This eJournal explores the history and making of Leeuwin Estate from 1969 to the present day. It also comprises vertical tasting reviews and highlights the collectability and longevity of its wines.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WINE GUIDE
VINTAGE JOURNAL
Andrew Caillard MW Lisa Cardelli Ken Gargett Angus Hughson Tom Kline Tijana Laganin Tony Love Jeni Port Andrea Pritzker MW Shanteh Wale
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2024
2025
LIMESTONE COAST (MOUNT BENSON & PADTHAWAY ) AND RIVERLAND
Murdup Wines vineyard, with Mount Benson in distance.
LIMESTONE COAST (MOUNT BENSON & PADTHAWAY)
showed great value for money for their wines made from classic varieties, often with a sub $30 price point. And when it came to classic whites overall, the Sauvignon Blanc wines performed well for their overarching freshness, line and energy without ever descending to ponderous fruit or overt pyrazines. The Limestone Coast region is in good stead for the future, given it can cater wonderfully to classic varieties as well as interesting alternatives across a range of climates and varied geographical landscapes. What’s more, this diversity opens up their options for adapting to the inevitable changes global warming will bring. Perhaps the most exciting part, however, is that with such variety on offer, it seems there’s a spice to please everyone. Mention of the Riverland wine region mostly conjures thoughts of mass-produced, irrigated, simple and fruity wines at the less romantic end of the Australian wine spectrum. And while these thoughts are justified and true, there’s also a subset of newer school producers exploring varieties away from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. Despite only five wines being reviewed from the region, grape varieties such as Zibibbo and Grenache Blanc featured, and to some success. While the Riverland won’t be changing its stripes anytime soon, there’s a dash of colour in the mix that’s worth keeping an eye on.
AND RIVERLAND SUMMARY AND REVIEWS TOM KLINE
If you can pardon the pun, variety is the spice of life, and the Limestone Coast wine region is brimming with it. From top-tier examples of the classics such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay to the newcomer alternatives such as Malvasia Istriana, Barbera, Lagrein, and Grüner Veltliner, you can pretty much get it all. This is thanks, in part, to the huge diversity of soils and climates throughout the region. Sprawling from the southern tip of South Australia to the Victorian border, it features maritime climates closer to the Southern Ocean, as well as continental climates further inland; with a broad-reaching substratum of ancient limestone contributing to quality. However, praise must also be bestowed upon those brave enough to mix things up and explore varieties outside of the safe international mainstays. Diversification is necessary of course, but it’s one thing to talk about it, and another to do it. The vignerons of Limestone Coast have chosen the latter, and it’s working. It’s fair to say that, in comparison to the more famous Australian regions, the majority of wine drinkers don’t know a great deal about the wider Limestone Coast region, but more so of its six subregions. The Limestone Coast encompasses Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Padthaway, Mount Benson, Mount Gambier, and Robe – each with its individual appeal. Coonawarra is by far the most known and revered, of course, with its terra rossa soils having yielded world-class Cabernet Sauvignon wines to much acclaim over decades. In fact, such classic grape varieties have seen much success across the wider Limestone Coast region, but it’s the rise of alternative varieties that has injected a sense of youth and adventure today. Over the course of this tasting, not only did the quality of the wines impress, but the styles did too. Rarely did a wine feel too safe or ‘conventional’ in its aesthetic. Sitting squarely at the fore of the alternative varieties movement, Wangolina impressed with wines such as Malvasia Istriana, Fiano, and Carménère, to name a few, with the threads being vibrancy, layeredness and balance. In a more classic tone, Morambro rated well for their varietal wines such Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, with the threads being elegance and detail. Reschke consistently
Norfolk Rise Vineyard
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The Reviews
Wangolina Seasons Malvasia Istriana Malvasia Istriana 2023
