc de Blancs Sparkling NV G 91 Mid straw with a creamy bead. Gentle aromas of citrus peel and melon are lifted by subtle brioche complexity. Well crafted with both vibrancy and attractive detail before delivering a creamy finish. Drink now–2026 Parker Estate Cool Climate Shiraz 2021 G 91 Deep crimson. Fleshy blackberry, musky plum and aromatic spice aromas with sandalwood notes. Supple textures with juicy choc berry, espresso flavours well matched to al-dente tannins on a finish of reasonable length. Drink now–2028 Parker Estate Cool Climate Chardonnay 2023 G 91 Mid straw. Well-pitched melon and citrus aromas are lifted by a nice touch of savoury oak. Peach and nectarine flavours to follow in a compact package with integrated acidity and an attractive, lingering finish. Drink now–2027 Raïdis Wines Billy Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 G 91 Medium-deep crimson. Plump blackberry, blackcurrant and cedar aromas with a faint varnish lift. Expressive and fleshy layers of blackberry and dried herb flavours build nicely clipped by slightly hard tannins and a tight finish. Drink 2025–2030 Raïdis Wines Laila Rosé 2024 G 91 Pale salmon pink. Refined aromas of white strawberry, rose petals with spicy notes. A dry yet fruity palate follows with complexing layers of spice and dried herbs lingering pleasantly on the finish. Drink now–2026

Jim Brand Silent Partner Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

G 90

Medium-deep crimson. Approachable choc mint and blackberry aromas with subtle dried herb hints. Mid-weight, chocolaty and grippy with gravelly earthy tones and fresh acidity topped by spicy oak before a firm-edgy finish. Drink 2026–2033 Petaluma White Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 G 90 This finely tuned 2021 Coonawarra Cabernet delivers an attractive mix of leafy cassis aromas against a background of dark earths. Light weight, expressive and sinewy in style, this is a solid effort that will appeal to fans of traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2025–2030 Raïdis Wines The Kelpie Sauvignon Blanc 2024 G 90 Pale straw. Classic lifted passionfruit, cut grass aromas with hints of lantana and guava. Lightweight and silky in style with attractive fruit sweetness to finish. Drink now–2026 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 G 90 Medium-deep crimson. Fresh blackcurrant, herb garden aromas with hints of graphite and spice. Inky deep blackcurrant pastille, earthy, black olive flavours, fine slinky al dente textures and underlying savoury oak. Medium bodied style. Drink 2025–2034

212

The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus

South Australia 2024

213

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