Established in 2003, Earthworks take inspiration from the unsung heroes for their latest
campaign ‘Dig a Little Deeper’. The campaign pays tribute to the humble families who, for
generations, have grown the fruit that ‘forms the heart and soul’ of their wines.
As someone who at times has propensity for being a little shallow, it is comparatively
easier for me to ‘dig a little deeper’ than most. So, when five wines from Earthworks arrived
on my desk, this girl knew she was in for a humbling encounter.
It is Friday afternoon; the clock reads 4.30pm and an unwavering shade of grey has painted
the skies since sunrise. The day has been spent in a constant languor as an overworked fan
heater battles a case of the SADs (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Admittedly, for the sake of
a good story there is some melodrama at play here – however my heater short circuiting
from overuse is real.
The rolling film of rain outside my window seems sufficient excuse to log off for the day and
turn my attention to the media release unopened in my inbox. Included is a video campaign
starring Earthworks grower James Hage in his Barossan vineyard. It is 59 seconds of
cinematic excellence with compelling use of mis-en-scene; a black and white photo of
forebearers, the close-up frame of weathered hands that come from years of work on the
land and a seasoned shovel. A constant throughout, the shovel alludes to the campaign’s
message and, I presume, brand logo. After more than a decade seeking, I can finally put to
rest the purpose of Critical Film as a subject in school!
‘Dig a little deeper’, honours the stoicism of growers whose challenges surpass nature’s
trials and tribulations. Today they brave a new wave of crisis; a drought in consumer demand,
frost from trading nations and the deluge of grape glut.
So, whilst I sit complaining about gloomy Fridays, imminently approaching 30 and envying
those holidaying in Positano – perhaps things aren’t that bad. It appears the Earthworks
range is best served with a slice of humble pie.
Earthworks Riesling 2023
89 Points | $20.00
Clear with a hint of straw, the wine is delicately perfumed by white blossoms, hay, granny
smith apples straight from the fridge and a marble minerality. Wispy on the palate, the
varietal’s lemon lime stamp takes form in curd and pith with lime the dominant of the two,
coupled by green apple and wet stone. The acidity is gentle but fresh, with a softness and
bounce no different to a good mattress. A little phenolic grip and chalky finish makes for a
neat wine.
Earthworks Rosé 2023
89 Points | $20.00
An attractive salmon hue with an equally fetching nose; strawberries, fresh cranberry, feijoa,
apple and raspberry cordial with hints of peonies and dried tarragon. Nicely weighted on the
palate, this is a sound wine that ticks the boxes for universal appeal. Layers of
boiled raspberry lollies, tangerine and ripe strawberries are wrapped in a creamy coat and
zipped up by a talcy, spice laden finish.
Earthworks Tempranillo 2022
90 Points | $20.00
Crimson hued, this is fragrant, alluring and my pick of the bunch. A ripe medley of cherries,
macerated strawberries and boysenberry ice cream interwoven with red licorice, musk and a
hint of bark chips. Good concentration, both juicy and jubey, this is a Tempranillo of panache
carrying its alcohol with tact. Fruits of the forest and vanilla bean, cherry cola and Amaro
Averna – the acid is well integrated and the tannins minerally. What it lacks in length it
makes up for in value, at $20 you no longer need to budget frozen prawns in that paella
pairing.
Earthworks Shiraz Barossa 2022
89 Points | $20.00
Earthworks Barossa Shiraz sits as the #2 family-owned Barossa Shiraz by volume and #4 by
value. In a market where awards for ‘best pizza pairing’ are printed in
gold foil and paraded on packaging – it is comforting to see the same humility in the wine as
the Barossan families whom cultivate its fruit. Immediate fruit sweetness on the nose thanks to
raspberry frogs, licorice allsorts, blackberry pastille, Allen’s Cheekies (nee Chickos) and
vanilla blueberry pancake batter with a hint of pine. On the lighter side in body, the wine’s
sweet-fruited flavours mirror on the palate complemented by an added layer of sarsparella,
strewn with sweet clove, cinnamon and white pepper spice. Powder fine tannins blend
seamlessly with the juiciness of a wine that is both buoyant and smooth. A modest pizza
wine that does not need proclamation through hardware and bling.
Earthworks Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
88 Points | $20.00
Unashamedly Cabernet; dark chocolate, mint slice, freshly toiled earth, clusters of black and
blue berries, black forest cake touched by hints of graphite. Sweet fruited, medium bodied in
an approachable guise – blackberry, musky plum and a breath of spearmint knitted together
by black olive and earthy savouriness. Showing fine chalky tannins and fresh acidity, finishing
bittersweet, and a winning combination for Earthworks homemade sausage roll suggestion.
