At Mitchelton, tradition and terroir combine to produce wines that are more than just bottles — they tell stories of land, legacy, and craft. Nowhere is that more evident than in Airstrip, our signature Rhône-style white blend. With each vintage, it reaches new heights — and with the latest release, it’s earned recognition that confirms its place among Australia’s greats.
A Recent Triumph: Halliday Review
The latest iteration of Airstrip has been awarded 95 points by Halliday — a remarkable achievement.
Halliday praised the wine for its bold evolution. Some of the key takeaways:
- Grapes & Composition: The new vintage sees Roussanne in the lead, with viognier and Marsanne playing vital supporting roles.
- Flavour Profile: Honeysuckle, acacia, peach, apricot, baked quince, beeswax — there’s a lush fruit core, rounded out by a mandarin-orange lift and the richness of ripeness.
- Balance & Structure: While generous and warm, the wine retains liveliness thanks to brisk acidity. It carries both depth and elegance — layers of flavour, texture and finishing power.
This score places it well into the “outstanding” range on the Halliday scale — a clear sign that Airstrip is not just keeping up, but pushing forward.
A Vintage That Reflects Both Evolution & Roots
While Airstrip’s essence remains consistent — a homage to Rhône whites, a blend of Roussanne, viognier and Marsanne — the latest release reflects something more refined. The lead of Roussanne gives the vintage a more textured backbone; the ripeness dial has been turned up without tipping into heaviness.
Fans of previous vintages will recognize hallmarks like stone fruit, honeyed florals, and richness from oak ageing; but this version stands out for the clarity of fruit, the interplay of sweetness and acidity, and a finesse that suggests it will age gracefully (if you can resist drinking it young).
Pairing & Occasions
Airstrip is a wine that invites moments: warm summer nights, shared meals, or simply quiet reflection. Here are some pairings and occasions where it shines:
- Food Pairings: Seafood with cream or lemon accents, pork with stone fruit sauce, or soft cheeses. Also excellent with asian‑spiced dishes where aromatics play a part.
- Serving Tips: Slightly chilled — not icy — to preserve aromatic lift. Let it breathe, especially if oak has marked the vintage.
- When to Enjoy vs Cellar: Delicious now, but this vintage has the structure to benefit from 2‑5 years in a good cellar.
Why Airstrip Matters
Airstrip is more than just a wine in our portfolio — it’s a bridge between past and present. It taps into the pioneering spirit of Mitchelton, honouring our early experimentation with Rhône‑white varieties, while demonstrating ongoing innovation in winemaking. It’s wines like this that help define Mitchelton’s reputation: grounded in land; driven by excellence.
Final Notes
If you haven’t tried the latest Mitchelton Airstrip (2024), this Halliday 95‑point rating is evidence of something special. For lovers of Rhône‑style whites, and anyone who appreciates complex, beautifully textured wines, this is a drop not to miss.
