A Humble Reflection on Recent Critical Recognition
Over the past few months, our small winery has received recognition from some of the most respected voices in wine criticism, and we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude while reflecting on what these reviews mean to us.
These reviews represent more than just scores and tasting notes to us. They validate our continued dedication to learning, experimenting, and refining our approach. In an industry where critical recognition can make an enormous difference for small producers, their words carry real weight and meaning.
We are particularly touched by the consistency across these reviews. There's a common thread of recognition for what we're trying to achieve: wines that are both technically sound and emotionally resonant.
As we move forward, these reviews serve as both encouragement and responsibility. We're encouraged because they confirm we're on the right path, but we also feel the weight of maintaining these standards and continuing to improve. The wine world is filled with talented producers, and we never take recognition for granted.
Halliday Wine Companion Recognition
Philip Rich from the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion has given our wines scores that still make us pinch ourselves. Our 2023 Pinot Noir received an outstanding 92/100, with Philip writing:
"Destemmed and matured in 30% new oak. Brightly fruited with aromas of red cherries, cranberries, crushed flowers and spice. The palate is medium bodied, juicy-fruited and with enough tannin and acidity to give the wine structure and shape."
Our 2023 Chardonnay also earned recognition with a solid 90/100 from Philip, who wrote:
"Barrel fermented in 30% new wood; 20% mlf. A bright, if not a touch forward, green gold. Aromas of ripe stone fruits and a hint of vanillin from the well-handled and already well-integrated oak. Gently textured, this flavoursome and reasonably well-balanced wine can be enjoyed now and over the next two to three years."
International Acclaim from Jasper Morris
Tom Kline, writing for the esteemed Jasper Morris, awarded our 2023 Pinot Noir 91/100 points with this beautifully detailed tasting note:
"Smoky cherry, rhubarb, nutmeg and red rose lead the charge before in an initially skeletal set of aromas, before air unlocks more earthy underbrush notes along with some emergent fruits in the form of wild strawberry, red currant, and a twist of tangerine to fill it out. The palate is fine boned, red fruited and similarly linear with red cherry, red rose, earth, red currant, and nutmeg encased in a very nervy structural aesthetic with perky acidity and firm-but-fine tannins framing the finish."
The Ultimate Honour: Jancis Robinson's Recognition
Perhaps most humbling of all was receiving 17/20 points from Tamlyn Currin, writing for Jancis Robinson's team. For a small producer like us, being noticed by one of the world's most influential wine publications feels almost surreal. Tamlyn wrote:
"Wild cherry and a lovely lilting laurel-leaf note. Delicate spices and the tannins seem to have a soaring lift. Vanilla pod takes the fruit into a creamy finish. There is quiet energy and at the same time contentment in this silky wine."
