Master of Wine, speaker, writer, critic & consultant with opinions on wines that matter. 

2017 THE REVEREND CANON BAROSSA SHIRAZ

91 Points

The Reverend Canon Shiraz 2017: a rich wine nudging an ideal window of drinkability, with plenty of gas left in the tank. Gentle bottle age has imbued a whiff of leather and lozenge, evincing a welcome savouriness to riffs of morello cherry, anise, violet and baking spice. A fine aromatic kit. The oak is a little twiggy and the acidity a bit zingy for style and region, yet neither impacts the enjoyment quotient as the finish is plenty long, there is ample refreshment factor and the lingering impression is one of sufficient poise.

2022 JELLICOE EDEN VALLEY RIESLING

93 Points

Eden Valley Jellicoe Riesling 2022: an archetypal, light-weighted Eden Valley Riesling, defined by a burr of spa salts, Meyer lemon rind, quince, lime blossom & suggestion of apricot pith. There is real vibrato and a long glide, too, rather than the brittle acidity that stunts many domestic examples. Nothing avant-garde, but the structural clutch is positioned well, promoting intensity and persistence. I like this. It is honest, immaculately poised and of mellifluous drinkability.

2022 MARGRET EDEN VALLEY PINOT GRIS

92 Points

Eden Valley Margaret Pinot Gris 2022: a protean table wine, pushing all the right buttons: texture, flavour and freshness. I’d prefer a bit more of the former and less of the latter, but delicious all the same. Sitting mid-weighted and nicely shaped in the mouth. Spherical with a linear spurt of acidity to tow length. A grape skinsy fleck offers further punctuation. Accents of pear granita, baked golden apple, quince, raw almond and citrus. Good drinking.