Stonehaven Stepping Stone Rosé Mourvèdre 2024
G 92
Pale salmon pink colour. Clean and pure aromas of strawberry, watermelon, and lemon juice rise from the glass, before deeper notes of white peach and pear. It’s bright, pretty and fresh. The palate has nice concentration, with the emphasis on lemon and white peach with watermelon and strawberry not far behind. Racy acidity and fine but grippy tannins frame the finish to good length. This is utterly thirst-slaking and crying out for summer. Drink now–2025 Stonehaven Limited Vineyard Release Chardonnay Chardonnay 2024 G 92 Rich aromas of toast, lemon butter, vanilla and subtle flint lead the charge, before air unlocks shortcrust pastry, a saline note, and nectarine. The palate is textural, rich and opulent, with toast and cedar oak making way for Meyer lemon, butter, preserved lemon and nectarine. Some good phenolic structure brings grip through the finish, along with lemon rind acid to an attractively bitter close. There’s an ‘old school’ opulence about this, but it’s kept in balance. For those into this style, $30 is a good get. Drink now–2026 Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache Rosé Grenache 2023 G 92 Bright salmon pink. Watermelon, dehydrated strawberry, and a twang of blood orange on the nose. The palate is fresh and bright, with watermelon at the fore again, followed by tangerine peel, strawberry and lemon. The finish is fresh and pure. There’s lovely thirst-slaking appeal here, and great value for money. Drink now–2025 Wangolina Pinot Gris Pinot Gris 2024 G 92 Pale gold colour. Lifted nashi pear, pear tart, yellow apple, cinnamon bun. Lovely vibrancy and defined aromas melding fruit and spice to a tee. The palate follows suit with intense but even fruit weight. Pear and apple at the fore followed by a suggestion of ginger and some rosehip in the mouth perfume. Lots to like here. It’s varietal and fresh, and packed with character. Drink now Wangolina Lagrein Lagrein 2023 G 92 Interesting, savoury and slightly wild aromas here, with dried and cured meat making way for beetroot, oregano and choc mint. The palate is quite juicy with mulberry and plum at the fore, followed by earthy beetroot and dried herbs before firm, grainy chocolate tannins and black-fruited acid frame it all up. This is dark, savoury, earthy and structured, making for a wine packed with interest. Drink now–2027
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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