James Halliday’s highly anticipated annual wine companion was released today, and we are proud to have received a 5 star winery rating along with some incredible praise for many of our wines.
2017 Santolin Gruyere Pinot Noir
“This is a most attractive wine.”
95 POINTS. From a single block on the Syme-on-Yarra Vineyard, 25% whole bunches, 75% whole berries, 14-day cold soak, wild-fermented, matured in French oak (35% new) for 10 months. The whole bunch has been upscaled from that of its Gladysdale sibling, but the extra depth to the cherry/plum fruit more than copes. This is a most attractive wine. Drink by 2029.
2017 Santolin Gladysdale Chardonnay
“A special vintage.”
95 POINTS. From a single block on the long-established Willowlake Vineyard in the Upper Yarra Valley. Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, a portion fermented on skins, matured for 10 months in French oak (30% new). Mouthfilling and complex, it has a bracing, crisp finish ex natural acidity. A special vintage. Drink by 2029.
2017 Cosa Nostra Pinot Syrah
“…there are no off notes of any description…”
95 POINTS. A striking label (design and printing) compels you to pick up the bottle for closer inspection. The 50/50% blend was wild yeast-open fermented, 100% whole berry, 14 months in old French barrels. There are no off notes of any description to this rambunctious display of black cherry, wild blackberry and plum fruit. The only thing (so far) missing is time in the bottle. Drink by 2027.
2018 Santolin Rosé (by any other name)
“Only 190 dozen made of a very, very good rose.”
95 POINTS. The action takes place in the Yarra Valley, pinot noir the fruit. Fragrant musk and red fruit aromas announce a palate with intense red fruit and spice flavours. Only 190 dozen made of a very, very good rose. Drink by 2021.
2017 Cosa Nostra Il Capo
“An utterly improbable, but very, very good wine.”
95 POINTS. A 50/50% blend of Yarra Valley sangiovese and Heathcote nero d’Avola, matured for 16 months . An utterly improbable, but very, very good wine. Great texture and fine, savoury tannins. Drink by 2025.
2018 Cosa Nostra Pinot Gris
“Will knock the socks off 90% of the competition.”
94 POINTS. Yarra Valley-grown, five barrels made, three fermented wild, two with aromatic yeasts, matured in oak for 4 months. Pale blush; this has real intensity of fruit; will knock the socks off 90% of the competition. Drink by 2020.
For over thirty years James Halliday has been Australia’s most respected wine critic, and his Halliday Wine Companion is recognised as the industry benchmark for Australian wine. A best-selling annual, the Halliday Wine Companion is the go-to guide for wine ratings, regions, best varietals, winery reviews and a curated selection of the best wines in Australia. To purchase a copy of this book, visit Hardie Grant
