I recently had the opportunity to taste some remarkable wines from Brendon Keys of BK Wines at East End Cellars in Adelaide. This visit followed my earlier experience of sampling one of his wines at Mother Vine, which is closely associated with East End Cellars.
Brendon, along with his wife Kirsty, has developed a reputation for producing low-intervention wines from exceptional vineyards in the Adelaide Hills. Their approach aligns with a more sensible interpretation of natural wine, aiming for purity and intention in every bottle. Previously imported to the UK by Swig, these wines are currently not represented there, a situation I believe should change.
Here’s a look at some of the standout wines I tasted:
-
BK Wines The Fall Chardonnay 2022, Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills (12.5% alcohol): Rich, mealy, and spicy, this wine exudes precision and energy. It features a lovely acidity with a slight tangy sweetness and ends with a twist of sourness, making it a distinctive and flavorful choice. Rated 95/100 and priced at $100 at Mother Vine.
-
BK Wines Carte Blanche Chardonnay 2024, Adelaide Hills: With only 5% new oak, this wine presents a creamy, mealy texture layered with complexity and a vibrant citrus edge. It was impressively well-balanced and scored 94/100.
-
BK Wines Yandra Chardonnay 2024, Adelaide Hills: This fresh and vibrant wine combines terracotta and barrel aging, showcasing lively citrus, pear, and peach notes. Its mineral backbone and salty finish contribute to its appeal, earning a score of 95/100.
-
BK Wines Ego is the Enemy Pinot Gris 2024, Adelaide Hills (12.8% alcohol): Previously named Ovum, this wine is fermented in a concrete egg. Its spiciness and minerality, alongside expressive texture and depth, make it noteworthy. It received a 94/100 rating.
-
Skin and Bones Pinot Noir 2024, Adelaide Hills (12% alcohol): Made with 100% whole bunch fermentation, this aromatic wine combines fresh, chalky notes with textured cherry and raspberry fruit. Its depth and suppleness earned it a score of 95/100.
-
Skin and Bones Gamay 2024, Adelaide Hills (12.8% alcohol): An old-vine Gamay that shines with full aromatics of raspberry and cherry fruit alongside fine texture and depth. This wine is particularly noteworthy, rated at 96/100.
These wines from BK Wines showcase not only the potential of the Adelaide Hills but also the artistry and vision behind low-intervention winemaking.
For more information on BK Wines, visit their official site: BK Wines.