JamesSuckling.com | Ryan Montgomery | April 2025
97
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
The Laird 2020
Intensely focused and powerful, with densely packed aromas of blackberries, licorice, graphite, olive tapenade, cured meat, roasted coffee beans and violets. The palate is full-bodied with firmly framed tannins and a deeply viscous yet refined mouthfeel that gives layer upon layer of cedar, bitter chocolate, walnuts and baking spices. Made from vines planted in 1958. A savory, powerful wine with a with a high level of sophistication
98
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
The Forebear 2020
Complex aromas of blackberry compote, roasted coffee beans, iodine, graphite, olive tapenade, dark chocolate, blood plums and baking spices. The palate has a deep, luscious mouthfeel with firmly framed tannins that lead into a viscous and textural finish. So much concentration and old-vine character that is built for the ages. Exceptional. Made from vines planted in 1850s on one acre in Lyndoch
98
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
RunRig 2022
A deeply perfumed and lifted release. Aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate, violets, iodine, porcini mushrooms, fresh herbs and an earthy, ferrous undertone. The palate is full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and a luscious and seamless mouthfeel. There is much complexity and refinement, with a high level of fruit quality. Built for the ages.
94
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
Les Amis 2022
Meaty and savory, with aromas of blood plums, iodine, fresh herbs, graphite, licorice and eucalyptus. The palate is full-bodied with silky yet firmly framed tannins and flavors of pomegranates, dark chocolate, mulberries and black olives. Well balanced and poised
96
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
The Factor 2022
Complex aromas of blackberry compote, roasted coffee beans, iodine, graphite, olive tapenade, dark chocolate, blood plums and baking spices. The palate has a deep, luscious mouthfeel with firmly framed tannins that lead into a viscous and textural finish. So much concentration and old-vine character that is built for the ages. Exceptional. Made from vines planted in 1850s on one acre in Lyndoch
97
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
Descendant 2022
Lovely aromas of blackberries, violets, ink, dark chocolate, graphite, black olives, peaches and graphite. The palate is tightly wound, with silky tannins and bright acidity that is harmoniously in balance. Flavors of dark chocolate, blood plums, pomegranates and licorice root. Perfumed, savory, intense and pure. An exceptional release of this wine, with 8% viognier co-fermented with shiraz
96
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
The Gask 2023
Deeply perfumed and spicy, with lifted aromas of purple fruit, violets and layers of eucalyptus, blackberries, ironstone, bitter chocolate and graphite. The palate is seamlessly integrated and textural, with a firm yet polished tannin profile leading into a metallic, bloody and ironstone finish with layered black and purple fruit. Sophisticated and succulent, with high aging potential.
94
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
The Steading 2023
Lifted and perfumed aromas of blackberries, violets, boysenberries, dark cherries, tar and spices. The palate is is finely tuned and tightly wound, with bright and focused flavors of red peppercorns, tobacco leaves, cured meat and dark chocolate. There is lovely transparency and vibrancy from a cool vintage aged in foudres for 18 months. A blend of 57% grenache, 33% shiraz and 10% mataro
96
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
The Struie 2023
A lovely balance of Eden Valley spices and Barossa power and strength, with aromas of blackberries, graphite, olive tapenade, violets and purple fruit. The palate is full-bodied with a velvety texture, ultra-fine tannins and flavors of mulberries, mint, pomegranates, cured meat and dark chocolate. A silken finish for this excellent release from a cool vintage.
94
Ryan Montgomery
JAMES SUCKLING
The Steading Blanc 2024
Layers of honeysuckle, lemon myrtle, sliced pears, beeswax and stone fruit on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewy phenolic edge and a generous texture, giving flavors of nectarines, white flowers, grapefruit pith and green apples. A blend of 53% roussanne, 45% marsanne and 2% viognier fermented in a mix of stainless steel and barrels
