I get a little excited when a Pinot Gris really nails it and this one impressed me immensely. Pleasant tart and savoury aspects made it stand apart from many other wines made from the grape. The integrated acidity balanced the style's natural slipperiness and the finish was spot on. Adelaide Hills is beginning to show that it is amongst the best regions in Australia when it comes to this often difficult variety. -JP

Australia has come a long way from the days when Merlot was solely seen as sweet, plush alcoholic plum juice. The best versions of this grape now concentrate on structuring the flavour and are built for ageing. 2008 was a difficult vintage in the Barossa and this wine needs a little time in a cool dark place until it all comes together.
-JP

Dusty and dry, there is a clear sense of place in this wine, encompassing the soil, and the climate, as well as the supreme experience Rob Gibson has in tending to his vines. So often Merlot is disappointing and unvarietal. It is very tough to grow well, but this wine easily achieves what many fail to. The colour is so dark it is hard to define, there are endless aromas on the nose that remind me of macerated black berry skins, spearmint and freshly rolled cigars, but there are also the dry mouth coating tannins that reflect the quality of the fruit that has created this wine. - SG

Whilst the single vineyard and regional aspects of Australian wine continue to gather strength it's important to remember the great tradition of multi-regional blending our country possesses. This wine is made up of shiraz sourced from both the Eden Valley and the Northern Barossan floor and the natural affinity of these two areas is displayed beautifully through this wine, which harnesses the generous lush and sweet side of the Barossa Valley and teams it up with the more lithe and spicy Eden Valley style of shiraz. -JP

The 2004 Isabelle Blend is a favourite of mine among Rob Gibson’s seamless range of wines, showing just what the underdog varieties in the Barossa can do. It uses the silky tannins from Merlot, the leafiness and earthy notes from Cabernet and the floral lift and colour from Petit Verdot to create a balanced and very food friendly wine. With such intensity of tannin and fruit flavours it is well suited to rich spiced Asian char-grilled meats with strong sauces and bitter greens. - SG

Lively and so rich, this blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Grenache just jumps out of the glass at you. There is an explosion of warm black olives, jammy prunes, new oak and earthy richness that just scream to be tasted. The palate is more savoury, with cardamon and roasted game, as well as the continuation of the oak theme and smooth balanced tannins. Drink it on its own in front of a great camp fire with friends. - SG