With her warm and approachable character, Her Excellency the Australian Ambassador, Mrs. Alison Duncan, ensured a particularly friendly atmosphere during the tasting event featuring four producers from her esteemed wine country, organised in collaboration with the Panhellenic Union of Sommeliers. This atmosphere was also emotionally charged, as all four wineries belong to families of Greek descent , a sentiment amplified by the attendance of three of their representatives.
Certainly, all of the above does not imply that my appreciation for their work across the diverse terroirs of distant Australia will receive any particular favour or bias. On one hand, this is due to the cool blood that flows through my veins; on the other hand, it is because, in essence, they don`t need it. The wines presented impressed me with their purity, typicality, and high performance—qualities that can win you over even if their flavour profiles aren`t to your personal taste!
Flinders Run has been "running" since 1997, with Manolis and Laura Scorpos at the helm, establishing itself as one of the wineries that have put the beautiful and unexplored Southern Flinders Range region on the map. The vineyards are located 2-3 hours north of Adelaide, with the producer placing particular emphasis on the clones of his chosen varietals, which he vinifies individually.
The Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz Baroota Creek (8/10) is sourced from two plots in the Gibbles Road vineyard and impresses with its sweet, syrupy dense fruit that dominates the nose. The palate is particularly exuberant, with a combination of low acidity and intense tannins that creates a blockbuster character that maintains impressive length. In contrast, the Cabernet Sauvignon Baroota Creek 2021 (8.5/10) is more ...Cabernet! Brimming with notes of black fruit, green pepper, sour cherry and lilies. This iteration enhances its acidity, creating a well-structured ensemble that balances freshness and complexity. The result is a refined profile that gracefully embodies a "gym" style—tight yet expressive, inviting wine enthusiasts to explore its layered character.
Drawing inspiration from the Mallee bird found in Riverland, the Markeas family founded their winery in 1998. Despite a modest annual production of just 80,000 bottles, they grow 19 varietals, including Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro.
In the the glasses, however, we found something different: the Kati Allo 2024 (8/10)! This Vermentino showcases aromas of bay leaf and straw, with a medium body and lemony crispiness reminiscent of similar offerings from Maremma. Mallee Estate also pays tribute to the 230 men who, in the late 19th century, did not give up on viticulture within the region. The explosive 230 Strong Man Pinot Noir 2022 (7/10) highlights the sweet, rose side of the varietal, while the 230 Strong Man Shiraz 2022 (7.5/10) complements this with a rich palate infused with aromas of chocolate, cured ham, eucalyptus, and Madagascar vanilla.
Having worked for18 years with vine growers supplying Penfolds, Paul Georgiadis was well-positioned to secure prime land in the iconic Barossa region. Together with his Californian wife, Mara, they created Paulmara Estate (pictured above), where their superb quality grapes are transformed into exuberant, super-dense wines that strike like Cuban boxers, while also moving with their graceful finesse!
The Melee 2021 (8.5/10) is composed of 75% Sangiovese, yet the wild character of the varietal barely counters the black fruit jams, robust tannins, and exuberant mouthfeel. Similarly, the single vineyard MARAnanga Shiraz 2022 (8.5/10) is not radically different, though it offers an even richer presence and a super-dense bouquet of ink and blackberries. Syna Shiraz 2020 (8.5/10) is the first wine in the winery`s history and an iconic label, as a significant portion of the Block 1A grapes from which it is sourced are sold to Penfolds and contribute to the legendary Grange blend. The concentration of the black fruit, liquorice, and molasses bouquet is astounding; the body is reminiscent of an elephant, and the tannins show no mercy...
Being in the remowned Coonawarra and growing tomatoes, strawberries, and lettuce may seem blasphemous, but the reality is that the Raidis family has returned to the right path, beautifully showcasing the unique fruit of this remarkable cigar-shaped strip of red earth.
This year has been quite hot, which is evident in the almost oily and exuberant The Kelpie Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (7.5/10). Despite its richness, it remains remarkably clear, filled with classic citrus and grapefruit aromas. Similarly, the Billy Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (8.5/10) exudes the fragrant notes of green bell pepper and black pepper. Although quite dense, it`s not too heavy, thanks to its excellent acidity and soft tannins that contribute to a lightness and delicate balance. Don`t assume that the age of the lovely The Trip Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (9/10) makes it significantly more mature. This selected cuvée, of just 6 barrels, is both dense and expressive, boasting rich aromas and a fuller body, all while maintaining remarkable elegance and a lasting finish.
The Greek element has proven its ability to excel in every domain and across every corner of the globe. This unforgettable tasting experience demonstrates that wine from the land of the Aboriginal peoples is no exception.