Oakridge Hazeldene Chardonnay 2017

Oakridge don't miss the mark much at all when it comes to Chardonnay and here's another ripper. The Hazeldene block neighbours the Willowlake site. Gee, it's hard to beat the calibre of neighbours like that.

Oliver's Taranga Sagrantino 2016

Oh, hello! Close your eyes and take a whiff and be expected to be lifted to higher places. Such an expressive wine. I'd be happy to just to absorb the aromas.

Vinomofo Homeless Grapes Project Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2018

Wine for good.

Nothing describes the aim of this project better than those three words. The Homeless Grapes project rocketed to prominence in 2015 via some McLaren Vale Shiraz. Since then, the project has seen wines made in Coonawarra and now the Yarra Valley. But the best bit is undoubtedly that every cent is donated to charity. All proceeds from this wine will be sent to the St Mary's House of Welcome in Melbourne who offer their support to Melbourne's homeless.

Oliver's Taranga Chica Mencia Rosé 2018

Girls just wanna have fun - and make Rosé. Winemaker Corrina Wright has pulled all the Oliver's Taranga ladies out from behind their desks and the tasting bench and into the winery to make this wine made by the "Chicas". Picnic wine done good.

Nautilus Clay Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015

Elegant and super fine with some depth to sink your teeth into. Delicious Pinot from New Zealand's Marlborough region.

Castle Rock Estate Great Southern Shiraz 2015

Rock solid Shiraz from Castle Rock. A wine ticking the boxes - plenty of happiness lies within.

Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir 2015

There's a lot to like about this Pinot. It's a serious type of fellow - furrowed brow, all concentration and focused on the business.

Dodgy Brothers Juxtaposed Cabernet Franc 2017

Cabernet Franc is experiencing a renaissance in Australia of late. Some very clever wines are being produced, be it fruit forward with no oak or generous fruit with old oak, the landscape for this variety has never looked better. Here's another well made wine to add to that delicious list.

Dodgy Bros Juxtaposed Bigger Boat Fiano 2018

Tasty Fiano. A wine you could get comfortable with very easily. Mind you, Wes Pearson's wines are pretty damn tasty across the board.

Dirt Candy The Natural Riesling 2018

Tasty Riesling made with organic fruit sourced from Orange sitting 900m above. Called The Natural, it's not to be confused with a natural wine. It's vegan friendly too.

Gundog Estate Hilltops No.1 Shiraz 2017

This is the third Gundog Shiraz vintage from the Hilltops region. It's a great drink to knuckle down with.

Gundog Estate Hilltops No.2 Shiraz 2017

It's always great to sit wines such as these side by side. The No.1 Shiraz calls for steak night whereas the No. 2 thinks it's a bit more fancy.

Gartelmann Stephanie Pinot Gris 2018

Pinot Gris sourced from the Orange region. Sit down and plug into this to recharge and unwind.

Jilyara Honey Comb Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2018

It's always good to see new labels come across the bench. Here's a Savvy from Margaret River making a good statement from a small family operation. The Honey Comb Corner name comes from four beehives placed in each corner of the vineyard.

Gartelmann Jessica Verdelho 2018

Satisfying Verdelho from the Hunter Valley. Lots of tropical fruit within to take the sting out of a hot day.

Oliver's Taranga Mencia 2018

There's little of the Spanish variety Mencia around in Oz and this is a beauty. It certainly has some Barry White factor, that is, I can't get enough! Pour large and don't share are my tips for success.

Credaro 1000 Crowns Chardonnay 2017

Quite a level headed type of fellow. Some personality lies within, but on the whole, this is a sure and steady bet for a good Chardonnay.

Robert Oatley Pocket Watch Shiraz 2017

A brilliant little wine and an absolute steal for $17. Worth hunting down if your budget is $20 and under.

d’Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

I used to be a wicketkeeper. Not as good as Tim Paine, but pretty close. He takes the ball with plenty of give - such is the fury fast bowlers unleash. This Cabernet is a fast bowler for sure. There's strength, broad shoulders and grunt. Soft hands and patience are needed to ensure it gets the most of life that it deserves.

Oakridge Vineyard Series Sauvignon 2017

Sauvignon Blanc isn't my favourite variety by any stretch but Oakridge have done a good job to fancy up the label by removing the "Blanc". I'm paying a little more attention already.

Schwarz Wine Co Meta Mataro 2018

Drink more Mataro! Perhaps it should be your new thing for red exploration in 2019? This release is such a satisfying drop and then some.

Ridgemill Estate The Spaniard Tempranillo 2016

The crew at Ridgemill Estate have a soft spot for Tempranillo. There's no doubting the strength of the variety in the region either. The gang here also love to ensure you know it's a Crianza style and not Joven, that is, aged for at least two years. If style doesn't phase you and tasty booze is up your alley, give this a crack.

Dodgy Brothers Juxtaposed Alright Hamilton Sangiovese Rosé 2018

Lunchtime Rosé. This is more about relaxing and smiles than complexity and over thinking. Good stuff.

Robert Stein Farm Series Riesling 2018

One of three new wines in the recently released Farm Series.

Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 2017

The type of wine you take to share with friends. You pour large, you chat, you laugh, you all walk away happy. A delicious McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Shaw Vineyard Estate Cabernet Shiraz 2016

Juicy black fruit the highlight in this blend from the Canberra district.

Opawa Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017

Pretty good New Zealand Pinot Noir for the money.

Robert Stein Farm Series Semillon Riesling Gewurztraminer 2018

No bottle pic of this wine on the website but it's the same as the Rosé - just not pink.
One whiff and the impact of the Gewurtz in the blend is obvious. A white ready go chow down some Thai, Malaysia or something with a little spice kick.

Flametree SRS Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Cool as Cabernet. The type of wine you don't want to share... Four years young and developing a treat!

Leeuwin Estate Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut 2015

Tidy fizz from the west. A great aperitif, no question.

Robert Stein Farm Series Rosé 2018

Lunchtime Rosé. An easy drink offering good refreshment.

Credaro 1000 Crowns Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Margaret River Cabernet in a happy place. From a top vintage, pleasure awaits.

Bunnamagoo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2016

The winner of the Best Red Wine (not Shiraz or Cabernet) at the 2018 Mudgee Wine Show.

Sirromet Signature Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

From fruit perched 720 to 820 metres above comes this good Cabernet.

Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Pinot Noir 2017

Luscious Pinot. Can I keep the review to that?

Meerea Park The Aunts Shiraz 2017

A cracker for the money! Cut loose I say. It's a wine which will continue to evolve beautifully with a little more time too.

Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo 2017

Long gone are the days where Nebbiolo was best approached years and years after bottling. More and more "drink now" styles are gracing the shelves and this drop from Pizzini is a beauty.

Oliver's Taranga Fiano 2018

A strong Fiano game played here by Oliver's Taranga. Great to see them back on the dais after a stumble in 2017. Corrina Wright showing her worthy Fiano Queen status.

Parker Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Rock solid Coonawarra Cabernet that rarely misses a beat. A good buy for the money.

Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2017

Back to it in 2019 and it's best to start with a high, right? Big love for this - great Pinot!