In 1839 William and Elizabeth Oliver travelled to South Australia from Scotland and eventually settled in 1841 on land at McLaren Vale. Whitehill and Taranga farms, the names given to the northern and southern sections of this land, are located 2 km north of McLaren Vale overlooking the township. Both properties are still run by fifth generation descendants of William and Elizabeth and are planted to many different varieties of red and white wine grapes.

Creamy and pithy all at once. Golden delicious, juicy peach, preserved lemon, textural purity and length. Juicy varietal finish, fresh and zesty, with oodles of generosity.

From five estate blocks, fermented 80% in steel, with 20% split between larger format oak and concrete eggs. Cool, native ferment, with 10% mlf. Vintage '26 is looking to be a fine white vintage. Expressive in its range of lemon pith, grapefruit, makrut lime and beachy scents, with hints of mint and holy basil. It has a mineral side, too, with a subtle ground-stone quality, a rock skipped over sun-kissed waves. OK, a bit much, but I’m going with it. The tension is finely tuned between acidity and pith, the feel seamless at this early juncture, the length sustained. Date: Aug 2026; Alcohol: 12.5%; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion