Hither & Yon Greco Greco 2024
Leconfield Shiraz 2022
G 92
G 92
Blue and blackfruited, this sings with blackcurrant jam, bilberry and açai. A Willy Wonka of chocolate delights meets some seasonal baking spices, clove, cardamom, and cinnamon. There’s an ever-present line of acidity with powdery tannins that speaks of warming cups of cocoa. A smooth and supple wine, that immediate enjoyment is tangible. Drink now–2030 Lloyd Brothers Estate Shiraz 2022 G 92 Matured for 14 months in seasoned French oak. Bilberry, blackberry compote and soft liquorice. Sage leaf and clove studs. Soft liquorice and vanilla bean specks. Abundant ripe black-berried fruit with savoury notes of clove, coal dust and tar. A powerful wine with plenty of detail and luxurious spice. Drink now–2030 Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2022 G 92 Russian cherry tea, blackberry syrup and a boatload of cassis. Madagascar vanilla bean, bitter dark chocolate and black cardamom pods. Juniper and bilberry spice. Tannins are astute and powdery. Lavish in its swirl and whirl on the palate with opaque density and intensity. Oak is hearty and toasty. Everything is dialled up. It’s bold and plush and hard to forget. There are those who will forever be changed by this wine, and those who will die wishing they had tried it. For those who live unbound, but don’t drink and drive with this one. Drink now–2030 Oliver’s Taranga Chica Mencia Rosé Mencia 2024 G 92 Palest Aperol hues in the glass. Watermelon wedges, tangerine and cherry blossom. Peach tea tannins and acidity jogs along. The orange citrus notes dominate the palate with a sherbet, vitamin C vibe. Let’s pretend it’s just as good for us, as well. Bone dry finish suits the character of this wine. Stylish and memorable for its unique fruit profile. I feel like this is not trying to be the south provincial style, and, dare I
How exciting it is to see a Greco grown on the alluvial sandy site of Hither & Yon’s home vineyard in the Vale. On fine lees for 30 days, transferred to puncheons and 10% through malolactic fermentation. A garden of yellow stone fruits, chamomile, beeswax and honeysuckle. A sweep of kumquat citrus acidity followed by ground cumin, dukkah and white pepper. A touch of brûlée bitters. Such a wine of intrigue and interest, and a great fit for the white wine spectrum of the Vale. Drink now Hither & Yon Grenache Grenache 2023 G 92 Matured for 14 months in old French puncheons. A bright, pure ruby hue in the glass. Aromas of rosehip, red cherry and blood plum juice. A strawberry roll-up or two. Dried thyme and sage leaf. A cascade of elevated acidity and fine but powerfully dry tannins. This will wake up your taste buds and come alive with some fatty meats or a charcuterie board. Keep an eye on this site and wine; there is plenty of promise here. Particularly for the structure those gritty tannins give to the final product. For now, this is a steal at the price. Drink now–2027 In Praise of Shadows Sakura Rosé Grenache, Sangiovese 2024 G 92 A blend of 67% Grenache, 33% Sangiovese. The lightest of pale pink hues in the glass, the delicacy of colour, it’s by no means shy on flavour. There is a bundle of cherry blossoms, cranberries and red plums. A touch of white nectarine too. The palate is bursting with Pink Lady apple, grapefruit citrus and raspberry and lime Slurpee. It’s jubilant and finishes dry and plump. Nicely balanced and elegant. A very poised wine that feels deliberate and thoughtful. Drink now–2026 In Praise of Shadows Mankai Grenache Graciano Touriga Monastrell 2023 G 92 A hint of Australian billy tea, blackberries and smoked charcoal. Tonka bean, carob and native Davidson plums. Graphite, bitumen and clove. Red pomegranate juice acidity that enlivens the palate with powdery tannins. This wine takes you on a ride from its witches’ brew aromas, down more of a classic blackberries and cream path. Finishing with a moreishness of a medium-bodied wine. This is made for drinking often, and with a huge spectrum of foods. A great all round wine you should have stocked at arm’s reach. Drink now–2028 Ivyburn Aldersey Shiraz 2021 G 92 Sourced from Willunga in McLaren Vale. A pool of deeply pigmented black-berried fruit. Blackberries, blueberries and squashed figs. Tahitian vanilla bean, wattleseed and rye spice. Oak shows in sandalwood and cedar, with hints of caramel and clove. Fruit sweetness deepens but is met in equal parts with its brown spices. Velvety tannins and an elegantly smooth finish. A wine that would finish the night nicely and tuck you up in bed for deep slumber. Drink now–2028
say, I’m totally into it. Drink now Ox Hardy Upper Tintara Vineyard Fiano 2024
G 92
Lemon aspen, frangipani blooms and smoked salt. Candied fennel, grapefruit and white peach stone. Scintillating acidity with the ocean spray freshness of the variety’s coastal Italian roots. Green melon and kiwi. Pulpy and moreish with the added limoncello bitterness. Plenty of fervour here. Drink now–2026
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
South Australia 2024
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