2024 Orbis Nero d'Avola

If you needed any more proof that McLaren Vale is the new home for Italian varieties, this is it. Sourced from the Orbis estate - one of the region's highest and coolest sites - this Nero d’Avola thrives in the free-draining sandy loam soils. It’s a variety that just makes sense here, loving the warm days and cool coastal nights that let it ripen fully while keeping that trademark freshness intact.

Winemaker Verity takes a gentle approach to ensure the wine reflects the site rather than the cellar. The fruit was picked on flavour in early March, de-stemmed, and fermented with wild yeast in small open fermenters. She kept it on skins for just five days - short and sweet - to capture the vibrant blue fruit without pulling out too much heavy tannin. It then rested in a mix of seasoned and new French oak hogsheads for ten months, adding a little polish without masking the fruit.

This is brooding but bright. The nose is loaded with black cherry, anise, dried herbs and a mix of blueberry and blackberry. On the palate, it shifts gear, revealing layers of ripe strawberry, plum, and a savoury hit of leather and spice. It is finely balanced with a juicy acid line and soft, lingering tannins. A perfect match for a lamb ragu or just a simple bowl of pasta with pork sausage.

97 points Trophy for Best Red Italian Variety Wine & Best Red Wine of Show
- 2025 Australian Alternative Variety Wine Show