Sorrenberg is a 2.5 hectare vineyard which is owned by Barry and Jan Morey and situated on the outskirts of Beechworth. It is surrounded by forest on two sides and Stony Creek runs across the back boundary. The family has a tradition of winemaking that goes back over 500 years to the Mosel River in Germany. Barry’s grandfather, Jacob Barzen, emigrated to Australia to work on a family vineyard and winery at Dookie. This vineyard has since been sold and converted back to grazing land. The name Sorrenberg comes from a small vineyard owned by the Barzen family near a town called Reil on the Mosel.

This wine comprises 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris. Most of the Sauvignon Blanc fruit had 4 hours skin contact prior to pressing. The Semillon component is crushed and pressed immediately after picking. This wine was 100% barrel fermented with predominantly larger barrels used. All went through natural yeast fermentation and malolactic fermentation. The extended lees contact helps fill out the middle palate and gives this wine the extra dimension it is known for.

The aromas of the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon exhibit fresh citrus with loquat and cape gooseberry which follow through to the palate combining with balanced acid and a good texture to give an exceptional long lingering mouthfeel with depth and dimension.

I think there is way more to come from this wine, but the slip of nougat and gentle malo-esque feeling of creamy softness works well with the perky slosh of pulpy grapefruit and saline minerality that underscores the wine. On top, and to sniff on, pine-lime Splice, hazy green apple juice, faint pickled ginger, a little pine resin character and that skeletal feel of cooling saline veins through it all. It’s even, balanced and flows beautfully, with a gulpability that is a winner. No brainer. Date: Nov 2025; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $65; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2025-2032; Rated: 95+ Points; Mike Bennie; The Wine Front