Jericho Fumé Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2021
G 92
Spicy, nutty tangy to begin – lots of interest, with lovely flavours developed from 18 months on lees, and 50% new French oak in the winemaking, building texture and spicy flavours, peppery in some senses, with clean-cut styling and fulfilling finish.
13.5% alc Drink now–2028 K1 by Geoff Hardy Shiraz Shiraz 2020
G 92
Classic plum, oak, dark spice characters greet the first pass here, promising mouth- filling generosity in a traditional expression, and that’s exactly what you get, all well integrated and neatly showcased Shiraz, medium- to fuller-bodied, with plenty to please. 14.5% alc Diam. Drink now–2032 K1 Geoff Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 G 92 Deep ruby. Intense blackberry, cassis, choco mint, mocha, an Australian nod of eucalypt and appealing maltiness. Smooth and glossy with ample sweet fruit dusted in baking spice. Supple flow across the palate, steered by fine tannins and well-integrated acidity. A well balanced, well rounded wine. Drink now–2030 La Prova Fiano Fiano2024 G 92 Vibrant and lifted nose – semi-tropical fragrances, custard apple, lime juice, a waft of honeysuckle, with a terrific apple-juicy palate, and fine powdery mouthfeel, a faint dash of peppery spice seasoning the finish. A genuine feel for bringing a distinctive Hills vibe to the variety. 13.4% alc Drink now–2027 Lobethal Road Shiraz 2023 G 92 Medium-deep ruby. A savoury style, redcurrant, balsamic strawberry, rooibos with a mutter of cured meat. Medium-bodied with a plush core, concentrated berry fruit knitted with sweet rooibos, turmeric and nigella seeds. Chalky tannins outline a well- balanced wine of finesse. At 13.5% alc, sometimes less is more. Drink now–2032 Lobethal Road Bacchant Chardonnay 2023 G 92 Lemon edged in gold. A beguiling nose, everchanging – lemon curd, red delicious apple, crème caramel and brandy snap. Mouth-filling and plush, flambé peach, lemon curd and vanilla meringue on the palate – like the latter, it melts with contact. An attractive sprinkling of toasty vanillin oak, holds your attention for just that moment longer. Opulent at 12.5% alc – a paradox worth drinking. Drink now–2028 Lobethal Road Rosé Rosé 2024 G 92 A pale pink Pinot Noir Rosé with lovely, fragrant notes to begin, white-topped strawberry, a faint spearmint twist as well, with the aromatics sliding easily into the palate, well curated fruit sweet, and a decent grip in the mouth, flavours lingering with smart acidity carriage. 12.7% alc Drink now–2026
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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