Hello and welcome to the Small Winemakers Tasting Dozen
SWTD November 2025
100% Pinot Gris grown at 360m in the Adelaide Hills at Castambul. The colour is pale straw with a golden hue. The Nose and Palate characters are lime, green apple, meyer lemon, pear and white nectarine.
“Enjoy it on release and in the first three years under screw cap.”
On the basis of all considerations, among them strong support and recommendation from Jacki from Young and Rashleigh, it fitted in. Also on the ‘bragging sheet:’ “The Aloft vision is to make highly drinkable wines that are accessible to everyone, wines you taste and say, ‘Mmm….actually, this wine is really quite good.’ Almost as if it shouldn’t be that good for the price! Wines made from select parcels of Adelaide Hills fruit, sourced, bottled and packaged locally. Created by Adam and Brooke Lampit, who share a passion for all things Adelaide Hills. Why ALOFT? Inspiration from the Lofty Adelaide Hills – hitting the heights of wine without hitting your hip pocket. They are fun, uncomplicated, drink anywhere, anytime with anyone.” A refreshing ‘point of view.’
Available to Retail.
Web: www.aloftwines.com.au
No Cellar Door.
Local Distributor: Young and Rashleigh Wines.
Phone: 02 9967 5900
Grapes were hand harvested in the early morning; the fruit was chilled overnight prior to whole bunch pressing to tank where it was able to clarify prior to racking. The juice was slightly cloudy and was fermented in tank at cool temperatures to preserve freshness and aromatics. Following fermentation, the wine was rested on its lees for four months prior to bottling. In the glass the wine is pale straw with green hues with a nose of lime, rose hip, lemon myrtle and juniper. The wine is fine boned and textural combining lemon pith and honeysuckle with a cold steely acid line and briny dry finish.
Will develop toasty aged characters over the next five to eight years.
I had in mind to revisit one of the Harewood Estate Rieslings here but was a little curious to follow this one up. “Reborn from the old Donnelly River Winery, Ampersand is a rising star from Western Australia’s emerging Pemberton Region, and in this case a Riesling crafted from the acclaimed Swinney vineyards in Frankland River. Ampersand Estates’ name was inspired by the philosophy that you shouldn’t have to choose – you should have it all!”
Available to Retail.
Web: www.ampersandestates.com.au
Phone: 0438 954 513
Open: Mon & Tues 10 to 4; Wed to Sun 10 to 5
Address: 9883 Vasse Highway, Peerabeelup, W.A., 6250.
“Fermentation in temperature controlled vats. Aged for a minimum of three months, with daily stirring of lees. Pale gold robe colour complemented by beautiful effervescence. Expressive and fruity nose with aromas of white fleshed fruits such as apple and pear. The palate is seductive, with a hint of acidity. Delicate flavours build to an impressive length before a refreshing finish.”
“Enjoy on release and over the short term while enjoying its ‘seductive’ purpose.”
This wine is made by the Charmat (or Tank) Method where the ‘bubbles’ are created under pressure in large tanks. “The selection of base wines is made among the different Blanc de Blancs varieties depending on the vintage characteristics in order to obtain the best expression of the signature of the Maison Chevalier.” “When Eugene Chevalier established his company in Charnay (near Macon) in the 1920s he knew he faced a veritable challenge: the standard of traditional method Burgundies was already incredibly high, particularly in wines from nearby Nuits-Saint-Georges and Rully. His success in producing one of Burgundy’s freshest and most aromatic Cremants is largely thanks to committed long-term grape growers with an interest in producing quality grapes from their vineyards.”
Available to Retail.
Local Distributor: Bacchus Wines
Phone: 1300 309 773
The grapes for this wine came from the Timbervines Vineyard which is part of the original Lindeman’s Fordwich Sill plantings of the late 1960s. This 30 acre block was planted on original Busby vine stock and has been farmed using vertical shoot positioning. It crops at around one tonne to the acre which is very low. Picked at around the 13.5°baumé mark, the climate of the Hunter provides us with medium, bodied reds with great natural acid and lower alcohol. Colour: is dark plum with purple hue. nose: blueberry, violets and tobacco leaf and the palate: cassis, blackberry and plum. Or, bright forest berries accentuated with a hint of white pepper follows through to a rich but elegant wine. Great natural acidity adds another level of complexity and makes for a mouth watering aftertaste.
