QWine - Australian Wine Reviews: March 2019

Sunday, 31 March 2019

Oakridge Yarra Valley Series Pinot Noir 2018

Finger licking Pinot hitting the spot. The $20-30 price point for the Pinot in Australia can be hit and miss but this strikes the target with ease.

A glass of this was thrust in front of me when visiting a pub recently. My friend went asking for a Grenache and came back with this - a Tempranillo Graciano blend. The person behind the bar convinced her it was the same... Not so, but a good excuse to have a look at a label I haven't seen for what seems an eternity.

St John's Road Line and Length Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

These St John's Road wines represent great value. You don't need to be a wine connoisseur to know what a good wine looks like. Drinking wines like these will bring pleasure in spades.

Vermentino oozes refreshment factor. Be it on its own or with some food, there's so much I enjoy about the variety. Here's a very tidy example from the Barossa Valley.

A Chardonnay for those who need convincing that Chardonnay is a tasty drink.

Meerea Park Indie Roussanne 2018

Great to see a Roussanne standing on its own two feet rather than blended away. A tidy drop from the Hunter Valley.

I really like the freshness that this wine offers. A delicious drop.

Here's a tense character reluctant to give an insight to its true persona.

Ballandean Estate Nebbiolo 2017

Nebbiolo from the cool Granite Belt climate. Varietal and moreish - tasty stuff.

Long hot days and a tall glass of this cider ice cold will cure your ills. Beautiful!

Langhorne Creek Barbera from little known producer Marcus Hofer.

Fellow writer Stu Robinson posed the question to me about the Berton Sauvignon Blanc - why would you plant Sauv Blanc in prime Riesling country (Eden Valley)? Fair cop that. Same could be said about Chardonnay really.

Juniper Estate Chardonnay 2017

It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to have a look at a wine from Juniper Estate. Not much has changed in that time by the looks either - the quality is still high.

Dancy Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz. Juicy fruit skips about all nimble on its feet.

Part of the new Oakridge Yarra Valley Range, this Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Grigio.

There's a big kick to this but you wouldn't know it. Weighing in at 7.2%, it's made with apples grown on the Granite Belt.

Huntington Estate Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2018

Barrel fermented Chardonnay outta Mudgee that chugs along.

Super fresh Sauvignon Blanc to wet your whistle.

An in interesting Pinot from Orange in NSW.

Max and Me Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

When the train rolls into Pleasure Town station you just get off and make the most of your visit.
Eden Valley Cabernet well worth getting in your belly.

An attractive label greets the eye. Perhaps it's the small image of a magpie that gets my attention? My favourite Australian bird would have to be either the Magpie or Butcher Bird. I'd love to see a Butcher Bird on a label mind you - can someone sort that out, please?

A new label to me with an, "Oh wow," introduction. Clean, crisp and very refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from the Eden Valley - a great drop.

Max and Me Shiraz 2017

Phil Lehmann doesn't know how to make a bad wine. Quality is always plated up - here we go again.

Heartland Directors Cut Shiraz 2016

Iron fist in a velvet glove kinda stuff. A big Shiraz from Langhorne Creek.

Silky Grenache screaming value.

As with many of the d'Arenberg blends, this has a big frame and the muscle to carry it. A blend of Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Merlot 54/23/23 from McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.

St John's Road Blood and Courage Shiraz 2017

Mouth-filling Barossa Shiraz. You can't go wrong.

A Barossa Shiraz and Roussanne co-ferment (92/8) and matured in large format French oak for 14 months.

Chardonnay has been made by Windowrie for nearly 30 years at their Cowra winery. Winemaker Anthony D'Onise says he is, "Looking to produce a modern example of Cowra's most famous variety." He's ticked that box with this release.

Meerea Park Alexander Munro Chardonnay 2018

The entry-level XYZ Chardonnay 2018 is smart but this cranks the happiness dial up another level.

Yum factor Rosé. Lazy afternoons, social gatherings, sunsets - I dig this.

I find Pinot Noir in the $20 to $30 bracket can be a bit hit and miss. There are a few reasons for this but a good quality Pinot in that price bracket is certainly achievable. Here's a solid go-to which I spied on a restaurant wine list.

Meerea Park XYZ Chardonnay 2018

Meerea Park's entry-level Chardonnay is on song. I could sip this happily watching the sunset.

You can be assured that the wines out of Samuel's Gorge are rock solid. This Shiraz ticks the box once more.

d'Arenberg The Cenosilicaphobic Cat 2012

Here's a big boy. No surprise it's been held back and released at seven years of age. If you like 'em big, give this a shot.

I can't say I've had a New England Tempranillo - til now.
Winemaker Greg McGill is a proud Scotsman and also loves The Office - hence the name. A quick Google search will fill you in for those who don't watch the show...

Penley Estate Project Shiraz McLaren Vale 2018

An eye-catching wine with fabulous shelf appeal. A remake of one of Rembrandt's paintings adorns the front label recreated by the women of Penley Estate. Take a close look to see a few familiar faces... So delicious, it's a wine well worth tracking down.

I admire Kate Goodman for what she has done at Penley Estate since jumping on board as winemaker in recent years. To say she has shaken the tree is an understatement. Here's another example of her willingness to push boundaries.

Sand between the toes and fish and chips are calling. A good Riesling to chill out with.

Hayes Family Wines Field Blend GSM 2018

If you are yet to introduce yourself to Hayes Family Wines, I suggest you do so soon. Andrew Seppelt is producing some absolutely delicious wines. This Field Blend GSM is a belter. I couldn't stop at a glass or three. And it's that quality across the range which has everything pointing in the right direction.