This comes from the Limestone Coast region of Mount Gambier, close to the border with South Australia and Victoria. Cool nights and warm days. Xavier Goodridge (born from central Victoria and spent several years at cult Harcourt winery Bress) gives his name to this eponymous winery: Xavier. Pa Pa wines are Xavier’s entry level. This Gris was fermented and aged in stainless steel, and then left on lees for 5 months.

Xavier Wine, Pa Pa, Pinot Gris, Mount Gambier, 2024

Soft honeyed hue. Full and expressive: Quince, warm baked apple, brown pear slices, native honey, yellow melon, orange skin and soft brown spice. Ginger and pome fruits across the palate. Phenolic grip from the time on lees, which helps give a nutty, drying base counterpointed by those honey tones. Crisp and dry through the finish. Earthy intrigue with good balance of flavour.

RRP: $28
Alc: 12.8%
Rating: 91/100

Wine sample courtesy of Xavier Wine and Common State