“10years.”
“This Shiraz was fermented under relatively cool conditions with a structured aeration program, allowing for full fruit expression without over extraction of tannins. After primary fermentation, it was transferred to four and five year old French oak hogsheads for a period of 18 months to allow it to soften and mature. A mild summer allowed for excellent acid retention and a long ripening period resulting in elegant fruit character and seamless acid balance. The 2023 Margan Shiraz is lightly framed, elegant and poised.” As with the Tyrrells HV Shiraz 2023 I thought after a second look at this wine in September or October, it would be interesting to include this wine in November.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.margan.com.au
Phone: 02 6579 1372
Open: Daily 10 to 5.
Address: 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke, NSW, 2330.
Grapes were hand picked into small crates and transported to the winery. Once there, part of the pick undergoes a drying process at controlled humidity and temperature. Thanks to this process, the grapes lose weight and the sugar levels and aromas are enhanced. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks where the liquid acquires complexity and structure. Fermentation follows and part of the wine is matured in wooden barrels, then blended with the other wine and bottled. Wine with a straw yellow colour and elegant aromas of fruit and almonds, citrus and tropical notes. In the mouth, it is fresh and harmonic, with a long and pleasant finish. It is a perfect accompaniment for all courses; ideal with raw or cooked crustaceans, light sauces and fresh cheeses.”
“Enjoy on release and the short term, three years.”
“The wines of Tenute Masso Antico are the perfect expression of the scents and flavours of Salento. Red, white and organic wines of this range follow the ancient tradition of Apulian winemaking, known as Alberello Pugliese. This technique allows a very limited production per vine but of excellent quality which are dried in the vineyard and matured slowly in barrels. It is the story that lives in the roots of these vines and the hands of those who farm them every day.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.schenkitalia.it
Local Distributor: Bacchus Wines
Phone: 1300 309 773
Fine Rosehill Shiraz fruit from O’Sheas’ 1946 Block meets dark structural Pinot Noir from our MV vineyard (Mother Vine) planted in 1921. Both contributing to elegance, complexity and length. 82% Shiraz and 18% Pinot Noir adding precision to the wine. The fruit was handpicked, destemmed and carefully selected through our optical sorter. Whole – berry (10% whole bunch) spontaneous fermentation followed for the Pinot Noir, while Shiraz was inoculated and racked to tank, before transferring to French puncheons (15% new) for eight months maturation. The palate is seamless, Shiraz brings plush richness while Pinot Noir adds fine tannins and aromatic lift, creating a wine of harmony, complexity and finesse.
“Designed for early enjoyment yet capable of aging gracefully for decades, this vintage is a true expression of Hunter Valley heritage.”
“2024 is more of a classic great vintage for the Hunter Valley in that it was warmer, with riper, bigger more structural wines, bigger tannin profile and slightly darker fruit spectrums. Similar to 1998 maybe, that of more power, and a tendency for bigger wines. Vintage was fast and furious; afternoon rainstorms came but we held our nerves and just had to wait for the blocks to ripen for a window to pick. Whole bunches looked expressive with well sized berries and no disease pressure.”
Available to Retail.
Web: www.mountpleasantwines.com.au
Phone: 02 4998 7505
Open: Thursday to Monday 10.00 to 4.00
Address: 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin, NSW, 2320.
Pinot Noir (Old Cemetery Block 52% and Pirinoa Block 48%) grapes were picked and destemmed only. Maceration followed for a period for 21-24 days. Primary and Malolactic fermentation was carried out in barrel, tight grained French oak barriques. This was followed with a further 12 months barrel maturation. Light fining and filtered. The wine is deep crimson in colour. The bouquet and palate exhibit regional characters of red berries and cherries mixed with spicy and earthy notes. The texture is soft with supple tannins and carries flavours of red fruits and spice through the palate to a soft, persistent finish.
