From a prolific sixth generation Barossa Valley grape growing family, Dan Standish knows a thing or two about vines and the vineyards of the region. Harvest stints in California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys, La Rioja and Yecla in Spain coupled with extensive travel and study of France’s Rhône Valley reinforce his intricate local knowledge with a diverse international bent. The Standish Wine Company vintage cellar and barrel store is intimately designed to fully embrace and nurture the individuality afforded by clone, soil and aspect. Tiny open top oak fermentation vats allow single parcels – even single rows – to be vinified separately, enhancing the intricate personality of each specific soil profile.

I like this straight off. Blue and purple fruit, pepper and spice, perfume, roast beef. It’s medium to full-bodied, spicy with sweet blue fruit, Turkish apricot, a fine polishing sandpaper sort of feel to tannin, a coolness to acidity, meaty, crisp and lightly sappy to close on a finish of good length. A lighter vintage, though a charming one that drinks well. Date: Jun 2023; Alcohol: 14.9%; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2025-2040; Rated: 94 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

A pop and pour taste had me excited. Perfume, silky texture, glossiness, charm and drinkability. Fine tannin profile in a sheath of silky draw, white pepper, rosy floral lift, dried rose petal indeed, with touches of stone fruit in concentrated forest berry compote and tart, red plum character. Multi-dimensional in its feel with its extreme length, almost bouncy texture, grip of very fine, quality tannin and sense of refreshment to finish. A dusting of white pepper lingers. Concentration and compact nature. Class. Date: Jun 2023; Alcohol: 14.9%; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2025-2040; Rated: 96 Points; Mike Bennie; The Wine Front