Paracombe. The best winery in the Adelaide Hills you’ve never heard of.

Paracombe is one of those wineries that you hear about from a friend, the one you know who is really into their wines. Just why Paracombe are not better known amazes me. Their wines are all exceptionally well made and jaw dropping value for money.

Paul and Kathy Drogemuller established Paracombe Wines in 1983 following the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires. Their vineyard and winery is uniquely located high on a plateau at Paracombe, with spectacular views of the Mt Lofty Ranges.

Starting out as growers the Drogemullers inevitably developed a curiosity to see what they could produce themselves. So, since 1992, Paul has also been the winemaker-in-chief, and has learned to read his vines and work with them to produce wines with a real sense of place, superb balance, and impeccable fruit.

For a more in depth look at Paracombe take a look at the reviews of Phillip White, one of Australia’s best wine critics, here and here.

The notes below are the winemaker's unless otherwise noted. Bonus tips are ours!

Paracombe Pinot Gris 2017, $25

A great little crowd pleaser. Appealing bouquet of melon, honeyed pear and floral notes with fresh flavours of nectarine, nashi pear and creme caramel with flinty notes on the finish. Made to enjoy, perfect with food.

Bonus tip: beautifully balanced, dry but with good fruit intensity. Very moreish.

Paracombe Pinot Blanc 2018

Paracombe Pinot Blanc is grown on the cool southern slopes of our family vineyard to preserve the delicateness of this unique variety. The bouquet is lively with citrus flower, musk and gooseberry. Dainty acidity accompanies grapefruit, lime and apple with hints of pepper on the palate.

Bonus tip: Wow! Love this. This is a juicy, fresh, flavour powerhouse. If you are looking to change it up from Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc then give this a go.

Paracombe Chardonnay 2017, $25

Attractive bouquet of fig and lemon souffle aromas with subtle mineral notes. The palate is long and finely balanced. Fresh flavours of melon, peach and creamy apple. Very stylish. Limited Release. (Single Vineyard Wine)

Bonus tip: although the wine may taste like it has oak influence… it does not.

Paracombe Pinot Noir 2017, $25

Alluring aromas of wild strawberry, cherry and toffee notes. Bright crimson in colour, the palate offers gentle, lingering flavours of cherry and plum with fine tannins and subtle spice on the finish. Ah the romance of Pinot, just surrender and enjoy.

Bonus tip: a genuinely good Pinot Noir at this price is pretty special - a must try.

Paracombe “The Reuben” Red Blend 2014, $25

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Shiraz

Highly aromatic, spicy and delicious. Poached rhubarb and plum aromas, with hints of leatherwood. The finely structured palate gives rich fruit flavour, interesting spice and savoury notes.  A wonderful food wine dedicated to Reuben Chapman, an early Paracombe settler known for his generosity and passionate love for the area.

Bonus tip: We love this blend. The 2014 is the current release and the extra age has allowed all of the elements to marry into a rich, silky smooth wash of flavour.

Paracombe Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $25

A rich, full fruit style of wine sure to please, deep colour with delightful whiffs of ripe blackberries, sweet oak and spice. Generous juicy flavours of currants and berries textured with hints of fine, elegant tannins deliver a lingering finish. Drinking well now, promises to reward further with age. (Reviewed by Dan Traucki)

Bonus tip: With 5 years of bottle age already this a cellar aged wine at current release prices. A bargain.