James Suckling ratings and reviews

Below are our ratings from the James Suckling team's recent Adelaide Hills tasting. You can view the tasting note and other ratings here. 

LOFTIA VINTAGE BRUT LATE DISGORGED 2012 | Score 96

This is such a taut, powerful wine that spent more than seven years resting before disgorgement. Aromas of lemon peel, grilled bread and lemon blossom, as well as toasted nuts. Super fine, dry, yellow-citrus and cherry flavors are smooth-honed and delivered with such immaculate freshness. A blend of 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay. Drink now. Just 500 bottles disgorged August 2019.

BELTANA BLANC DE BLANCS 2013 | Score 95

This sparkling has proven pedigree and consistent style and the 2013 is a very composed edition with some richness of fruit. Aromas of peaches and lemons are framed with savory autolysis notes of lightly spiced hazelnut biscuit. The palate has a seamlessly creamy and smooth texture with sorbet-like smoothness and a fresh, zesty and linear drive of lemon, peach and yellow-grapefruit flavors. Disgorged December 2019. Drink over the next five years.

PINOT NOIR 2019 | Score 95

This is a very complex, alluring pinot with a spicy delivery of fragrant, red-cherry aromas and a gently sappy edge. The oak is pitch perfect, adding some modern, meaty allure. The palate has a succulent delivery of fresh raspberries and red cherries and sweeping layers of fruit-soaked tannins that provide a fresh burst through the red-cherry finish. Really impressive. Drink over the next five years. Screw cap.

LOFTIA VINTAGE BRUT 2017 | Score 93

This has aromas of sliced strawberries and pastry, as well as yellow grapefruit. A very fresh and composed style. The palate has the right balance between fruit flesh and fine acidity. Flavors of white peaches and nectarines abound. Drink over the next four years. Disgorged February 2020.

SOUTHCOTE BLANC DE NOIRS 2017 | Score 93

Aromas of blood oranges and pomegranate, as well as orange blossom. Made from 100% pinot noir, this has richness of texture, deep flavors of peaches and smooth phenolic drive that really impresses. Texture like pastry. Drink over the next four years. Disgorged December 2019.

CHARDONNAY 2018 | Score 93

This has an attractively complex yet restrained feel with grapefruit, peach, sliced-pear and hazelnut aromas. The palate has smooth-honed, pear and light peach texture with gently toasted biscuit nuances and a very fresh, focused and flavorful finish. Drink over the next five years. Screw cap.

To see more of James' reviews, visit https://www.jamessuckling.com/