Description
2019 Xanadu DJL Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (Margaret River WA)
Takes on the power, hitting on where others fall by the wayside. The flavours are conventional enough but their density is in a league of its own. Apple, herbs, citrus and tropical fruits are all there in abundance. Partial barrel ferment is the key to its complexity and texture.
> James Halliday 96/100 + Best of the Best by Variety (highest rated Sauvignon Blanc blend)
2019 Poonawatta ‘The Eden’ Riesling (Eden Valley, SA)
While the 2019 volume is down there is no loss of flavour – it is a powerhouse of fresh citrus, with a lemon-lime bouquet and hints of apple blossom and sage. The vibrant palette is awash with citrus-lime and Meyer lemon, granny smith apple with the acidity driving a long finish.
> James Halliday 97/100 Halliday + Best of the Best by Variety
2018 Bondar Chardonnay (Adelaide Hills, SA)
Hand-picked from a single vineyard, 405 dozen made. A complex wine, but there’s no suggestion of its fruit being compromised by winemaker’s thumbprints. It has perfect balance and a freshness to the white peach, melon and grapefruit flavours. The finish and aftertaste are the high points of a high class wine.
> James Halliday 97/100
2018 Duke’s Magpie Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (Great Southern, WA)
A superb Cabernet that will be calling the shots for decades to come. Its richness is spectacular because it parallels the wine’s power. Endless peaks of supple blackcurrant and cassis make light of the varietal tannins. The price rendered me speechless.
> James Halliday 98/100 + Best of the Best by Variety (second highest rated Cabernet Sauvignon)
2018 Bests Bin 1 Shiraz (Great Western, VIC)
Typical Great Western wine with high quality intensity, focus and length to its spicy/peppery black forest floor fruits.
> James Halliday 95/100 + Best Value Winery in Australia
2018 Yangarra Old Vine Grenache (McLaren Vale, SA)
Hand-picked from vines planted in ’46; wild yeast open fermented. It only takes a millisecond in the mouth for the wine to establish it’s varietal purity and generosity. It is supple, round and deeply satisfying.
>James Halliday 96/100