2022 Charles Melton Sophia Claire GSR, Barossa Valley

Here, four per cent riesling was co-fermented with grenache and shiraz; matured for 18 months in French and American oak, 10 per cent new. I like the freshness of this wine. Look. I think I might be going bonkers, but I'm sure I can see some lime in that bright acid profile. Which would make sense. Outside of that, the fruit – all red cherry, cranberry and red, plummy stuff – is gorgeous. Dotted with spice and citrus blossom tones, some nice space and detail within, with gentle tannins and that fresh acidity livening this up and providing velocity. Great medium-bodied drinking.

95 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au Halliday Top 100 2024

Gentle floral musky/quince nose with a dusting of toasty oak sitting lightly alongside. A soft plump mid palate with a touch of traditional Barossa ripeness and some Christmas cake spice and dark fruits. A finish of rounded tannins and smoky sweet fruit. Will richen and build with a few years in the cellar.