“Will improve in the cellar for three to five years.”
Extra in the Notes: “Suited to a wide range of red meats and game dishes. Particularly lamb, venison, rabbit and duck. Will handle savoury sauces and spicy dishes but best to avoid cream dominant sauces.” Jacki Osborne rattled off a list of wines she had happened across since our last catch up, wines that may be of interest and out of the blue, she mentioned this Martinborough, NZ Pinot Noir. My thoughts went back in time, some time, and I can’t remember exactly when, but the place was the Martinborough Town Hall and it was packed with local vignerons and visitors. Perhaps middle to late 80s. Lucky to be present I remember James Halliday had the microphone and he was encouraging the local winemakers to continue their wonderful work with Pinot Noir as he believed it to be one of ‘the places’ where it expresses itself best. The date fuzzy but the message was clear.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.ngawaka.co.nz
Local Distributor: Young and Rashleigh Wines.
Phone: 02 9967 5900
Open: Wed - Sun 10 to 4
Phone: +64 6 306 9832
Address: 66 Kitchener Street, Martinborough 5711 New Zealand
Fermented and kept on skins for up to two weeks together with partial barrel fermentation during this time. Following pressing and clarification, the wine was matured in French oak hogsheads for 15 months. The wine is dense brick red with a purple hue. The nose shows lifted blackcurrant, vanilla and chocolate with a youthful ripe and dark plum spectrum. The palate weight is immense; however it melds together with mouth coating, dusty French oak and a beautiful acid core.
“While drinking beautifully now, this Cabernet can be cellared with confidence until 2038.”
“Founded in 1979, Peter Lehmann Wines brings unmatched diversity, uniqueness and quality from more than 800 hand-tended vineyards across the length and breadth of all 14 Barossa sub – regions. The quality of Peter Lehmann Wines is a testament to our relationships, allowing us access across the region’s finest grapes. The Masters wines are named after a person, or event that has played an intrinsic role in the Peter Lehmann story. Crafted from classic Barossa varietals, the wines are released with five years bottle age and will continue to age gracefully for many years. Our founder, Peter Lehmann, mentored countless people over his 50 year career and this wine is named in his honour. Mentor Cabernet Sauvignon is made as the best expression of vintage. By drawing from a number of Barossa sub – regions, it displays immense varietal definition with added complexity of fruit from low yielding old vines matured in French oak barrels.”
Availability
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8565 9555.
Open: Visit by appointment.
Address: Para Road, Tanunda, S.A., 5352.
Web: www.peterlehmannwines.com
100% Nero d ‘Avola grown at 300m. Sourced from the hills of Petrosino, the grapes for this wine were hand harvested then underwent destemming and traditional pressing. Fermentation took place in 300 – 500 hl tanks at 25 -26° over 10 days, followed by Malolactic fermentation. Then stored in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling. Colour is intensely red with a violet hue. The nose shows typical scents of blackberry and cherry. Round and complete on the palate, with a natural and effortless balance of tannin and acidity, structure and length. Match with rich meat and mushroom dishes.
“Medium term three to five years.”
This is the wine that ‘didn’t make it’ to the August Dozen and after the Bacchus Portfolio Tasting. At the time they were waiting for the latest shipment. As mentioned with the Montepulciano D ‘Abruzzo DOC in August, it is a co-operative enterprise and has excellent value wines. The right time of year for sure.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.terreforti.com
Local Distributor: Bacchus Wine Merchant
Phone: 1300 309 773
A modern, medium bodied Australian Shiraz. The nose shows bright red fruit and savoury spice, which follows onto the palate. Primary, bright fruits balanced by soft, savoury tannins and a crunchy acidity adds to the wine's complexity.
“‘Key Varietals’ (such as this HV Shiraz) are designed to drink now.” Under screw cap three to five years, enjoy.
