Sholto Wines: Bold, Boutique, and Bursting with Character

This week at Canberra Wine and Spirit Merchants, we had the pleasure of tasting wines from Sholto, a boutique winery that focuses on alternative styles with a refreshing mix of panache and commonsense. The winemaker, Jake Carter, brings a creative yet grounded approach to winemaking, resulting in wines that are not only enjoyable for early drinking but also hold great aging potential. With fruit sourced predominantly from the Canberra District, each wine brought something unique to the table. Here’s a closer look at the standout bottles from our tasting:

Fumé Blanc 2023
Alcohol: 12.5%
This Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from Cargo Road Vineyard in Orange, is a real tropical delight. The pale lemon color leads to a nose bursting with fresh pineapple, mango, passionfruit, and a subtle hint of citrus and spice. On the palate, it’s dry but full of rich fruit, tapering off to a soft, lingering finish. A perfect balance of zest and elegance.

Carpe Vinum 2021
Alcohol: 12.5% | Marsanne (35%) | Roussanne (35%) | Viognier (30%)
A complex white blend from Freeman’s Vineyard in the Hilltops region, this wine is pale straw with a hint of amber. Aromas of tropical fruit and subtle herbs invite you in, while the palate balances freshness and structure, with firm acidity leading to a long, textural finish. It’s one of those wines that keeps evolving as you sip—a true reflection of Jake Carter’s talent.

Semillon 2016
Alcohol: 12.5%
With fruit from Barton Estate Vineyard, this Semillon is pale lemon with a pale green hue. Rich aromas of gooseberry, lime, and lemon dominate, with a touch of citrus cutting through. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with just a hint of fruit sweetness at the front, balanced by a silky mouthfeel and a clean, lingering finish. This one is a classic expression of a well-made Semillon.

Pinot Syrah 2019
Alcohol: 13.5% | Pinot Noir (70%) | Syrah (30%)
This intriguing blend is both bold and delicate. Sourced from Kerralee and Idyllic Hills Vineyards, it presents a bright garnet red in the glass with complex aromas of dried fruit, savory herbs, and a whisper of oak. The palate is dry yet balanced, with a lingering softness that makes it a truly enjoyable sip. A standout wine for those who love complexity with a touch of fruit sweetness.

Syrah 2023
Alcohol: 13.0%
Jake’s first Syrah since the sensational 2017 vintage, this cooler year has still produced a wine with great potential. Sourced from Long Rail Gully and McKellar Ridge Vineyards, the wine presents with a very deep red color and elegant black currant aromas. The palate is a balance of medium red fruit, pepper, and soft tannins, with a long finish. Give it time, and this Syrah will undoubtedly develop into something special.

Petit Verdot 2019
Alcohol: 13.5% | Petit Verdot (97%) | Viognier (3%)
This Petit Verdot, with a touch of Viognier, is a powerhouse of deep black fruit flavors. Dark burgundy in color, the aromas are filled with plum, blackberry, and earthy herbal notes. The palate is rich and bold, with blackberry and plum taking center stage, supported by herbal layers of violet and dried herbs. Lilac and lavender add a floral elegance to this punchy red—perfect for those who love their wines bold and expressive.

The Verdict

Sholto Wines delivered a tasting full of bold flavors, with each bottle offering something special. From the tropical brightness of the Fumé Blanc to the rich, punchy depth of the Petit Verdot, Jake Carter's skillful winemaking shines through in every glass. These wines are not only approachable now but will also reward those who have the patience to cellar them for a few more years.