Deviation Road owner and winemaker, Kate Laurie with Susan Le Roux, the ‘Champagne Goddess’.
Beltana ‘Blanc de Blancs’ : The Sparkling Vision of Kate & Hamish Laurie from Deviation Road Winery.
When it comes to Sparkling Wine, few artisans embody the craft quite like Kate Laurie. Having spent formative years studying and working in Champagne, Kate has mastered the nuances of ‘Méthode Traditionnelle’, translating them beautifully to Australian soil.
For me, wine isn’t just about the glass, it’s about the stories, the craft and the people behind it, whether in Champagne or Australia! I am always excited about wine, the deep connection between terroir and tradition and in my experience, Kate Laurie is one of the absolute stand-outs.
Not only does she craft world-class sparkling wines, but she’s also wonderfully accommodating when welcoming guests on my Champagne Goddess tours. Deviation Road has become a must-see for those seeking exceptional Australian sparkling, and Kate’s generosity in sharing her knowledge elevates every visit.
But great wine doesn’t happen in isolation. Hamish Laurie, her husband and viticulturist, plays a pivotal role in nurturing pristine fruit from the rugged slopes of the Adelaide Hills, ensuring every bottle reflects the quality of the land. Their synergy defines Beltana Blanc de Blancs, a wine that epitomizes precision, patience and sparkling brilliance.
Beltana Blanc de Blancs: A Tale of Two Vintages
(Beltana is produced using 100% Chardonnay grapes selected from the cool, high altitude slopes in the Adelaide Hills)
🥂 2016 Beltana Blanc de Blancs 🥂
The 2016 vintage, released in October 2021, showcases purity and structure, shaped by 6 years on lees and a delicate dosage of 3g/L. This vintage won 97 points from Huon Hooke and was highly praised at the Adelaide Hills Wine Show, affirming its finesse and aging potential.
Tasting Notes: Expect layers of umami, crisp green apple, and delicate sea spray, wrapped in a fine mousse with lingering brioche nuances. A refreshing yet structured style, underscored by a pure Chardonnay elegance.
🥂 2017 Beltana Blanc de Blancs 🥂
While the 2016 Beltana is defined by precision, the 2017 vintage is all about richness and lift. Aged for 6 years on lees, the vintage conditions of 2017, a cool, wet spring followed by a long, dry Indian summer, produced pristine Chardonnay with exceptional aging potential, sourced from two standout vineyard sites:
- Piccadilly a high-altitude site wrapped in morning mist, fostering elegance.
- Deviation Road Estate with ironstone-laced soils contributing texture and complexity.
Recognized with 96 points from The Real Review, inclusion in Nick Ryan’s Top 100 Wines, and awarded the Sparkling Trophy at the 2024 Adelaide Hills Wine Show, the 2017 Beltana affirms Deviation Road’s place among Australia’s elite sparkling producers.
Tasting Notes: It carries bold toasted nut, sweet pastry, and candied lemon aromas with a lively sherbet acidity that brings vibrancy.
Beyond Beltana: A Legacy in Sparkling Winemaking
Tour Guests during an Adelaide Hills wine tour hosted by Champagne Goddess enjoying a Sparkling Wine group Tasting at Deviation Road.
Kate and Hamish’s expertise extends beyond Beltana, shaping Loftia Vintage Brut, Altair Brut Rosé, and Southcote Blanc de Noirs. Each, a reflection of thoughtful viticulture and meticulous craftsmanship.
Together, they embody the balance of artistry and science, proving that behind every great sparkling wine is a partnership built on trust, skill and a shared love for the land.
Deviation Road’s 2017 ‘Beltana Blanc de Blancs’ is available from their website available in a 750ml bottle and if you feel like really indulging yourself, treat yourself to a bottle of the 2014 Vintage ‘Beltana Blanc de Blancs’.
Only a few bottles remain with an incredible 10 years on lees, you’ll need to get in quick as they’ve almost sold out!
If reading about Deviation Road has sparked your curiosity, why not experience it firsthand?
Each year, I host boutique Sparkling Wine Tours through the stunning Adelaide Hills, where we regularly visit the Deviation Road winery and meet with Kate and Hamish in person.
It’s a rare chance to explore their vineyard, sip their exceptional wines and hear their story directly from the source.