Vintages New Release Collection – December 20, 2025

THE NEW RELEASE COLLECTION

AUSTRALIA – RED WINE CONT’D

SISTER’S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 Coonawarra, South Australia (Curt Evans)

HITHER & YON CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2022 McLaren Vale, South Australia

Inky hued, this is a densely packed Cab with concentrated black and red berry fruit, licorice, cedar and winter warming spice behind. It’s as rich and mouth-filling on the palate as the color and aromas suggest, but with a lovely lift of tangy acidity to balance chiseled, powerful tannins. Best Buy. Score: 91 (Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast , Dec. 1, 2024) Full-bodied & Firm 478271 (XD) 750 ml $18.95 2 Featured as our Wine of the Month ZONTE’S FOOTSTEP 1 ST OFF THE RANK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 McLaren Vale, South Australia ... From the outset there is good dark plum and blackcurrant character, nose and mouth, and for those who remember it, a strong likeness to Ribena cordial. Bouquet garni aromatics add some terroir complexity as well. There’s oak as well, though deeply integrated so not to spike out as a neck-breaker, and as for varietal tannins, neatly tempered. All up a very smart, flavour-forward Cabernet that hopefully will attract plenty of admirers. Score: 95 (Tony Love, winepilot.com, April 2025) Full-bodied & Firm 33417 (XD) 750 ml $21.95 2 ZONTE’S FOOTSTEP SUPER TROOPER SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2022 Fleurieu, South Australia Brings together two varieties that are relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company. It’s from the Fleurieu Peninsula and displays aromas of cherry, subtle bay leaf and a little fresh mint. The palate retains its firm thread with fine tannins and lightly applied oak sitting perfectly. Has a delightfully friendly mouth feel with the structure and weight to suit a range of meat or pasta dishes. Drink by: 2025-2032. Score: 92 (Ray Jordan, winepilot.com, March 2025) Full-bodied & Firm 23782 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 2

Upfront and immediately appealing with black- currant, blueberry, dried herb, hazelnut and warm spice aromas, it’s succulent and fleshy in the mouth, delivering excellent weight and generously textured mouthfeel. Well structured by layers of fine tannins, finishing long and sturdy. At its best: now to 2034. Score: 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Sept. 2024) Full-bodied & Smooth 45719 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 2

JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2022 Padthaway, South Australia Attractively fruited and delightfully appealing with blackberry, violet, roasted nut and subtle spice aromas on the nose, followed by a flavoursome palate that’s succulent and lingering. Tannins are fine and well integrated, making the wine struc tured and harmonious. At its best: now to 2030. Score: 92 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, July 2023) Full-bodied & Smooth 186114 (XD) 750 ml $17.95 2

MONTERRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 McLaren Vale, South Australia, vegan Fruit for this Cabernet comes from the Dowie Doole Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, where the warm days and cool nights of the maritime climate produce fragrant, elegantly expressive wines. Aged for 18 months in French oak, this offers complex notes of blackberry, cassis and cigar box. It will continue to evolve and impress through 2030 and beyond. Full-bodied & Firm 12835 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 2

34 VINTAGES SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025