2025 Sentio Gamay, King Valley

With fruit sourced from the high-altitude Darling Koombahla vineyard at Whitfield, expect a gamay of bounce and energy, not to mention some lively peppery spiciness. Perfect gamay appeal here in ripe raspberry, cherries, violet aromatics and earth, with fresh-picked bouquet garni and even fresher black peppery notes. Smooth running, with lively acidity in tow; it's ready to go. So good.

94 points & Special Value 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.

Medium-bodied, this lively rendition of Gamay offers great drinking on release with vibrant red fruit and gentle, textural tannins.

Enjoy lightly chilled with grilled merguez sausages on a bed of herb-rich puy lentils, or maybe shredded poached chicken salad in a savoury dressing of black vinegar, red sesame paste and a light sprinkling of toasted Sichuan peppercorn powder.