Nepenthe Mencia Mencia 2023
G 90
A pretty wine to start, herbal, spicy, floral and fleshy, the fruit notes in a darker cherry space, tannins prominent and chewy, acidity lively and geared to energising the wine. Obvious varietal identity still a work in progress. Best with braised protein dishes. 12% alc Drink now–2034 Saint & Scholar Pinot Gris Pinot Gris 2024 G 90 All the varietal correctness in all the right zones of this wine, floral and cut Williams pear, understated yet present acidity and drive in the palate, subtle fruit holding its place, a faint spicing to finish. All nicely put together. 12.5% alc Drink now–2028 Sawyer Wine Co Chardonnay Chardonnay 2023 G 90 Very faint Muscat-like elements to the nose here, adding a richer sense to the Chardonnay fruits, peach, with a splash of lime juice, fresh acidity underlying with associated pithy textures. Shows an individual varietal interpretation that’s tempting to the taste. 12% alc Drink now–2026 Sidewood Pinot Noir Chardonnay Sparkling NV G 90 Subtly floral to start, then a great burst of citrus and white-topped strawberry flavour in the mouth, spine-tingling acidity, tart and salivating. Early release, summer refreshment. 12% alc Drink now–2026 Sidewood Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir Sparkling NV G 90 Very pale pink, faint blueish rims. Oyster shell notes. Fresh, white-flesh strawberry, sliced, quite tart and razor-edged, with decent retained flavour and pith in the finish, a perfumed floral finding its place on exit. 12% alc Drink now–2028 Teakles Hill Wines Gamay Gamay 2023 G 90 Mid ruby. Floral and stony aromas, with an underlying grape fleshiness. Decent cherry flavour with prominent tannins, a tad overpowering in the finish, but with structural integrity. 12.9% alc Drink now–2035 The Pawn Wine Co Tempranillo Tempranillo 2022 G 90 Tempranillo is one of the Hills’ first wave alternative red varieties, here showing plenty of euro styling, crimson colours, demure in its fruit notes and more focused on its tobacco leaf, earth and backdrop mint senses, a dusting of garden rockery as well. Light-footed red fruit juiciness in the drinking, light to medium weight, spice and pepper. Creeps up on you as an easy drinking casual food companion. 14.5% alc Drink now–2026
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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