QWine - Australian Wine Reviews: April 2019

Monday, 29 April 2019

Castle Rock Estate A W Reserve Riesling 2017

The A W Reserve comes from the best three tonnes of Riesling off the Castle Rock Estate vineyard. Handpicked, whole bunched pressed and left on light lees for two months, they've nailed it!

Stick your nose in the glass and it is clear from the outset that this is a serious wine. Superb for the money, and in my opinion, the best value of all Andrew Thomas' Shiraz releases.

There's just something I find alluring about this wine. It's been that case for a number of years now. DJV is Hunter Valley Shiraz co-fermented with Semillon verjuice (6%).

Rock solid Shiraz. Although listed for $20, you can find it around the place for $15 or $16 - a great buy.

Patrick of Coonawarra Fumé Blanc 2017

Sauvignon Blanc with a bit of barrel work - that's the way to do it!

Pretty aromas have me hooked from the outset. A wonderful Cabernet from Frankland River in Western Australia.

Tempranillo is a variety that thrives in the Granite Belt soils. Here is a fab example from Mark Ravenscroft. Aromas of blueberries and red fruit flourish.

Thomas Wines Synergy Shiraz 2017

The Synergy Shiraz is a blend of barrels from a range of Andrew Thomas' Hunter Valley sites.

A blend of Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz, the label is a tribute in part to Andrew Thomas' father who himself was a winemaker in "The Vale".

St Anne's Winery Port Phillip Riesling 2018

Riesling is said to be the flagship wine at St Anne's. From little known Pentland Hills, 56km west of Melbourne, this release nails the brief.

I've seen plenty of Heathcote Shiraz but rarely Cabernet. I do like what the red Cambrian soils do with Shiraz in that part of the world.

I didn't see the Derelict 2015 release so there's a gap in my previous notes. The '13 and '14 were solid wines. A good salute to the variety but man that finish is dry.

In November last year, Ballandean Estate celebrated 50 years of Shiraz. This release comes from those original plantings in the Opera Block and it's a Shiraz worth celebrating.

An aged release from Patrick's Shiraz vineyard in Wrattonbully - 15 minutes north of the Coonawarra region.

Soumah Pinot Noir d'Soumah 2018

A very enjoyable Pinot Noir oozing easy drinking factor. It's good value for money too.

Wowsers! Super smart cider. An excellent substitute for sparkling wines yet not skimping on interest or pleasure.

This is the first Money Spider vintage to see the NASAA Certified Organic logo proudly displayed.

Merlot sourced from vineyards to the north of the Murray River.

Patrick of Coonawarra Estate Riesling 2018

Seriously good Riesling. A blend of fruit from Coonawarra and Wrattonbully, this is a vibrant and super refreshing drink. Take a bow Luke Tocaciu!

Hunter Valley Semillon off 19-year-old vines with the delish factor is cranked high.

Picked early to retain freshness, this entry-level Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley's Soumah Wines is no slouch.

d'Arenberg The Feral Fox Pinot Noir 2017

A tidy Pinot sourced from the Adelaide Hills. Good stuff from team d'Arenberg.

I preferred this Pinot Noir to its more esteemed sibling. This Run Free range is a blend of vineyards from the Great Southern region.

I was patient with this Pinot, but however much I tried, I still found it a struggle to wrap my arms around it. I preferred its cheaper sibling to be honest.

Although Patrick are Coonawarra based, this Pinot Noir is sourced from Mt Gambier just down the road.

Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2017

A gorgeous Pinot Noir. There's so much here to adore and admire.

Winemaker Matt Harrop says the 2017 vintage was a year of moderates. Warm days and cool nights delivered steady (perfect) ripening conditions. This Chardonnay is a great reflection of that - it's in the zone deluxe.

One of two new wines released by Huntington Estate. Winemaker Tim Stevens says, "The new Bin range consists of small parcels which offer an interesting difference to the core range."

A trip to a BYO restaurant only encouraged a visit to the nearby bottle shop. Medium bodied red was the call that went out and this smart Syrah this from New Zealand's Hawke's Bay was the answer.

I recently received two Joel Gott wines courtesy of Vintage House Wine & Spirits - their Australian importers. There's not a lot of Zinfandel in Australia so to receive one, let alone from overseas, was a pleasant surprise.

Yangarra Estate Shiraz 2017

Damn this is a superb Shiraz. The richness and density just pull you in.

A mirror image of the 2017 vintage just about. Bargain hunters go forth!

The fruit for this Semillon was selected from dry grown vineyards with an average vine age of 40 years.

An easy drinking Sauv Blanc to appease those looking for an uncomplicated refreshment. Made exclusively for retail and on-premise.

Dry and still cider made on the Sunshine Coast from Granite Belt apples.

Juniper Estate Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Brilliant! In a line up of five Cabernets on the bench, this was a cut above and then some schooling the rest with ease.

I didn't get to see this Signature upon release, but when friends turned up at the door with a bottle under their wing, I could have been seen rubbing my hands with glee. Just a pup, as Bruce McAvaney would say, this is special.

A delight to drink really. One of those wines I'd rather happily sip away than ponder the thought of a review. But alas, here we are writing about this beauty we have on our hands.

A fruit forward Organic Cabernet Sauvignon from the New South Wales region of Cowra.

An excellent release. Pristine fruit and light on its feet ensure this is a winner.

If joyous and vibrancy are your thing, head on this way. An organic Shiraz bursting with energy.

Robert Stein Reserve Shiraz 2014

A frisky number early that needed a little air to cool its heels.

When the entry-level Pinot Noir looks like this, it's exciting to wonder where the top brass sits. This is a fab drop for $29.

A good alternative for those who don't want apples because you can have your pears instead.

Tense and firm Cabernet from the Eden Valley.

Yangarra Estate Noir 2018

It's only April and perhaps we've seen the bargain of the year. Wickedly juicy, one glass just isn't enough.

One of two new wines released by Huntington Estate. Winemaker Tim Stevens says, "The new Bin range consists of small parcels which offer an interesting difference to the core range."

A solid investment for those seeking a medium bodied Shiraz.

Hofer Family Wines Adelaide Hills Fiano 2018

There's plenty here to appease. A tasty Fiano from the Adelaide Hills.

I haven't seen a Margan wine for a couple of years but I saw a stack on a wine list recently. Seafood was on the cards and all signs were pointing to this Albariño.

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Monday, 29 April 2019

Saturday, 27 April 2019

Friday, 26 April 2019

Thursday, 25 April 2019

Tuesday, 23 April 2019

Monday, 22 April 2019

Sunday, 21 April 2019

Friday, 19 April 2019

Thursday, 18 April 2019

Monday, 15 April 2019

Sunday, 14 April 2019

Thursday, 11 April 2019

Wednesday, 10 April 2019