Review: Barwang Rosé 2023 and bringing labels back from the doldrums

Seeing the Barwang name back on a bottle of wine feels right and good after the name was caught up in the fall of the McWilliams empire (and Barwang is in family hands, too). What other labels do you want to see brought back? One vote for Tollana for me, the 90s Eden Valley hero, which was basically buried by Treasury (although it had a shortlived rebirth with wine from anywhere. There was a Mornington Pinot!).

Any others?

Meanwhile, this is rosé from the Barwang vineyard in the Hilltops, and it’s entirely drinkable. Coppery orange-coloured and juicy but with creamy edges, it’s plenty ripe enough and smart for a $23 pink. It’s just a bit tinny/leafy on the finish, but the red fruit savouriness is appealing in a more fruit-forward, dry style. Easy drinking and happy days.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now
• Score (out of 20): 17
• Score (out of 100): 90
• Alcohol %: 13
• RRP (in $AUD): 23
• Winery website: https://barwangwines.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: worth a glass