2025 Domenica Roussanne Marsanne, Beechworth

A 50/50 blend with both varieties co-fermented.

Pear and melon, lightly nutty and honeyed, chamomile, fennel. It has flesh but it’s still fine and bright, feels stony, has a juiciness to acidity, and finishes savoury with a twist of citrus and excellent length. Textbook stuff.

95 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front Alcohol : 13.2%, Drink : 2026 - 2032+

High on the granitic slopes of Beechworth, Domenica has built a devoted following for wines that feel thoughtful, textural and deeply connected to place. The project of winemaker Peter Graham, who honed his craft in some of Europe’s great regions before returning home, the estate focuses on small batch releases that reflect both Rhône inspiration and cool climate precision. Roussanne and Marsanne thrive in this elevated landscape, where warm days build flavour and brisk alpine nights preserve structure, resulting in a white blend that feels generous yet finely poised.

A soft golden straw colour shimmers in the glass. Aromas unfold slowly with ripe pear, quince and white peach layered alongside honeysuckle, almond meal and a gentle savoury note reminiscent of beeswax and warm stone. There is a lovely Rhône like perfume here. The palate is medium to full bodied and beautifully textural, stone fruit and citrus curd flowing into creamy lees richness before tightening into a mineral line that keeps everything lifted. Subtle spice and a faint nutty nuance linger on the long, dry finish.

This is the kind of white that suits cooler evenings and food with real substance. Roast chicken with preserved lemon, pork belly with apple, grilled scallops or pumpkin and sage risotto all make natural companions. Drinking wonderfully now for its layered charm, yet capable of evolving over six to ten years as honeyed complexity and savoury depth build in the cellar. A compelling Beechworth Rhône style blend that showcases Peter Graham’s quiet mastery and the region’s remarkable versatility.