Our Blend of the Month: Ricca Terra Bullets Before Cannonballs 2023

We’re absolutely thrilled to showcase this September’s exceptional blend selection: the Ricca Terra Bullets Before Cannonballs 2023 from the Riverland region of South Australia. This remarkable wine exemplifies everything we love about innovative Australian winemaking – bold creativity, exceptional quality, and outstanding value at just $242 for a dozen bottles.

A Masterful Mediterranean Quartet

What makes this wine truly special is its inspired blend composition featuring Tempranillo, Lambrusco, Shiraz, and Lagrein – a harmonious marriage of Mediterranean varietals that showcases the Riverland’s ability to produce wines of genuine distinction. This isn’t your typical Australian red; it’s a sophisticated exploration of Old World grape varieties thriving in New World terroir.

95-Point Excellence from James Halliday

The quality speaks for itself with an impressive 95-point rating from James Halliday, one of Australia’s most respected wine critics. This outstanding score puts Bullets Before Cannonballs firmly in the elite category of Australian wines, proving that the Riverland can produce world-class expressions when handled by skilled winemakers like those at Ricca Terra.

Sensory Brilliance

The aromatics alone are captivating – dark plum, blood orange, and dried fig create an inviting bouquet enhanced by sophisticated notes of soft leather, aniseed, and earth. On the palate, the wine delivers exceptional depth with rich dark berry and chocolate flavours perfectly balanced by fine tannins and lively acidity.

Versatility That Impresses

What sets this blend apart is its remarkable versatility. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party with robust Mediterranean cuisine or simply enjoying a casual weeknight pizza, Bullets Before Cannonballs adapts beautifully. The wine’s polished structure and balanced approach make it equally at home with hearty fare or lighter dishes.

Regional Pride and Innovation

Ricca Terra has established itself as a champion of alternative varietals in the Riverland, proving that this warm inland region can produce wines of genuine sophistication. Their commitment to exploring Mediterranean varieties has resulted in wines that offer something genuinely different in the Australian landscape whilst maintaining the quality and drinkability that Australian wine lovers expect.

Exceptional Value Proposition

At approximately $20 per bottle when purchased by the case, this 95-point wine represents extraordinary value in today’s market. You’d struggle to find comparable quality and complexity at this price point, making it perfect for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

The Perfect Addition to Your Cellar

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast looking to explore innovative Australian blends or someone seeking an exceptional everyday red with real character, Ricca Terra Bullets Before Cannonballs 2023 delivers on every front. Its immediate drinkability combined with the structure for short to medium-term cellaring makes it an ideal choice for any wine lover’s collection.

This is precisely why we’ve selected it as our September 2025 Blend of the Month – it represents the exciting future of Australian winemaking where tradition meets innovation, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and character that showcase the best of what our diverse wine regions can achieve.