SB Barker's Marque Arona

Tasting Vintage 2024 Stonefruit is here in abundance, along with a slightly spicey, almost lemon-meringue pie citrus thing going on, as well as some ripe pineapple and a drop or two of passionfruit. The tropical aromatics are, maybe even more luscious than usual and when we also see what has become a classic Arona smokiness, we are heading towards the complex, layered wine that we’ve all come to expect. Intense and amazingly full-bodied and textured up front, but with the balancing brightness that comes from a citrus borne freshness. The smokey minerality is there, as usual, and there is a pithy texture that helps to balance a very powerful, deep mid-palate. Have I said “balance” too many times? Well, that’s because it’s important, and this wine ticks this box so wonderfully. The finish is rich and textured with layers of interest from all of the above. Once again, Arona hits the mark