Sorrenberg, situated just outside of Beechworth alongside Stony Creek, is owned by Barry and Jan Morey and is surrounded by forests.The family has a tradition of winemaking that goes back over 500 years to the Mosel River in Germany. Barry’s grandfather, Jacob Barzen, emigrated to Australia to work on a family vineyard and winery at Dookie. The name Sorrenberg comes from a small vineyard owned by the Barzen family near a town called Reil on the Mosel. The family have been using sustainable farming methods in the vineyard from early on and have been certified Demeter by the Biodynamic Research Institute since 2008.

The vines at the Sorrenberg site were planted in 1985 with their first vintage in 1989. The entire production process happens at the vineyard with more traditional wine making methods being utilised, including fermentation being carried out in French Barriques.

The 2022 vintage was a wet and cool one, la Niña. Consistent rain throughout the season saw the vines with prolific growth after quite a few drier years. Thankfully the rain lightened off closer to harvest which meant with carefully management of the vines and grapes, they were rewarded with a good crop. This Bordeaux blend quietly lurks in the shadows, as the middle child of the Sorrenberg family. Dark berries and cherries abound, from aroma to palate, with a pitch-perfect balance of tannin and acid.

Superb value for a Sorrenberg estate wine, and one that is drinking wonderfully now, and even more so for those willing to be rewarded for their patience.