Raga Five Rivers

Yum. Yum. Yum….. I think I might have a crush on this wine. Enjoyable as it is aromatically stunning. Dried Italian herbs, red liquorice and musk—shifting beautifully between savoury and sweet as it sits in the glass. A cheeky little blend of Cabernet Franc (40%), Merlot (40%), Malbec (10%) and a few other friends—I was genuinely excited, sitting in anticipation as the wine continued to unwind into all its fierce-serpent-beauty. Low-intervention. Clean as a whistle. 20% whole bunch adds to the next stage: pink peppercorns, crystal dust, pressed flowers and tangerine essence—alongside gentle, sweet spices and raspberry. The palate is medium-bodied with chattery acidity, giving a sense of freshness and energy. It’s structured with well-integrated tannin and a playful bounce. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Cyndal Petty

Wine Critic at Winepilot

A hopeless romantic for wine and food, Cyndal is nearing 15 years in hospitality while still (just) under 30. A Chef-turned-Sommelier and award-winning wine professional, Cyndal recently left a Group Sommelier role where she curated seven wine lists across multiple venues and led the wine team to Gourmet Traveller Wine Bar of the Year—just months after opening. Now freelance, Cyndal is a wine consultant, event host, wine judge, and wine writer. Passionate about sharing wine’s story with the world, she brings a fresh voice and creative solutions to the industry. After studying and traveling through most of her 20s, she’s now based in WA’s southwest, proudly embracing her role as a WA coastal cowgirl.

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