2023 Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz, Langhorne Creek

Deep purple in the glass, with cedar, vanilla extract and red and black berry fruits, the oak influence a defining presence. Ripe and a little spicy on the palate, carrying its elevated alcohol with ease, bright acidity in balance and assertive oak-driven tannins on the finish. Drink to 2038.

90 points Melissa Moore for The Real Review, May 2026

The family vineyards of Bremerton sit in the rich soil of the Bremer River flood plain in the Langhorne Creek region of South Australia. Known for its high and consistent quality of fruit, the region enjoys long growing seasons thanks to the moderating effects of Lake Alexandrina. Long sought after for blending, increasing amounts of the region’s wine is now bottled by family estates like that run by the Willson sisters, Rebecca and Lucy. They have built Bremerton over the last three decades from an old lucerne farm to a 120-ha vineyard, producing up to 40,000 cases per year and exporting to numerous overseas markets.

The Selkirk name recognises the siblings’ paternal Scottish heritage. All fruit is estate grown, fermented in small open top fermenters and matured for up to 18 months in new and seasoned fine grain American and French oak. The 2023 vintage was challenging for the region due to a deluge of rain in spring as well as towards the end of the season, leading to a rushed race to get fruit off the vines in time. Quality of fruit was generally good, and even exceptional for some varieties.

Dark fruit on the nose with a lift of pepper and notes of cedar, meat broth, and licorice. The generous and rich fruit follows the nose on the plush and creamy palate supported by supple tannins. True to the variety and region alike.

Ready to enjoy tonight with braised lamb shanks, beef rendang or pork tonkatsu.