2023 Vermentino

Going on holidays? Pack this in your bag. Lazy days by the water and a glass or two of this will ensure the worries of the world pass you by. Clean, crisp and refreshing, this is a delightful Vermentino from Oliver's Taranga. 2023 was a cool vintage. With the volume slightly down, some additional fruit was sourced from the Riverland to bring production back to a 'normal' level. The great thing about Vermentino is its approachability. Think lemon juice, lemon balm, seaspray, pineapple husk and pineapple sage all combining to bring lift and vibrance. A faint lick of saltiness shimmers in the background with green tea tannins leaving a distinguished finish, but I'm here for the refreshment and citrusy delight that this brings. Yes! Drink now. 91 points

- QWine

McLaren Vale is proving to be an ideal home for this beloved Italian white variety. This wine is part of the Oliver’s Small Batch program for parcels of less than two tonnes. It is worth keeping an eye on this series, as it often throws up some gems. 2023 was a cool vintage, meaning the quantity picked was down on usual, and so it has been reinforced with some Riverland fruit. A very pale lemon hue here, the nose offers hints of pears, minerals and some bitter almond evident towards the finish. There is some serious length to this wine and good force as well. With plenty of flavour, enjoy this over the next year or two. A fine Vermentino. 91 points

- Ken Gargett

A lively tropical fruited youngster showcasing the Sardinian grape variety’s sunny disposition. If it was any sunnier, you’d need sunglasses. Brings the fruit salad bowl to life: white peach, pear, apple, citrus – plenty of citrus – with hay and honeysuckle. They all jostle and have fun on the palate controlled/wrangled/whipped into shape by juicy, bright acidity. 89 points

- Jeni Port