JamesSuckling.com Reviews
Oct 21, 2024
We recently had the pleasure of hosting Associate Editor Ryan Montgomery of the James Suckling Wine Ratings website and it was a great pleasure to meet, chat and taste through the wines.
As well as being a very respected journalist, Ryan is a qualified winemaker, and makes wine in California. He hails from the Bellarine so he knows this region well. Thanks Ryan for the lovely words.
Read the full report at jamessuckling.com, all notes and scores by Ryan Montgomery.
SRH 2023
97 points. The nose has mineral depth with underlying power, showing aromas of lemon confit, orange blossoms and struck match. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with notes of kaffir limes, creme brulee, sweet spices and chalk. Made from a selection of 12 rows planted in 1976. Exceptional. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Serré 2023
97 points. Pure red fruit is supported by notes of potpourri, cassia bark, graphite and wet stones. The palate is medium-bodied with piercing fruit and fine tannins, giving notes of dried herbs, spices, orange rind and salt brine. A very complex and complete wine that will live for decades. Made from vines planted in 1984. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Chardonnay 2023
96 points. The nose is mineral-driven with an underlying power, giving notes of fresh lemon rind, lime curd and shortbread. The palate is medium-bodied with a generous mouthfeel and striking acidity, giving notes of grapefruit pith, phosphorus, orange blossoms and puff pastry. A wonderfully fresh and balanced chardonnay that will age for years to come. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Pinot Noir 2023
96 points. The nose is lifted and perfumed, with notes of dark cherries, cassia bark, potpourri and sweet spices. The palate is medium-bodied with seamless tannins and precise acidity, giving notes of red currants, forest floor, graphite and orange rind. 25% whole cluster. Exceptional. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
De La Terre Pinot Noir 2019
95 points. Savory and minerally with notes of wild blackberries, tobacco leaves and wet earth. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity, plus a saline edge showing notes of blackcurrants, raspberry bush, mocha and cassia bark. Will integrate nicely in years to come. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Sauvignon Blanc 2024
95 points. Aromas of passion fruit, fresh pineapple and and flint on the nose. The palate is light- to medium-bodied and textural with vibrant acidity, giving notes of lemon sherbet, Fuji apples and blueberry bush. Very focused and sophisticated with a minerally finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Shiraz 2022
95 points. Savory and earth-driven. with notes of Damson plums, graphite, blackcurrants and spices. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with focused acidity and finely integrated tannins, giving notes of wild blackberries, wet earth, cured meat and dried herbs. Wonderfully balanced and giving. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Riesling 2024
93 points. Lifted, fresh and floral notes of lemon sherbet, orange blossoms and candied lime zest. The palate is light-bodied with piercing acidity and a generous mouthfeel that will open up in time, giving notes of flint, crushed river stones and grapefruit. Very tightly bound. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
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