Recent Independent Wine Reviews

Vino Masters – Russ Gallagher, Kapunda, SA

January 2026.

 

BackVintage Clare Valley Riesling 2025 – Vino Masters Score: 94 Gold
Outstanding quality showing varietal purity and exemplifying regional type.

Pale straw with green hues. The palate is focused and precise, delivering lime, lemon and citrus pith with fine natural acidity. Clean, dry and tightly framed, finishing long and refreshing with regional clarity. Easy drinking!

★★★★★Excellent: purity, precision and regional authority

Drink now and cellar to 2030

 

BackVintage Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris 2025 – Vino Masters Score: 94 Gold
Outstanding quality showing varietal purity and exemplifying regional type.

Pale straw in the glass.

The palate shows pear, apple and subtle citrus with a soft, rounded mouthfeel. Fresh acidity with fresh nashi pear flavours maintains the lift and clarity, finishing clean and dry.

Straightforward, varietally correct and well balanced.

★★★★★ Very Good: freshness, drinkability

Drink now

 

BackVintage Padthaway Chardonnay 2024 – Vino Masters Score: 95 Gold
Outstanding quality showing varietal purity and exemplifying regional type.

Pale straw with green highlights.

The palate delivers white peach, nectarine and citrus with subtle creamy texture. Fresh acidity provides line and focus, while restrained oak influence adds weight without excess.

Balanced, clean and well resolved through the finish. Amazing varietal flavour.

★★★★★ Excellent freshness, balance and varietal expression

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BackVintage McLaren Vale Grenache 2024 – Vino Masters Score: 94 Gold
Outstanding quality showing varietal purity and exemplifying regional type.

Bright crimson-red.  The palate is vibrant and fruit-driven, showing red cherry, raspberry and gentle spice. Medium-bodied with soft, supple tannins and balanced acidity. Savoury undertones add interest, finishing fresh and approachable.  Made by Grenache legend, Mike Farmilo.

★★★★★ Outstanding purity of fruit

Drink now

 

BackVintage McLaren Vale Block 8 Shiraz 2021 – Vino Masters Score: 95 Gold
Outstanding quality showing varietal purity and exemplifying regional type.

Dark red with a ruby edge.  The palate delivers concentrated dark red berry and plum fruit with notes of chocolate, subtle mint and oak spice.  Full-bodied and firmly structured, with plentiful tannins providing drive through the mid-palate.  The oak gently melds into the core, supporting the texture and length.  The finish is long and composed, reflecting both site and vintage.

★★★★★ Excellent: flavour concentration, structural clarity and regional authority

Drink now and cellar to 2028+

 

BackVintage Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Vino Masters Score: 92 Silver
Excellent quality, showing a high level of concentration and balance.

Dark red with a ruby edge.  The palate delivers concentrated dark berry fruit with notes of chocolate, subtle mint and oak spice. Medium-bodied and firmly structured, with plentiful, fine tannins providing drive through the mid-palate.  The oak is polished and shines in the mid palate supporting texture and length.

★★★★★ Excellent: flavour concentration, structural clarity and regional authority

Drink now and cellar to 2028+