G 95
Heady aromas of persimmon, ripe nectarine, pear and jasmine draw you into the glass. Very fragrant and inviting. The palate is fleshy and textural with pithy phenolics putting a frame around fruit notes akin to the nose as well as adding a lovely preserved lemon and almond bitterness. A latent kick of acidity draws salivating length through the finish. This is textural, architectural, gastronomic, and so well put together. Drink now–2027 Wangolina Spectrum Syrah Syrah 2021 G 95 Cool and restrained aromas of sweet oak spice and dark fruits straight up. Nutmeg and shortbread make way for dark plum, black cherry and bramble with some cedar oak in the background. The palate is soft and also restrained with a lovely fruit and spice mix. Dark plum and black cherry again, warm spice, and a glimmer of mulberry are constricted within a vein of chalky tannins and cooling acidity. A delicious Syrah, with present but integrated oak, attractive spice and elegant fruit. Drink now–2029 Morambro Creek Shiraz Shiraz 2021 G 94 Blackberry, cedar and dark plum lead a darkly toned profile, before sweet earth and coal fill it out. The palate has a cool feel, with plum and blackberry held high in the mouth, with ground coffee and dark chocolate in tow. Again, a sweet earth note adds interest. The finish is framed by grainy tannins and earthy acidity to a long and poised close of good length. This is elegant and well made, with good detail, balance and length. Drink now–2030 Wangolina The Originals Semillon Semillon 2023 G 94 Sweet and savoury pops of honeysuckle, hay, subtle buttered toast, preserved lemon and apple strudel rise from the glass. Very inviting. The palate has good weight and texture. Lemon wax, lemon zest, and apple with cedar and toast in the background. Lovely phenolic edge and pithy acid through a long finish. Loads of interest, balance and complexity here. Delicious. Drink now–2026
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Wangolina Seasons Miksi Garganega, Verdicchio, Ribolla Gialla ‘and others’ 2023
Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache Blanc Grenache Blanc, Zibibbo, Chardonnay 2024
G 94
G 93
An oceanic aromatic profile kicks things off with salted lemon, pink grapefruit, oyster shell and sea spray leading the charge. Air and temperature see it fill out a little with whispers of stone fruits and white almond. The palate is textural, more open-knit, with white peach, citrus blossom, Meyer lemon, and oyster shell again before an assertive, pithy acid line wraps it up and draws length to a saline and almond-tinged close. Loads of interest here, with saline and textural appeal. Drink now–2026 Wangolina Fiano Fiano 2024 G 94 Lifted notes of pear, pineapple, green apple, citrus blossom and brine, with some fennel and almond beneath adding savouriness. The palate has lovely fruit power and drive with pineapple at the fore again, followed by white peach, orange rind and almond. Saline acid pulls line and length to a bitter almond close. This has power and flesh, but also freshness and verve. Drink now–2026 Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz Shiraz 2022 G 93 Blackberry, baking spices and coal lead the aromas ahead of ground coffee, cedar and tilled earth. The palate is sweet-fruited, full-bodied and sapid, with a coating of blackberry, cocoa, dark chocolate and nutmeg and some earthy notes in support. There’s big structure here, with stacked, grainy espresso tannins making way for a wash of black-fruited acid. A powerful and full-fruited wine that calls out for food. Great value at $25. Drink 2026–2030
Sweet pops of honeysuckle and orange blossom lead the nose in a pretty opening, with lemon balm and lemon pith beneath. The palate is tensile with lovely bitterness and line. Preserved lemon and orange blossom run linear through the mouth, with the floral notes in the mouth perfume and a lemon-zest finish. Great value here. Drink now–2025 Wangolina The Originals Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2023 G 93 Lychee sits above preserved lemon first up, followed by spiced pear, lemongrass, custard apple and a whisper of ginger. There’s lovely depth and harmony to the aromas which only blossom more with air and temperature unlocking mango skin and gentle passionfruit. The palate keeps all of this in check within a textural though taut and tensile feel. Lemon juice, lemongrass, ginger, pineapple husk, and mango skin sit above a subtle substratum of cedar oak. Great acid drive here, bringing