Region: Barossa Valley, SA
In our view, of the many winemakers in the Barossa Valley, there are a few of note that are really pushing the boundaries of winemaking conventions. This is made by one of them.

It is a style that we very much enjoy drinking and see very much as the style for the future. Please recall that it was David Farmer who was pioneering the import of NZ Sauvignon Blanc when the industry was in its infancy so this call is made with some history.

A tasting note will not do it justice but I will mention that hidden underneath is a powerful 15.0% alcohol so while it is very drinkable it also packs a punch. Here is some history of the brand.

The Barossa Valley is unusual as it was settled in the 1840’s and 1850’s by German-Silesians migrants, many escaping religious persecution. Grandma Raethel’s family left Bremen in 1846 on the ship Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee Patel and settled in the town of Klemzig, north east of Adelaide Town later that year.

Later they moved to Siegersdorf and finally settled at Light Pass, a small community in the northern Barossa Valley. Betty Raethel grew up in Moculta, the birthplace of the legendary winemaker Max Schubert. The photo was taken in 1934 and shows a youthful Betty with her brother George.

Grandma is now in her nineties and enjoying life in Launceston, Tasmania.