Pike & Joyce L’Optimiste Shiraz 2022
Sidewood Chloe Cuvée Sparkling 2017
G 92
G 92
Medium crimson. A sophisticated nose, cranberry, pine, tarragon, beetroot and a strew of white peppercorns. Beautiful fruit density, met with an air of grace. Pure blueberry, currant and strawberry flavours threaded together by threads of juniper and white peppercorn. Sappy tannins support a tapered finish. ‘L’Optimiste’ – this is a wine I’d happily see in a glass half full. Drink now–2028 Pike & Joyce Descente Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2023 G 92 Smoothed-down aromatics, more in the citrus spectrum with a touch a wild herbs, not too much, with a refreshing palate, again lime-leaning, some lantana flower aromas entwined, neatly measured acidity and pithiness. All-round delish, complete and well-mannered. 11.5% alc Drink now–2028 Press Co Pressed Shiraz Shiraz 2023 G 92 From Mike Press in his new venture and new label, a Shiraz with dark cherry, almost liqueur-like in its intensity, some mint and classic cool climate pepper notes as well, sliding nicely into a medium-bodied palate feel, evenly matching tannins, with its fruit and seasoning savouries all delivering great value drinking. Drink now–2034 Protero Gumeracha Barbera Barbera 2021 G 92 A bold wine from the outset, rich and ripe blackberry compote, definitely dark fruit driven in terms of its flavour feels, with a faint dusting of gravel and the variety’s well documented energetic acidity, which is offset with the arrival of a decent wave of tannins mid to late in the palate. Remains juicy, however, with those berry flavours refusing to be outgunned. Quite a forceful statement. 14% alc Drink now–2030 Riposte The Stiletto Pinot Gris 2024 G 92 Riposte is the family brand of Tim Knappstein and Son, based for many years in the Adelaide Hills after his formative years in Clare. This new vintage Pinot Gris is a noticeably pretty expression, the aromatics redolent with musk and Spring season florals, with a sweet apple set of tastes to follow, the palate richly textured which enhances the flavour profile and offers a light spice note to lift the finish. An
A 65/35 cuvée of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a minimum of six years on lees. Taking on mid-gold tones now, with complex intro-aromatics fact-checking the long tirage. Toastiness, roasted citrus, grapefruit mostly, streusel bun with Granny Smith apple, a lively mousse to lift the feels. Fading a little in the palate and finish. 12% alc Traditional method Drink now–2026 Sidewood Shiraz 2022 G 92 Deep ruby. Attractive, savoury nose – blueberry, dark plum, peppered steak, rooibos with hints of nori and flint. Well concentrated berries mirror on the palate complemented by appealing earthy accents and a sheet of powdery tannins. Lithe and elongated, acidity inflects with perfect pitch. A wine of lovely composition. Drink now–2032 Sidewood Shiraz Shiraz 2021 G 92 Plenty of winemaking in here, French oak spice noted to begin, rich plum juice with lots of secondary assistance, faintly minted herbs and florals, dark choc-berry notes as well. Well rounded and complete styling. 14.5% alc Drink now–2034 Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay Chardonnay 2023 G 92 Hay colour. Light ginger biscuit feels amid crunchy early season white nectarine, spilling into a fresh palate, lime-like citrus juices, with a tangy edge to season the ripe fruit flavours and delicate savoury finishing notes. Neatly crafted styling. 12.5% alc Drink now–2032 The Pawn Wine Co Pawn Star Maturana Tinta Maturana Tinta 2021 G 92 No surprise that Tom Keelan at The Pawn Wine Co has this Rioja rarity in his alt- wine portfolio. It’s no wallflower, starting with aromas of dark cola, black pepper, Chico sweets meeting Fisherman’s Friends, and much of that powering into the palate with a powdery feel to soften the demonstrative flavour roll. A wine that refuses to lie down. Cork. 14% alc Drink now–2030 Trescowthick Wines The Naughty One Chardonnay 2021 Chardonnay 2021 G 92 Good Chardonnay aromas that dig a little deeper in the glass. Ripe, for sure, yet offset with harmonic acidity and a citrus, lime oil-like note, even a delicate waft of mint, providing weight and power in the palate. Lovely flavours dwell, mouthfeels are even and balanced. Uncomplicated and good for that. 13.5% alc Drink now– 2032
attractive style. Drink now–2025 Saint & Scholar Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2024
G 92
Pale tones. Most understated in its initial approach, aromatics shy yet recognisable, leaning to the citrus spectrum with a grassy edge, almost fragrant with dried flowers. Subtle yet toned palate, a spicy thread, neatly weighted acidity. All going well. 12% alc Drink now–2028
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
South Australia 2024
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