QWine Reviews - Australian Wine Reviews: August 2019

Saturday, 31 August 2019

Dalrymple Tasmanian Pinot Noir 2017

Dalrymple's Tasmania Pinot is a blend of four vineyards from Pipers River in the north through to Hobart's Coal Valley. A fragrant and spicy Pinot for your drinking pleasure.

Winemaker Jacob Carter launched Sholto Wines in Canberra four years ago. A couple of samples from this small producer were welcomed and I like what I see. Carbonic maceration was used to create this Syrah made with a dollop of Viognier.

Tumbarumba is a region to watch producing some clever Chardonnays.

Montalto Single Vineyard Tuerong Pinot Noir 2017

Sublime Pinot Noir from Simon Black. He says he may never get to work with fruit from such a vintage again. I see what he means - this is one of the best Pinots I have seen.

Luscious Graciano. It just feels so good. Gimme more please - a whole lot more.

Forget socks and jocks, throw Dad one of these for Father's Day.

Castle Rock Estate Porongurup Shiraz 2017

Oh I like this. Granite and minerally feels are packed in with plenty of savoury medium-bodied fruit.

A tidy Cabernet release as part of this new range of wines from Coonawarra's Ottelia.

Arundel Farm was established in 1850, nestled in the hills of the Keilor Valley just outside Melbourne. The vineyard and winery rose up out of the ground in 1984. A pleasing Shiraz here with good fruit and well-balanced acid and oak.

Spicy Viognier. Long lunch kinda stuff.

Montalto Single Vineyard Main Ridge Block Pinot Noir 2017

Simply gorgeous Pinot. Of the Single Vineyard Pinots, this was the shining light after day one of tasting. Wow factor and then some.

Without question, rich and elegant are the best words to describe this wine.

Max and Me is made by Phil Lehmann and his wife Sarah. Get into this - it's a superb drink. Be sure to pour generously.

Montalto Single Vineyard Merrick's Block Pinot Noir 2017

Sleek Pinot. The fruit unfurls beautifully.

SRS stands for Sub Regional Series representing the best varieties from sub-regions within Margaret River. This Cabernet from Wilyabrup is a beauty.

A breakout wine for the Redman family. Synonymous with producing red wines of fantastic quality, this is exciting on two levels - it's the second Riesling release and it comes sealed under screw cap. I just want to scream out House of Pain's Hip Hop Hooray!

Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache 2017

There is a gorgeous prettiness and attractive floral characteristic which draws me to Vine Vale Grenache. This release from Yalumba is no different.

The Montalto Red Hill block sits 100m above sea level. Here's a bright and energic expression of Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir.

Even Keel Pinot Gris 2018

Sensational Pinot Gris. This is on the dance floor and everyone is watching.

Sourced from Robe, 100km west of Coonawarra, the area is a beachside playground for many South Australians. The region produces cool climate wines with a maritime climate.

Pure elegance. Superb Chardonnay from Margaret River's Flametree Wines.

If you are yet to board the Grenache train, start here. When you consider the age of the vines that contribute to this wine, you can't help but get excited.

Sauvignon Blanc made with a little effort goes a long way. A tidy Fumé from the Adelaide Hills.

Refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from the Great Southern region.

Tim Smith Barossa Valley Mataro 2018

The back label says this is suitable for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores - Tim Smith has always been the considerate type. He makes smart booze too. Check this.

Mudgee Cabernet from 630 metres above. Good stuff this.

My first look at a wine from Brackenwood Vineyard. I don't see that many wines from the Adelaide Hills so it was great to have this little producer come through the door.

The wines from Angullong are always solid. This Shiraz is no different.

Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Old school Cabernet from a classic label Coonawarra label.

I've got to say, I do like the look of this Chardonnay every time I see it.

Whistle Post Cabernet Franc 2017

Owner Brian Smibert describes this as his 'Millennial wine'. Fruit forward Coonawarra Cabernet Franc ready for your weekend barbecue.

A new blend launched for Father's Day. It's a rich and generous wine made for dads too. I'm thinking steaks or even a good ol' meat pie.

A tidy cool climate Shiraz from the Canberra district.

Entry-level Shiraz from Margaret River's Wills Domain.

Tim Smith Eden Valley Riesling 2019

There is refreshing Riesling and then there is fancy refreshing Riesling. This is fancy refreshing and then some.

Whistle Post Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Here's a smart Cabernet from a label you may never have heard of. The good folk at Whistle Post are former growers who've cut their Hardy's contracts and gone it alone.

There are many Coonawarra wines which are awfully reasonably priced. Throw this into that basket - crazy good for 20 bucks...

It's been a while between drinks so I took the opportunity to have a look at this Majella Cabernet at the Coonawarra Roadshow. Solid Cabernet as ever.