Barry Weinman | September 2025

The current releases from Sittella continue to reinforce their reputation for delivering high-quality wines at very affordable prices. And as the range has expanded, so too has the versatility that the wines provide.

For example, the 2024 Avant-Garde Chardonnay makes for excellent early drinking, whilst the Reserve is age-worthy and demanding of patience.

And the same is true for the Arsenal and Berns Reserve Cabernets. The latter really needs cellaring while the former is already a great drink.

Speaking of great drinks, the new Malbec is an absolute blast, packed full of juicy fruit.

REVIEWS

Sittella Reserve Chardonnay 2024
On first impression, this was quite reserved and shy, only hinting at potential. With air though, the ripe peach-like fruit is slowly coaxed from the glass. After 15 minutes, this really started to shine, the fruit opening and evolving, while the creamy texture on the finish proved a real highlight. The oak is fine and texturing, and while nicely integrated, is palpable on the palate at this early stage. And the wine was much better drinking on day two. 13% alc.
Drink: 2028-2034 | 95 points | $40

Sittella Avant-Garde Chardonnay 2024
If I had to use one word for this wine, it would be “polished”. The fruit is quite superb, with layers of stone fruit building on both the nose and palate. And the palate is near seamless, with only a touch of textural grip building on the very close, putting a ripple through the finish. But this is merely a factor of youth, and in time, the texture will settle back and allow the fruit to speak more clearly. The flavours and textural components linger on the finish for more than a minute, gaining a touch of honey on the close. A captivating wine of great appeal. 13.0% alc.
Drink: Now-2030 | 95 points | $33

Sittella Avant-Garde Malbec 2024
This wine is all about the fruit. Vibrant, lively and downright delicious, the use of some whole bunch fermentation no doubt helping to preserve the berry characters. There is an explosion of berry characters on the palate, though this is supported by a touch of tar, leather and spice. Brambly fruit also comes to mind. On the finish, the fine tannins really build (in a positive way), ensuring that the lively fruit is balanced on the close. These tannins will also help it pair nicely with hearty winter fare, providing the cut through for richer dishes. With air, the structure of this wine became more pronounced, highlighting a serious aspect to the wine. Worth trying.
Drink: Now-2030 | 94 points | $50

Sittella Berns Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Oh my, this is good, with the wine taking on a slightly cooler character. There is an ethereal nature to the brambly fruit, though at this early stage, the fine though prodigious tannins make their presence felt on the finish. That said, the fruit then builds on the finish, almost magically coating the tongue from back to front, and continues to linger for an age. A lovely wine that will reward cellaring for a decade or more. A belter of a wine. 14.5% alc.
Drink: 2030-2040 | 95 points

Sittella The Arsenal Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec/Cabernet Franc 2023
This is an impressive wine. Fine fruit, polished winemaking and supple oak come together in a more accessible style than the Berns Reserve. This is a case of less being more as, despite not being the most powerful or biggest wine in the tasting, it has presence and, importantly, excellent drinkability. Given its sheer drinkability, this is one of those wines that is likely to be drunk young, therefore missing the best that it has to offer if you can be patient. 14.5% alc.
Drink: Now-2038 | 95 points | $39