“Hunter Valley Shiraz is sourced from a selection of some of our top blocks on the Estate and surrounding area, most of which are dry grown and averaging 40 years in vine age. The wine is made to the same high standards that our flagship Vat 9 Shiraz receives. The fruit was destemmed, but not crushed, to ensure as many whole berries as possible made it to the fermenter. The wine was then matured in older, large format French oak casks. These 2,700L casks highlight the fruit purity whilst making sure that oak isn’t the dominant character. The 2023 vintage in the Hunter Valley was exceptional and has produced wines with great character and structure.” A direct quote from their Notes instead of me labouring the point. Adding, I tried this wine earlier this year and again in September, at which point I thought, yep, November.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.tyrrells.com.au
Phone: 02 4993 7000
Open: Mon to Sat 10 to 5; Sunday 10 to 4.
Address: 1838 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW, 2320.
Single parcel fruit. (Vines planted in 2001). Our Cabernet Franc is about perfume and delicacy. A warmer year, we approached it by having an open canopy throughout the growing season. The fruit received gentle dappled light, which assisted with the growth of supple tannins and fragrant berry perfumes. We harvested at moderate ripeness, then slightly split each berry before a 25° C ferment for 10 days. A gentle pressing, then to second use oak for 10 months. We chose the second use barrels as they were ideal for the feminine perfumes and structure of the wine. The colour is medium plum with magenta notes. Blackberry, cherry and mint with good intensity coming through on the nose. On the palate, ripe red berry fruits, mulberry, velvety tannins, lovely mouthfeel delicate with a smooth supple finish and good length.
Excellent drinking now. Showing potential for a further five years under screwcap.
I saw this wine February / March this year with the range of UMAMU wines Nicholas Gibson invited me to taste, after he had been showing them around the Trade. They had been opened for two days. The 2005 SSB was a must first up: extraordinary wine. The reds were all outstanding I thought, but mostly out of the economic reach of the Dozens. There were a couple however that could be worked in, and this Cabernet Franc was the one that is up front interesting and well described above in the Notes. As well, as you read around, it’s obvious this variety is charming new followers.
Available to Retail. (Feel free to contact me).
Web: www.umamuestate.com
No Cellar door
Whole bunches were promptly pressed, chilled and drained, retaining only free run juice. Juice was cold settled before a clean rack to ferment. Inoculated, then cool fermented in stainless steel. Soon after fermentation was completed the wine was stabilised and bottled to retain freshness and vibrancy. Aromatics of lemongrass, ginger, spring blossoms and classic lemon and lime. Fresh citrus flavours and tight, vibrant acid structure are the hallmarks on the palate. The finish is clean and long with fruit and acid working in harmony.
“Semillon always rewards patient cellaring. Up to 10 years.”
“100% Semillon, Single Vineyard. Old Vine. Light Pass, Barossa Valley. Planted in 1936 by 4th generation Herbert Bernhard Scholz. The old Semillon block has seen many seasons come and go; and is a consistent producer of high quality fruit grown on a mixture of deep alluvial soil and red brown loam over clay on the banks of the North Para River. The 2023 vintage required patience. After a typical Barossa winter in 2022, the arrival of spring brought above average rainfall and record breaking low temperatures which led to significant delay in shoot growth and bud burst. The entire growing season proved mild and temperate, resulting in a long, slow ripening season with remarkable acid retention in the grapes. The hallmark of 2023 is an abundance of intense aromatics, matched with a rich spectrum of flavours and fine natural acidity that extends across the board...all hallmarks of an exceptional vintage.” The Barossa and Hunter Valleys had a ‘good time’ in 2023.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.thewillowsvineyard.com.au
Phone: 0499 621 080
Open: Wed to Monday 10.30 to 4. Closed Tuesday
Address: 310 Light Pass Road, Light Pass, S.A., 5355.
All prices on this web site are in $AUD
Liquor Licence LIQP24009748
Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Under the Liquor Act 2007, It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years.
You will be required to provide proof of age before any goods are shipped.
