A surf trip to California in 1999, supported by some winery work with his winemaker uncle on the central coast, turned Shaun Crinion’s fledgling interest in wine into a lifelong obsession. Over that time, his winemaking philosophy has evolved into a light-handed approach of minimal intervention and scant addition, focusing on the pure expression of site and fruit – ‘I’m a traditionalist, hands-on winemaker and I like it that way.’ With that confidence of direction, Shaun started his own venture in 2009, ‘with the view to make high quality unadulterated wines from special patches of dirt at realistic prices.’

Red cherry, strawberry, spice, mint and amaro, dried roses, blonde tobacco, a slight praline richness too. It’s medium-bodied at most, spicy, a little sappy, strawberry and milk chocolate, a gentle grip of fine dusty tannin, a subtle Campari tang, with a cool and fine finish of excellent length. Such a pleasing wine for its spice and juicy red-fruited zip. Lovely from start to finish. Date: Oct 2025; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $55; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2025-2034+; Rated: 95 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front