2024 Sentio Nebbiolo, Beechworth

Open, let breathe and then let breathe again. This is one nebbiolo that demands a little more investment of your time, such is the tannin power and the tautness of fruit control. It's early days but the dark cherry, plum, dark rose petal fragrance, briar, earth and gathering of herbals and fennel seed suggest a wine that intends a slow reveal. It's in no rush, not with those sturdy tannins that frame a fleshy core of fruit. But there will be an exciting reward if you give it due time. Drink to 2034.

94 points Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion, December 2025

Sentio is the 2013-established negociant project of talented Beechworth-based winemaker Chris Catlow, whose resume name drops Sorrenberg, Kooyong Estate, Portsea Estate, Paringa Estate and Benjamin Leroux.

Known for Chardonnay, his diverse offer is first and foremost about wines as an expression of place, and grapes are sourced from growers across Victoria.

This medium-bodied, savoury Beechworth Nebbiolo is defined by its fine, willowy tannins that stretch around its precisely weighted firm and chalky red fruit.

Enjoy with beef oxtail slow cooked with red wine, garlic and rosemary, served with a creamy polenta. Would be equally good with a rabbit ragout flavoured with thyme and black olives.