Terre a Terre 2022 Crayeres Vineyard Reserve

 

Terre a Terre has built a formidable reputation for higher echelon South Australian reds with just a touch of French swagger added by winemaker Xavier Bizot. From the first sniff and sip this identified itself as something special; a wine of style and substance to grace any dinner table. Think length, power and balance with dark fruits to the fore. This is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (66%,) shiraz (17%) and dollop of cabernet franc - a classic Claret style made entirely from estate fruit grown at Wrattonbully on the Limestone Coast. I liked this a lot and gave it 97 points. Pair with Moroccan roast lamb.  $90. https://terreaterre.com.au/

Henschke 2025 Julius Riesling

 

Six generations of the Henschke family have been making wines in South Australia for over 150 years - and their immense range really does offer something for everyone.  All their wines come with class and style and I was particularly impressed by this benchmark Eden Valley riesling - an exemplar of the family expertise with the grape variety. Named in honour of a family ancestor, this is a pale, aromatic example with citrus and floral on the nose with lime/grapefruit flavours to the fore on a zesty palate with impressive flinty minerality and lively acid. A perfect after-work libation, or ideal for pairing with seafood or lightly spiced Asian dishes. Fine and focussed. $56. https://www.henschke.com.au/

Terre a Terre 2021 Crayeres Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Shiraz

If you need a wine for a special occasion but don't want to take out a mortgage to pay for it then this new release from Terre a Terre is well worth considering. Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser have crafted an impressive red blend that manages to be both powerful and elegant. Estate-grown fruit from Wrattonbully: cabernet sauvignon (58%), shiraz and cabernet franc (both 21%) have been blended seamlessly to create a dark-fruited red with complexity and immediate appeal. Oak plays a key role in a wine that unfolds across the palate and finishes soft and spicy. I'd give this one a year or two in the cellar, but if you can't wait maybe pair it with a steak and kidney casserole. 95 points from me. $90. https://terreaterre.com.au/

2021 Crayères Vineyard

Reserve Cabernet Shiraz

$90 per bottle | $540 per six pack

The Reserve is made each time using the best parcels of Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) and Shiraz from our estate vineyard.

2021 provided perfect growing conditions in Wrattonbully; slightly cooler than the 40-year average and a classic vintage in line with 2019 and 2020. It is an eminently Australian wine style, with black and red fruit and floral aromas, velvety tannins and superbly balanced palate texture.