The 2023 Longview Saturnus Nebbiolo is a flagship Adelaide Hills Nebbiolo crafted from mature estate vines planted in the mid-1990s on the ironstone slopes of Macclesfield. Produced by Longview Vineyard — one of Australia’s leading specialists in Italian varieties — the wine is made in a serious Barolo-inspired style with extended skin contact and careful maturation to highlight Nebbiolo’s perfume, structure and ageing potential. The cool and even 2023 vintage delivered exceptional freshness, bright acidity and fine tannin definition, resulting in one of the estate’s most elegant and refined Saturnus releases to date.
The nose reveals sour cherry, rose petal and cranberry layered with orange rind, fennel, anise and crushed stone minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet powerful with vibrant acidity, fine chalky tannins and remarkable tension throughout. Layers of red berries, blood orange and savoury spice unfold with precision and finesse, finishing long, dry and beautifully structured with classic Nebbiolo grip and perfume. Critics praised the wine’s elegance and restraint, with Halliday awarding 95 points and highlighting its finesse, minerality and refreshment factor.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Longview Saturnus Nebbiolo is a seriously impressive Australian Nebbiolo — perfumed, structured and beautifully refined with outstanding complexity and ageing potential. Perfect with mushroom risotto, osso buco, duck, truffle dishes or aged hard cheeses. Decant if drinking young or cellar confidently through 2037+.
