2024 Lino Ramble Solitaire Grillo, McLaren Vale

The sixth release of the Sicilian grape for Lino Ramble, with free run and pressings wild fermented in old French oak, where the wine stayed for 10 months. A pale gold in the glass, this is textural and flavourful, yet still with light-weighted verve the theme. Preserved lemon, cypress, quince, floral nectar, iced honey and chamomile tea, poached apple, sun-warmed rock and sea spray. There are no acid adjustments at this address, which the harmony on the palate attests to. Characterful and really delicious.

93 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

A little slice of Sicily dropped into McLaren Vale sunshine, this Grillo is pure fun in a bottle. Lino Ramble leans hard into Mediterranean varieties, and Solitaire shows why the experiment works. Warm Vale days build juicy flavour while sea breezes keep everything fresh, giving the wine a breezy coastal feel. It is made to be playful and vibrant, the kind of white that disappears quickly once opened.

Winemaking keeps the energy high. Stainless steel fermentation locks in aromatics and crunch, with just enough lees time to add a soft textural hum underneath the fruit. The style is dry, zippy and built for easy drinking rather than contemplation.

Pale straw in colour, the aromas jump with lemon sorbet, green apple and white peach layered with jasmine and a faint herbal twist. The palate is light to medium bodied and juicy, with citrus and orchard fruit wrapped in bright acidity. Flavours of lime and pear streak through a clean, mouthwatering finish that practically begs for another sip.

It pairs effortlessly with seafood, salads, antipasto and anything salty and fried. Best served cold and shared loudly.