Sidewood Mappinga Shiraz 2021
Medium-deep crimson. A beautifully brooding nose; musky plum, blackberry, graphite shavings, mustard seeds with a blood orange and charry undertone. Superb fruit with poised vigour, cupped by sweet vanillin and charry oak. Lovely density and flow, the tannins kissing the edges. A wine of stature. Drink now–2032 Simon Tolley Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2024 G 95 Specified as a single vineyard, single clonal selection F4V6 which, if definitive, leads us into deeper aromatics, more savoury, saline, minerally, with the brambly herbs back in the distance. This all works in a more sophisticated style of Sauvignon to begin, then the punch of acidity kicks in, turbo charging the currant jubey palate, raising the energy stakes no end. Lovely drinking. 12.5% alc Drink now–2028 Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay Chardonnay 2023 G 95 From the Hills pioneer Chardonnay vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley, immediately a class above, lovely ripe white stone fruit aromas, subtle creaminess and flaked white nuts, everything deliciously balanced and edged with underlying citrussy acidity, chardonnay fruit magic vital to the end of the day. 12.9% alc Drink now–2034 Weaver Single Vineyard Riesling 2023 G 95 Pale, straw hue. Aromatically enticing, preserved lemon, bees wax, crème caramel and wet slate with hints of char. A beautiful dichotomy between aroma and palate. Indelible acidity, carried by glorious fruit weight – the lemon, lime unfurls with appealing sweetness. The finish a balance of minerality and creamy roundness, the crème custard showing face. A true balancing act of flavour, acidity and texture makes this wine very special. Drink now–2034 Wicks Estate C.J. Wicks Shiraz Shiraz 2022 G 95 Wicks’s more reserved outing, there’s a definite House Shiraz stamp on show here, similar to its estate style, with more finesse and depth in the aromatics. The plum senses are crimson to purple, fresh and crunchy when cut, elite French oak spice adding plenty of excitement in their exotica, while the palate knows it’s on a good thing in the top notes with an elegant weight and just enough structure to let the highlights shine. 14% alc Drink now–2038 XO Wine Co Small Batch Fiano Fiano 2024 G 95 Green-gold in the glass, sea-breezy aromatics with cut hay, tempting, with a fabulous palate to follow, crisp and pithy, peach and lime, a side feel of creaminess along with its vibrant acidity, lots to entertain, and bloody delicious. 13% alc Drink now–2029
20
The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
Powered by FlippingBook