waves of saliva-inducing, lemon zest acidity to a fresh and long finish. Excellent complexity, balance and value on display. Drink now–2025 Wangolina The Originals Syrah Syrah 2023 G 93 Restrained white pepper spice makes for an immediately inviting opening before an unfurling of blackberry, mulberry, subtle menthol, salted plum and savoury cedar oak. The palate is vibrant and bright with an upfront sluice of plum, blackberry and dark cherry with the menthol and pepper notes in support before a sheath of chalky tannins frames it up and pulls it long. A bright, balanced and expressive Syrah at an excellent price. Drink now–2027 Wangolina Carménère Carménère 2022 G 93 Deep-set notes of mulberry, plum and nutmeg in an aromatic profile of restraint and layered-ness, followed by dried herbs, a saline umami element, and ripe red rose. The palate has a similarly even and restrained feel. Dark cherry and plum sit above white pepper and nutmeg spice before being framed within ductile coffee ground tannins and black-fruited acidity to good length. Some dried herbs in the mouth perfume. This is a balanced and classy example, and for $30 at that. Drink now–2027 Wangolina Moscato Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains 2024 G 93 It’s so refreshing (pardon the pun) to see an Australian Moscato with care and consideration. The result is an expression of definition, character, and gentle structure. The nose is all orange blossom, lemon sherbet, Meyer lemon, cinnamon apple, and lemon zest. The palate is bright and moreish with lemon sherbet, lemonade, citrus florals, and orange pith with a fine line of chalkiness adding important shape and textural dimension through a fresh citrusy finish. Utterly delicious, and a steal at $22. Drink now–2025
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
G 93
Delicate aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry, and cedar lift from the glass, followed by camphor, black olive, earth and subtle brown spice. The palate has a good punch of juicy mulberry fruit at the fore, supported by dark plum, ground coffee, and a dark chocolate edge before ribbons of mocha-laced tannins provide shape and carry to good length. There’s solid complexity, fruit weight and structure here given the sub
$30 price point. Drink now–2029 Morambro Creek Chardonnay Chardonnay 2022
G 93
Lifted flint melds nicely with white peach, candied lime, yellow apple and vanilla in an impactful aromatic profile. The palate walks a nice line of freshness and weight, with notes of lemon butter, lemon rind, yellow apple, and white peach. The oak is present but integrated, while the finish is architectural with good phenolic structure and a burst of pithy acidity drawing length. There’s a lot to this wine, but it all works in balance. Nicely done. Drink now–2028
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Wangolina Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Norfolk Rise Make Waves Syrah Syrah 2022
G 93
G 92
Aromas of passionfruit, ginger, finger lime, lychee, lemon juice and lemongrass sit within in a fresh and taut aromatic profile. The palate has a similar linearity with good flavour concentration and texture. Passionfruit, lemon juice, lime pith, and lemongrass lead the charge before a zesty, poised and fresh finish. They’ve nailed the balance here. It’s so clean and perfectly ripe, with lovely line and concentration. Drink now–2025 Cape Jaffa Wines The Aura Range Block 15 Shiraz Biodynamic Shiraz 2023 G 92 100% carbonic maceration. Pale ruby colour. Quite a spicy aromatic opening with nutmeg, wholebunch spice and white pepper melding subtle banana skin as well as sweet pops of plum, raspberry, and strawberry compote. The palate has a sappy feel, with plum, raspberry at the fore followed by stemmy spice and a whisper of rhubarb. A sheath of chalky tannins brings frame and shape, carrying the raspberry and stemmy notes to medium length. This is bright, spicy and playful. Drink now–2025 Cape Jaffa Wines Shiraz Shiraz 2022 G 92 A restrained nose of plum, blackberry, pepper and salted meat first off, in a largely savoury profile, followed by paperbark and bitter dark chocolate. The palate has a nice punch of plum and blackberry fruit at the fore, though it’s kept within an elegant frame with pepper spice, salted meat and dark chocolate to follow. An earthy undertone, too. Firm, powdery, bitter cacao nib tannins frame it all up along with black-fruited acidity to finish. There’s power and elegance here, with ample structure in tow. Drink 2026–2029 Flavabom Field White Semillon, Chardonnay, Riesling 2023 G 92 Semillon, Chardonnay, and Riesling co-fermented. A good lift of dehydrated lime, lemon pith, lemon butter, jasmine and white nectarine lead the aromas. This is both rich and fresh, and quite attractive as a result. The palate follows suit in this sense, with a lovely burst of citrus, stone fruits and subtle honey gliding through the mouth with vibrancy and playfulness, before being coiled within bright stone fruit acidity to medium length. The name suggests something more garish than this. There’s good flavour, of course, but also freshness and verve, making for a balanced
