Inspired by the styles of Southern Rhone, this blend of Mataro, Grenache and Shiraz from Tim Smith is one one of the best bang for your buck blends in the Barossa right now.
This is not your average Bourgogne Blanc. Leroux draws almost entirely on his own Meursault holdings here—parcels like Les Millerands, Sous la Velle and Les Belles Côtes—so while it carries a modest regional label, the quality speaks clearly of its origins. A little fruit from the Hautes Côtes de Beaune above Pernand adds lift, but the heart of the wine is very much rooted in Meursault. Fermented and raised in large-format oak and foudres, the 2023 captures the freshness and balance of the vintage. The hot spell in early September was neatly avoided thanks to Leroux’s early picking, and the wine has that hallmark precision and energy that runs through all his whites this year. There’s generosity of fruit, sure, but it’s held firmly in check by bright acidity and a clean mineral line. Quantities, as always, are scarce, and it’s one of those wines that consistently outperforms its humble label. A great way to experience Leroux’s style without stepping into premier cru territory.
A beautifully judged Barbaresco from an Aussie winemaker who’s well and truly earned his spot in the Langhe – honest, fragrant and effortlessly drinkable.