The 2023 Annual Vintage Selection comprises just 6 wines. The vintage itself was in the news for all the wrong reasons with cyclone Gabrielle wreaking havoc on agriculture, human life and buildings. From the this insult rose some excellent wines. The vintage selection is nearly always 12 wines however this time there are just 6.

Congratulations to the producers who found ripeness, complexity and harmony in the wines presented here.

My thoughts on these wine are:

Mission Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 RRP from $29.00 - 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc, 12 months in French Oak, 30% new. Dark red core, almost brooding in its intensity with a definitive ruby and red rim. Aromas and flavours of Cabernet with a blackberry and roasted stone fruits frame, tobacco and baking spices follow. An intensity and power that is definitive yet a subtle. As the wine opens out in glass the flavours develop with more earthy tones, the fruit remains persistent with textures from tannins and acidity folding in to add mouthfeel and style. Well made, dry, nice length and development. A wine that will be delicious when released. best from release day through 2030+. 93 Points - Excellent

Squawking Magpie ‘The Chatterer’ Merlot Malbec 2023 RRP from $26.95 - The front label reads Merlot (64%) Malbec (14%), and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. 18 months in French Oak 10% new. Dark ruby core with purple hues and a bright purple rim. A delicious wine from start to finish, it is precise and pure fruited with complexities coming from the use of oak and mouthfeel of tannins and acidity framing the core berry flavours. Blackberry, sage and blackcurrant, dark plums and some whispers of rosemary, tobacco and clove. Taut and dry, firm and youthful, a wine that will age well as offering early drinking with food. Lighter weighted than previous iterations of the Chatterer yet no less engaging and lengthy. Best from early 2027 through 2031+. 94 Points - Excellent.

Elephant Hill ‘Stone’ Syrah 2023 RRP from $65.00 - 96% Syrah and 4% Viognier, 22 months on French oak then 6 months on tank on lees leads to a delicious, dry, taut and focused expression with aromas and flavours of black currant and Doris plum skin, layers of red and black licorice, a dusty black pepper quality and crushed rose. A dry wine with acid and tannin textures of velvet and freshness accentuating the flavours of fresh blackcurrant and spice. Earthy and intense, youthful and taut still with best drinking from late 2026 through 2032+. 94 Points - Excellent

Stonecroft Reserve Syrah 2023 RRP from $60.00 - An organic wine, 100% Syrah with 21 months in French oak leads to an enticing and complex bouquet of sweet oak and ripe red berry fruits, raspberry then black currant, plum and wood spices. Dry, taut, focused and packed with texture and impact. Polished tannins and medium+ Flavours of red fruits and complexities from wood and winemaking style. Well made, a wine set to age well with best drinking from 2027 through 2033+. 95 Point - Outstanding

Cuvar ‘Guardians’ Cabernet Merlot Malbec, Cornerstone Vineyard RRP from $49.99 - A blend of 65%CS, 20% Mer & 15% Mlbc with 18 months in French Oak - 50% new. A vibrant and complex bouquet, a core of ripe dark red berry and chocolate, dried herb, fresh tobacco and Doris plums. A seam of French oak spice and toastiness delivers a powerful message with a new wood drive. The concentration of fruit easily soaks up the oak yet also suggest a wine that will need cellar time. A dry wine with immediate textures from oak and fruit tannins, a backbone of acidity and fruit concentration with flavours that reflect the boquuet. Delicious and new with time needed for complete balance. Best drinking from 2028 through 2034+. 94 Points - Excellent

Church Road Grand Reserve Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc RRP from $40.00 - A blend of 44% Mer, 40% CS and 7% CF with 20 months if 65% new French oak. A complete wine with a bouquet and palate of dark plums and blackberry fruits, Doris and chocolate, layers of wood spice are as intense as the fruit. Powerful on the palate with polished tannins and a backbone of acidity - also as equal as the wood and fruit. Persistent, dry, plush and perfectly balanced. A wine with charm and power, a reflection of the vintage and best foot forward. Quality and freshness. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2034+. 94 points - Excellent

Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection Release 2023 wines