2024 Paracombe Pinot Blanc, Adelaide Hills

Slick and succulent white with a good mojo. Cucumber in tonic water, green apple, light guava, a touch of lime and some light dill pickle notes. It's good drinking right here, super-easy, summery fun, something different, something good. Light and fresh and slippery and cool. Get stuck in. Drink to 2027.

90 points & Special Value Mike Bennie for Halliday Wine Companion, June 2025

Paul and Kathy Drogemuller purchased their Adalaide Hills property in the aftermath of the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. With no background or qualifications, they started planting vines on the former dairy farm, leading to the launch of Paracombe Wines in 1992.

This remains a family affair, with children Ben and Sarah now working along their parents. Their property is now home to a substantial sixty hectares of vines thriving on organic composts and fertilisers, the diverse mix of varieties including Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pecorino, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Tempranillo. The family is also custodian to the oldest vines in the Adelaide Hills wine region, with 500 of the centenarian Shiraz vines planted in 1903 by James Somerville transplanted successfully by Paul and Kathy to their property in 1997.

Estate fruit is complemented by fruit bought from neighbouring vignerons, with all wines made by Paul with support from Ryan Giles. This 2024 Pinot Blanc was made from fruit grown across several south facing blocks in the estate vineyard.