Where there is smoke, there is fire. It’s not just the quality of Bannockburn’s Chardonnay and Pinot that has transformed over the years. “When you get out of the way and allow it to speak through the soils, Riesling is a great conduit for expression of place,” says Gus Pollard, the grandson of founder Stuart Hooper, who knows great Riesling when he sees it. “Over the last few years, our Riesling has developed an identity—characteristics that are identifiable year on year regardless of the conditions of the season.” To be specific, you can expect more fruit texture and tension than you might get from more classic Australian Riesling regions, as well as enticing savoury salinity from the old vines (1976!) and limestone soils. Considering its price tag, Bannockburn’s 1314 Rosé delivers a whole lot of wine in the glass. Dominated by Cabernet―with Merlot, Shiraz and a dash of Riesling adding freshness―its savoury depth, appealing bitter notes, and bright, fresh berry flavour will have you reaching for a second glass. Finally, there’s Sauvignon Blanc, the wine that has seen perhaps the most significant stylistic change. Since 2021, winemaker Matt Holmes and team have melded this wine’s old-vine concentration to a fresher, more textural and minimalist style than that of old. Expect value-packed wines that fuse delicious, vibrant appeal with the kind of savoury, textural sophistication found in all this iconic grower’s wines.