Plum, dark cherry, paper bark, and salty beef stock on first look, followed by subtle nutmeg and dried garrigue. The palate has nice restraint and balance, with juicy blackberry, dark cherry, mocha and salted meat being quickly furled within firm dark chocolate tannins and bright acid. Some good bitterness through a finish of medium length. There’s elegance, detail and structure here, perhaps belying its $30 price point. Drink now–2028 Norfolk Rise High and Dry Riesling Riesling 2023 G 92 Fresh and racy citrus-led aromas lead the charge, lime zest and flesh, lemon juice and pink grapefruit followed by a saline mineral note. Some sweet white florals and pops of nectarine with air. This is very high-toned and pure in a classic style. The palate follows suit with notes akin to the nose and a barely there glow of residual sugar in balance with tensile and pithy citrus-drenched acidity. Mouth-watering finish. This is elegant, long and age-worthy Riesling that punches above its $25 price point. Drink now–2030 Reschke Bull Trader Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2024 G 92 Ripe raspberry, subtle curry leaf reduction, red liquorice, dried violet and dark cherry lead the aromas, followed by some earth with air. The palate holds sweet pops of raspberry at the fore, followed by deep red florals, black cherry, forest floor and nutmeg spice. A sheath of powdery, talc-like tannins provides frame and carry, along with dark cherry acid. There’s nice fruit here and a good amount of savoury and spicy complexity, especially given its $25 price point. Excellent value. Drink now–2028 Stonehaven Limited Vineyard Release Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2024 G 92 Dusty aromas first off, followed by ash, game meat and gentle smoky reduction. Some air brings out dark cherry, deep red rose, salt, and warm earth. The palate is open-knit and ripe, with lashings of sweet dark cherry, plum and raspberry bursting through the mouth with liquorice and earth in tow. Nice velvety texture here, with firm, chalky cacao nib tannins to frame a finish of medium length. A riper and darker-toned style. Drink now–2028
and delicious drink. Drink now–2025 Morambro Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
G 92
Blackcurrant, mint and cedar mark the opening aromas, before subtle black olive and a whisper of bell pepper. In the mouth, soft black cherry and blackcurrant sit above mint and chocolate with cedar oak in the background before a good lick of minty tannins provide frame and carry along with blackcurrant acid. Nice freshness through good length. Elegance and varietal character neatly packaged up. Drink now–2028
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Stonehaven Stepping Stone Rosé Mourvèdre 2024
Wangolina Tempranillo Tempranillo 2023
G 92
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
Lifted and sweet pops of red and black cherry, cherry blossom, raspberry and red plum lead the way with baking spices beneath and some rosemary to follow. The palate is equally bright and lifted with fruit notes akin to the nose, rosemary again, and a line of chalky tannins to wrap it all up. Vibrancy and brightness define this wine, with good structure adding dimension. Drink now–2026 Byrne Vineyards Riesling Riesling 2023 G 91 Candied lime, lemon blossom, melon and jasmine on the nose in a sweet and citrusy aromatic profile. The palate is fresh and taut. Lemon juice, lemon pith and jasmine are linear in the mouth with a lick of residual sugar bound up in pithy acidity to a fresh finish. It’s not hugely concentrated, but there’s a mineral feel, lovely line, and refreshing drinkability on show here. Good drinking at $20. Drink now–2027 Cape Jaffa Wines Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2024 G 91 Lemongrass, lemon peel, wet stone make way for green apple skin, green mango and guava