2021 Deviation Road Loftia Vintage Brut, Adelaide Hills

This comes in at 80/20% chardonnay/pinot noir and 6.5g/L dosage, disgorged August '24. The result is a superfine and lively fizz offering upfront fruit with more complexing savoury notes. Fine bead and creamy mousse, wafts of lemon blossom and lemon salts, almost an oceanic character that’s so appealing. Some autolysis complexity from grilled nuts and toasted brioche (not much, just the right amount). This is super refreshing and mouth-watering with its freshness. Very good fizz folks. The back label says this is an aperitif-style and yep, perfect as that.

94 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Deviation Road Loftia Vintage Brut from the Adelaide Hills is a refined and complex sparkling wine crafted using the méthode traditionnelle. Founded by Hamish and Kate Laurie, Deviation Road has become one of Australia’s premier sparkling wine producers, focusing on cool-climate, high-altitude vineyards to create wines with elegance, depth, and longevity. The Loftia Vintage Brut, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is sourced from premium Adelaide Hills sites, where the long, slow ripening season preserves natural acidity and builds layered complexity.

Pale gold in color with a fine, persistent bead, the nose is fresh and vibrant, offering aromas of lemon zest, crisp apple, and white peach, intertwined with hints of toasted brioche, almond, and a touch of oyster shell minerality. The palate is precise and structured, with bright citrus and green apple flavors balanced by creamy texture from extended lees aging. A chalky minerality and racy acidity provide tension and drive, leading to a long, elegant finish with lingering notes of citrus and delicate pastry.

This vintage sparkling is a perfect choice for fresh oysters, sashimi, or smoked salmon, while its depth and texture also complement roast chicken, creamy risottos, or aged cheeses. Designed for immediate enjoyment, it also has excellent aging potential, developing further richness and complexity over time.