Wines Adelaide Hills Russell & Suitor - Ladera - 2024

Russell & Suitor’s Cuvée Ladera 2024 from Adelaide Hills is a red wine that promises interest and freshness, typical of this renowned cool-climate Australian region. As the blend is not specified by grape variety, one might anticipate a style that favours elegance and vibrancy, perhaps with a touch of spice and red fruit lift, which are hallmarks of many reds from this area. The 2024 vintage suggests a youthful character, likely preserving the brightness of the fruit and a lively texture. Vinification in the Adelaide Hills often focuses on minimal intervention and preservation of natural acidity, so expect a wine that’s pure, with a clean finish and moderate structure.

The Adelaide Hills, nestled within South Australia, are famous for their elevated vineyards—often above 400 metres—which benefit from cool nights and warm days. This diurnal range helps grapes develop complex aromas while retaining crispness and clarity. Soils here are typically loamy or sandy with rocky subsoils, providing good drainage and limiting yields, which can intensify grape character. The region’s wine history dates back to the 19th century, but it has really flourished in recent decades, becoming a hotspot for progressive winemaking and varietal expression.

When it comes to food pairing, reds from Adelaide Hills are often versatile due to their balance and finesse. Consider serving this Cuvée Ladera with roasted duck breast, grilled lamb chops, or a mushroom risotto. Local Australian cuisine—such as kangaroo fillet with pepperberry jus or a hearty lamb pie—would also complement the wine’s likely fruit-driven and structured profile. Vegetarian pairings like chargrilled aubergine with lentils or beetroot tart can play well with the wine’s freshness.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the wine at 16–18°C. A brief decant, especially if the wine is particularly young, can help open up its aromatics and round out its texture. Enjoy its lively Adelaide Hills character, whether with food or on its own.