2026 Express Winemakers L'Orange

Ryan O’Meara’s skin-contact white keeps its easy charm while adding just enough edge to keep things interesting. A blend of organically grown (uncertified) Riesling and a dash of Semillon from “Franklandia” in WA’s Great Southern, it’s made from vines aged 25–45 years on granitic sandy gravel soils.

The fruit was hand-picked, destemmed, and left to ferment on skins for eight days, drawing out its amber hue, pithy grip, and tea-like savoury depth. Pressed to a mix of stainless, concrete, and old oak, it saw a short rest before bottling—unfined, unfiltered, and brimming with personality.

It smells like a summer picnic: orange zest, lemon pith, grapefruit peel, barley sugar, and a hint of iced tea. The palate is generous yet dry, with citrus oil and stone fruit flavours wrapped in fine, mouthcoating tannins. There’s a gentle chew to the texture, but it’s lifted by a bright, saline edge that keeps you coming back.

If you're looking to check out the 'orange' or 'amber' wine scene but don't know where to start, this is the perfect gateway drug.