Vintages New Release Collection – October 11, 2025

THE NEW RELEASE COLLECTION

AUSTRALIA – WHITE WINE

AUSTRALIA – RED WINE BEST’S BIN NO. 1 GREAT WESTERN SHIRAZ 2022 Victoria

D’ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2024 McLaren Vale, South Australia

A delicious, creamy and fruity blend of viognier and marsanne. White peaches, sweet lemons, Greek yogurt and flowers on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Delicious lemons and sweet spices on the palate, with a flavorful finish. Drink now. Score: 91 (jamessuckling.com,

This is an impressive wine that punches well above its price point. It shows savoury herbs, forest floor, pepper, cherry, oak spice, dark fruit, licorice, and smooth but structured tannins. It’s ready to drink now and will continue to evolve for another decade or more. Full-bodied & Smooth 222323 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 2

March 26, 2025) Full-bodied & Rich 662775

$17.95 1

(XD) 750 ml

MILES FROM NOWHERE MARGARET RIVER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Western Australia

ELDERTON BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2022 Barossa, South Australia A heady waft of ripe red berries and a freshly mown meadow framed by eucalyptus trees sets the stage for a grand red berry entrance – plush, opulent and proud. This has rich redcurrant and blackberry speaking in a loud, clear voice, with the solid fruit platform propelled by a firm acid seam. It finishes tight, aided by a cluster of fine-grained tannins, which suggests a long, fruitful life in the cellar. Drinking window: 2026-2039. [Decant for one hour to enjoy tonight.] Score: 94 (David Sly, decanter.com, July 16, 2024) Full-bodied & Smooth 713024 (XD) 750 ml $27.95 2

This Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of fruit from two vineyards. The Challis Vineyard brings aromatics and finesse, while the Glamorgan site adds texture and weight. It all adds up to a juicy, fresh, bright wine with citrus, grapefruit, herbs and mineral. Enjoy it through 2027+. [China Wine & Spirits Awards did not include a tasting note.] Score: Double Gold (China Wine &

Spirits Awards, 2024) Aromatic & Flavourful 41794

$18.95 2

(XD) 750 ml

FRANKLAND ROCKY GULLY CABERNETS 2021 Frankland River, Western Australia

VASSE FELIX FILIUS CHARDONNAY 2023 Margaret River, Western Australia With the most upfront fruit in the Vasse Chard trio, Filius is immediately comforting in a favorite T-shirt kind of way, with bright, fleshy lime and peach blossom, a flicker of nougat and something stony, a bit salty. It flows seamlessly to a palate of mouth- watering acidity that balances the toasty oak and malolactic influences. Editors’ Choice. Score: 94 (Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast , July 1, 2024) Light & Crisp 416511 (XD) 750 ml $23.95 2 Online & Flagship Exclusive

It’s a little ripper and such good value. Not for cellaring but for drinking now thanks to its juiciness, its freshness, its upfront fruit with spice and lots of earthy tones in the mix. Tannins gravelly and a little rustic, acidity bright; nothing else to do other than find the right food match. Drink from: [Now.] Drink by: 2028. Special Value. Score: 90 (Jane Faulkner, winecompanion.com.au, Feb. 11, 2025) Full-bodied & Firm 33556 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 2

48 VINTAGES SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025