Mt Bera’s 157ha of lush hills and valley have evolved from an 1851 commercial orchard to the biodynamically grown vineyards of today. The 1990s marked the beginning of how the Horner family’s passion shaped Mt Bera’s identity, producing wines of elegance, purity and a true expression of its source.

A stately, elegant, gently-maturing red wine. Shows off red plum, dark chocolate, tobacco, coffee ground, mahogany wood notes and clove spice elements. Succulent on the palate, the texture is refreshing despite depth and aged characters in the mix. Tannins are lightly woody but appropriate to the wine, meshed well into the core of flavours presented. Old school, good school feel. Drink to: 2033; Price: $75.00; Date Tasted: November 2024; Alcohol: 15%; Rating: 95 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

A Merlot that shows the benefit of that extra time in the bottle. Clearly it was always balanced and beautifully integrated but the gentle softening and introduction of new nuances of leather and spice with that dark chocolate black fruit mix is really engaging. Has an effortless stylish palate that carries with poise through to a long finish. Drink to: 2025-2031; Rating: 95 Points; Ray Jordan