2023 Jericho Fume Blanc, Adelaide Hills

Fermented in seasoned French oak, staying on lees for 10 months. This is wearing its time in oak on its sleeve with honeyed, nutty, waxy notes taking the lead, along with spiced pineapple, preserved lemon, chamomile, mint and lime oil. Air and a slightly warmer temperature liberate that fruit, bringing the components into balance. It’s flavourful and savoury; made for the table.

91 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Jericho Fumé Blanc from the Adelaide Hills is a smoky, textural twist on Sauvignon Blanc that dials back the grass and green and turns up the complexity. The Jericho family is known for crafting small-batch, hands-off wines that are all about balance and expression—and this bottling is no exception. It’s Sauvignon Blanc, but not as you know it.

Winemaker Kim Jericho takes pristine fruit from the cool-climate Hills and gives it a little extra love. Fermented wild and matured in old French oak, it picks up layers of texture and subtle savoury notes without losing the grape’s natural lift and freshness. It’s a throwback to the original "Fumé" style—more Bordeaux than Marlborough.

Aromas lean into ripe citrus, guava, white peach and flint, with a faint wisp of smoke and nutty lees character. On the palate, it’s creamy but bright, with grapefruit, nectarine and a squeeze of lime woven through soft oak spice and a hint of struck match. It’s got tension, it’s got flow, and it finishes long and clean with a savoury twist.

Pair it with grilled fish, roast chicken with lemon and herbs, miso eggplant or even a cheeseboard with creamy brie and salty feta. A thoughtful, layered white that brings a bit of swagger to the Sauvignon Blanc category.