Premium Wines from the Ancient Adelaide Hills Plateau (at Affordable Prices)

Today we are looking at a small handful of premium (yet affordable) wines produced by Paracombe Wines.

• Sauvignon Blanc.
• Pinot Gris.
• Pinot Blanc.
• Shiraz.
• The Reuben (Cabernet blend).

The winery is located on the ancient plateau of the picturesque Adelaide Hills. There, they grow fruit in soils up to 1.7 billion years old. The award-winning, family-owned winery is known for its diversity and the handcrafted attention they give to each varietal. All bottles in today’s review are under $20, which is unreal given the age of some of these wines.

Ecologically Handcrafted Premium Wines from Adelaide Hills

The incredible Paracombe Wines family built the winery from ashes – literally(*1). Vines were planted following the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983. Their commitment to the environment and producing quality wines go hand-in-hand. Most of the fruit is grown by Paracombe with some select fruits chosen from other quality, ecologically sound vineyards(*1). Everything from the fruit, maturing to bottling and distribution is done on-site. Keeping everything in-house is part of the mission to reduce the environmental footprint of winemaking.

The Value of Soil in Winemaking

Soil is the second-most essential element of winemaking (after sunlight) and is what lays the foundation for the wine’s flavour and quality(*2). Most of us take soil for granted. However, it is a complex piece of the vintner’s arsenal that is highly valued. Before a vineyard is established (or re-planted), soil mapping and soil analysis are conducted(*3). There are many factors considered when deciding where to plant with water being at the top of the list.

Water Retention in Vineyard Soils

Soil that retains water yet does not hold so much liquid that the fruits end up being too watery and bland is ideal for grape growing(*2). The aim is to produce dense, richly flavoured fruits that are beaming with nutrients. Thus, the nutrient value is also important. Grape vines are incredibly resilient so keeping them alive isn’t the biggest challenge(*2). It is what the vineyard does to enrich the soil (and thus the vines) to provide them with optimal growing conditions and nutrients.

Paracombe Wines’ 2021 and 2022 Premium White Vintages

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc

The following three white wines from Paracombe Wines are young, fresh, distinctly flavoured, and ready to drink(*4). Read on for their tasting notes or scroll down for reds.

Tasting Notes: 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma: Lifted tropical fruit, passionfruit, and citrus(*4,5).
Palate: Complex flavours and flavour definition with stone fruits such as peach(*5).
Finish: Classic dry and clean finish as is expected for quality Sauv Blancs(*4,5).
Price: From $18.99 (six bottle buy) or $25 as a single bottle.

Tasting Notes: 2021 Pinot Gris

Aroma: Elegant aromas of rose petals and fresh pears(*6).
Palate: Natural acidity is partnered with a well-structured and balanced palate(*6).
Finish: An elegant style of wine with balanced acidity(*4).
Price: From $18.99 (six bottle buy) or $25 as a single bottle.

Tasting Notes: 2021 Pinot Blanc

Aroma: You will find a bouquet of grapefruit, lime, citrus flowers, and crunchy apple(*4,7).
Palate: The aromas are carried through the palate offering a beautifully light and youthful wine perfect for pairing with vegetable, chicken and seafood dishes(*7).
Finish: Clean, dry finish(*4,7).
Price: From $19.99 (six bottle buy) or $25 as a single bottle.

Shiraz and The Reuben (Cabernet Blend)

Both the Shiraz and The Reuben will reach seven years of age in the new year (2023). They are both excellent value (for their age and price-point).

Are they ready to drink now? Absolutely! They are prime for drinking now so pour yourself a glass from the ancient Adelaide Hills and enjoy(*4).

Savour the ancient soils that are showcased in these premium wines today. Order online or pick up in-store at Summer Hill Wine Shop in Sydney.

 

Tasting Notes: 2016 Shiraz

Aroma: Dark ruby coloured cherry, plums, and white pepper(*4).

Palate: Concentrated dark fruit flavours, soft tannins, subtle oak and intensity(*8).

Finish: Long and clean finish(*4).

Price: From $19.99 (six bottle buy) or $25 as a single bottle.

 

Tasting Notes: 2016 The Reuben (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Malbec)

The Reuben is a quality Cabernet blend (4% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon) with depth and complexity(*4,9,10).

Aroma: Some spice, earthiness, and rich purple and burgundy fruits(*4,9).
Palate: Dark fruit flavours are balanced with spice and savoury notes(*4).
Finish: Softened finish with fine tannins thanks to the age of the Cabernet(*4).
Price: From $19.99 (six bottle buy) or $25 as a single bottle.

References

*1. Paracombe Wines. The Story of Paracombe Wines. N.d.
*2. V is for Vino Wine Show. How Does Soil Effect the Taste of Wine? YouTube video. 2020.
*3. Bramley, R. Next steps in Precision Viticulture – Spatial data for improved design of vineyard (re-)planting. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems. 2009.
*4. Summer Hill Wine Shop. Paracombe Wines. YouTube video. 2022.
*5. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2022 Paracombe Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills. 2022.
*6. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2021 Paracombe Pinot Gris Adelaide Hills. 2022.
*7. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2021 Paracombe Pinot Blanc Adelaide Hills. 2022.
*8. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2016 Paracombe Shiraz Adelaide Hills. 2022.
*9. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2016 Paracombe The Reuben Cabernet Blend Adelaide Hills. 2022.
*10. Paracombe Wines. 2016 The Reuben. N.d.