in a cool and restrained aromatic presence. The palate holds notes of the same, though led by guava and green mango and within a subtly creamy texture. There’s a good bite of grippy preserved lemon bitterness through the finish before waves of citrusy acidity freshen it all up. There’s lovely varietal character here, kept within a fresh and linear expression. Drink now–2025 Jip Jip Rocks Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2024 G 91 Lemon pith, lemon rind, guava and grapefruit zest first off, before sweeter touches of citrus blossom emerge with air. The palate holds a good burst of lemon rind at the fore, along with grapefruit pith, subtle guava again and pineapple husk. Quite a grippy finish, with preserved lemon acidity cleansing the mouth. There’s interest and shape to this wine, which is a win at $25. Drink now–2026 Norfolk Rise Merlot Merlot 2022 G 91 Roast lamb fat makes way for red plum, rosemary, anise and Christmas cake in a soft aromatic profile. Some savoury oak in the background. The palate holds vibrant plum, vanilla, rosemary and Christmas cake again before a pithy acid-led finish with fine tannins in support. Medium to long length. There’s a lot of wine here for $22. Drink now–2027
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Norfolk Rise Where the Wind Blows Chardonnay Chardonnay 2023
Wangolina The Originals Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
G 91
G 91
Dark plum, dust, black cherry and blackberry define the aromas in a soft fruit-led profile, with subtle herbaceous and dark chocolate notes beneath. The palate bursts with blackberry, dark plum, and dark cherry before binding nicely with ground coffee and dark chocolate. Firm, grainy tannins frame the finish. Fruit sits at the fore here, but the bitter notes add lovely interest in support. Drink now–2028 Wangolina Dolcetto Dolcetto 2023 G 91 Sweet raspberry coulis blows off to reveal maraschino cherry and dark plum. There’s a stoniness, too, along with a glimmer of almond meal in the background. The palate is juicy and vibrant, holding notes akin to the nose before assertive powdery tannins frame a finish of medium length. Vibrant and bright. Drink now–2026 Wangolina Rosato Dolcetto 2024 G 91 Vibrant light cherry red colour. Pomegranate, maraschino cherry, watermelon and a glimmer of amaro on the nose. The palate is bone dry and quite vinous in its texture and layered-ness, with pomegranate, tart cherry and alpine herbs before a lick of bitter chinotto tannins to finish. There’s a light red vibe about this, and the bitter notes give it a gastronomic feel. Drink now–2025 Wangolina Chardonnay Chardonnay 2024 G 91 Honeydew melon, Golden Delicious apple, and nashi pear lead the aromas with a touch of lemon rind beneath. The palate is also fruit led and fresh: white peach, lemon juice, and melon underpinned by a saline twang. The finish is all about freshness and citrussy appeal with subtle bitterness in tow. Not classically varietal; refreshing and bright with defined fruits. Drink now–2025 Flavabom Vine-Dried Shiraz Shiraz 2022 G 90 Dates, prunes, leather, fig jam, and peppered meat lead the aromas in a heady and voluminous profile. The palate lives up to the name, with a huge burst of prune, baked fruits, dates and plum jam coating the mouth before swathes of stacked tannins and jam-laden acidity frame it up to a heady and sweet-fruited close. 16% ABV is present but tucked neatly into this beast of a wine. This is a style that will overbear most, but they’ve managed the all important factor of balance. Drink now–2028
Grilled chestnut, cedar, peach, Meyer lemon and ginger on the nose making for a nice mix of fruit and savoury notes. The palate has sweet pops of peach and nectarine at the fore, with ginger, cedar and ripe lemon in tow. Good acidity here, pulling the ripe stone fruit notes into linearity and pulling to a citrus-laced close. This is rich and round in its fruit profile, but nicely balanced by a brisk acid line. Drink now–2025 Reschke R Series Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2024 G 91 Guava and gooseberry sit above lemon pith on opening, in a fresh and bright aromatic profile. Some air brings out pear, apple, preserved lemon and a subtle river-stone mineral note. The palate is equally bright and fresh, with notes of the same bursting through the mouth with bitter lemon rind coating the sides before a latent lick of citrusy acid washes things down. This is varietal and refreshing, which is exactly what you hope for at $22. Drink now–2025 Reschke R Series Pinot Gris Pinot Gris 2024 G 91 Pear, honeysuckle, quince paste, lemon balm and peach skin lead the aromas, the sweet pops of which add prettiness to its lifted perfume. The palate is bone dry and crisp, with lemon juice, lemon rind pear, and peach before very assertive acidity drenches the mouth and provides the frame for a fresh pear-led finish. Good aromatic presence and palate freshness here. Value for money. Drink now–2025 Stonehaven Stepping Stone Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2024 G 91 Smoky reduction melds with dark cherry, game, nutmeg and earth, making for a nice fruit and savoury mix. On the palate, there are sweet pops of maraschino cherry, raspberry and plum at the fore, supported by nutmeg and earth again before a lick of chalky tannins holds sway along with lovely even red-fruited acidity to a fresh finish. Good value for money here. Drink now–2026 Wangolina Birds of a Feather Prosecco Glera NV G 91 Perfumed aromas of green Anjou pear, apple blossom, green apple and melon make for a fresh and pretty aromatic profile. The palate is lively, bright and bone dry with crushed green apple, lemon, citrus blossom and nashi pear gliding high through the mouth. Crisp and tart through a finish led by citrusy acidity. Overall, a varietal, refreshing and vibrant Prosecco. Drink now–2025
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Jip Jip Rocks Chardonnay Chardonnay 2023
Wangolina Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
G 90
G 90
Melon, lemon curd, ripe nectarine and honeysuckle at the fore in a sweet aromatic opening. The palate is open-knit and generous, following suit with melon, lemon juice, lemon pith and nectarine in a slippery texture before citrus-laden acidity pulls it tight and fresh through the finish. A fruit-focused wine and not necessarily classic in style, but nicely balanced and fresh. Drink now–2025 Reschke R Series Shiraz Shiraz 2021 G 90 Plum, blackberry, vanilla bean and cedar at the fore with a swirl of the glass unlocking nutmeg spice, earth and gentle salted meat. The palate is full bodied and sapid, with a sluice of blackberry and plum underpinned by cedar oak and vanilla bean before a foil of mocha tannins shapes a finish of medium length. A classic Shiraz here, not shying away from oak or structure, but balanced all the same. Drink now–2029 Reschke Bull Trader Chardonnay Chardonnay 2024 G 90 Pale gold colour. Rich aromas of toast, ripe nectarine, butterscotch, marzipan and grilled peach. The palate is rich but controlled, with butterscotch, ripe nectarine, and Meyer lemon at the fore with vanilla and marzipan in support, and the finish is freshened somewhat by lemon rind bitterness and medium acidity. It’s quite round, heady and sweetly toned overall and will please those who like this style at $25. Drink now–2025 Reschke R-Series Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 G 90 Mint, red plum and blackcurrant lead the aromas in a reserved aromatic opening, followed by some tilled earth to flesh it out. The palate is medium bodied and fruit- forward, with sweet red plum and blackberry at the fore. Supple tannins frame the finish adding some delicate bitterness through a close of medium length. An elegant and digestible expression, offering good value at $22. Drink now–2026 Wangolina Montepulciano Montepulciano 2023 G 90 Game meat aromas first up, followed by black olive brine, black cherry and dried herbs. The palate is packed with a sluice of dark cherry and dark plum with dried herbs and game in the background before firm tannins frame it up to a juicy black- fruited close. By no means complex, but varietal and well put together. Drink now–2026
Dust, mint and dried autumn leaves first up with a swirl of the glass, revealing blueberry, baked plum, dark cherry and nutmeg. It’s quite light on its feet aromatically. The palate holds a similar aesthetic, with sweet and bright red plum at the fore with some blueberry and brown spice in tow. Ample structure to frame it. This is soft, juicy and approachable. Drink now–2026 Wangolina Rosé Dolcetto, Tempranillo 2024 G 90 Watermelon pink. Cherry blossom, pomegranate, red apple, and watermelon lead a fresh, pretty and crisp aromatic profile. The palate is crunchy and similarly fruited, with pomegranate and watermelon at the fore with a powdery red apple texture through the finish. This is moreish and crunchy, with thirst-slaking appeal. Drink now–2025
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