Yangarra Estate Blanc 2020

 

Push back those bifold doors and sit on the deck as you chillax with the afternoon breeze on your face and a generous pour of this Blanc in the glass. 

Yangarra Estate Rosé 2020

 

Everything you want in a Rosé and more. Absolute bliss.

Yangarra Estate Noir 2019

 

Last year's Yangarra Estate Noir blew me out of the water. A repeat dose of excitement for the 2019 it seems. 

Seville Estate Pinot Noir 2019

A cracking Pinot Noir. Dylan McMahon lands another killer blow.

Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2019

A fabulous introduction to Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir right here for those who are yet to dip their toe into this vast ocean of beauty. Quality Pinot is not cheap and this Pennon Hill range forever punches above its weight, be it this, or the Chardonnay.

Ridgemill Estate The Czar Saperavi 2019

Back on the horse after no 2018 vintage, this super impressive Saperavi from Ridgemill Estate picks up from where it left off in 2017.

Paisley Wines Silk Shiraz 2018

 

The bones of a smart Barossa Shiraz are here. Mind you, the oak is OTT and takes away from where this wine should be. 

Brash Higgins Grenache Mataro 2019

 

This is such a super slurpable Grenache Mataro that sits right in the zone. Co-fermented certified organic and biodynamic Grenache and Mataro (70/30), a small portion of whole bunches are used before it sees some time in large French oak barrels. A superb blend to set the heart racing. 

Paisley Wines Turntable GSM 2018

 

An easy drinking GSM. Burger night kind of stuff. 

Seville Estate Brut de Brut 2017

 

A fizz that beams with delight. So delicate and so refreshing. 

Paisley Wines Boombox Shiraz 2018

Winemaker DJ Fitzgerald also doubles as DJ Deadly. Well, he did momentarily back in the day and this wine is a tribute to those good times of mixing beats. Now, he's just mixing quality wine. As previous reviews of the Riesling and Grenache would attest, these Paisley Wines are great drinking a represent solid value.

The Wine Peddler Shiraz 2020

 

I didn't see that coming. Already a 2020 Shiraz! We're not here to play chess obviously. A new label from Chateau Yaldara getting on the front foot and busting a move.

Ravens Croft Sagrantino Rosé 2020

 

A Granite Belt vintage ravaged by the elements saw winemakers seek fruit from other regions. This Sagrantino was sourced from Chalmer's vineyards in Mildura. A tasty wine, it seems to have hit the jackpot with the 'sold out' sign nearly posted - not bad considering it was released not too long ago.

The Wine Peddler Field Blend White 2020

 

A new range of wines from Chateau Yaldara aimed at a a new market. It's pretty good drinking too.

Howard Park Miamup Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019

 A quick whiff and this has that summery feel about it. Fish and chips by the water if you know what I mean.

Paisley Wines Cashmere Riesling 2020

 

Such a refreshing drink. Another reason why you need to ditch the Sauv Blanc and make Riesling your drink of spring and summer.

Nick Haselgrove The Old Faithful Shiraz 2016

 

A big, boisterous McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Burton McMahon George's Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

 

Another quality Upper Yarra Valley Chardonnay coming from a clever collaboration between Dylan McMahon (Seville Estate) and Matt Burton (Gundog Estate).

Montalto Estate Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2019

 

And they call this an entry level wine. Wow! 

Paisley Wines Velvet Grenache 2018

 

As the late afternoon spring breeze kicks up and brushes against your face, grab a good pour of this with the sun setting and even a bag of chips for the win. A dancy Barossa Grenache.

Dirt Candy The Pink Panther Pet Nat 2020

 

Pet Nat on the wild side in more ways than one. A blend of Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho and Shiraz.

Seville Estate Shiraz 2018

 

Medium bodied Shiraz, the only way the Yarra Valley knows, this cracking wine sees fine exotic spices drape themselves around well handled fruit. 

Oakridge Wines Blanc de Blancs 2015

 

Lovers of creamy and refreshing fizz - step this way.

Burton McMahon D'Aloisio's Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

 

A beautiful Chardonnay from the Upper Yarra Valley.

Tucks Ridge Chardonnay 2018

 

Tucks Ridge is now owned by Montalto and made by the very talented and forward thinking Simon Black. This is the first vintage with his hands on the fruit. Naturally, it's clever stuff.

Redman Wines Cabernet Merlot 2018

 

A savoury Cabernet Merlot blend ready for that Sunday night roast beef.

Oakridge Wines 864 Aqueduct Henk Chardonnay 2018

 

Another exemplary Chardonnay coming off the Henk vineyard. This 864 Single Block comes from the Aqueduct block. Stand and applaud.

TarraWarra Estate Nebbiolo 2017

This is the last release of a TarraWarra Nebbiolo until 2021 due to that pesky Phylloxera. The vineyard was replanted so we just have to be patient for now and just enjoy what we have here, An impressive wine and a great way to hit the pause button.

Santolin Wines Il Capo Cosa Nostra 2017

 

Not your usual bed fellows but this blend of Nero d'Avola and Sangiovese works quite well.

Seville Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2019

Lean and pristine - all you need to know really. Another exceptional Seville Estate Reserve Chardonnay.

Burton McMahon Syme Yarra Valley 2019

 

We drink Pinot quite young in Australia. Many Pinots released in New Zealand have a couple of years of bottle age on their side. Here's an example of a Pinot which would benefit from cellaring and it will pay dividends handsomely.

TarraWarra Barbera 2018

A big and rounded Barbera from the Yarra Valley.

by Merrill Saint Nic Shiraz Cabernet 2017

 

"Saint Nic the little prik under the green ash tree" says the back label. He sounds like quite the gent.

Blackbilly Shiraz 2018

 

Entry level Shiraz from Nick Haselgrove.

St Anne’s Liqueur Shiraz 2019

Liqueur Shiraz - one of those styles you either love or not.

Soumah Hexham Syrah 2019

 

I found this release to be more Shiraz than Syrah. Stylistically, it is a little more abrasive than those previous. This 2019 is a spicy number too.

TarraWarra Estate J Block Shiraz 2017

 

TarraWarra Estate wines always present well irrespective of price point or range. The fruit for this wine comes from J Block which is perched on the hill above the picturesque Yarra Valley cellar door.

Tucks Ridge Pinot Noir 2018

 

Tucks Ridge was bought by neighbour Montalto not too long ago. This 2018 is the Pinot Noir first made by Montalto winemaker Simon Black since the purchase of the Red Hill property.

Yangarra Estate PF Grenache 2020

 

Bright cerise in the glass, the fruit presents itself like a vortex. Mulberry and blueberry fruit swirl before drawing you in. A delicious slurp.

Santolin Wines Cosa Nostra Pinot Gris 2019

 

There's a slight blush and copper appearance to this Pinot Gris. I like that to be honest. It adds mystique. A fresh and textural number, weekend lunches in the sun are sorted with wines like this. 

Geddes Seldom Inn Shiraz 2016

 

Gee I enjoyed this. Over a few days it continued to build some fabulous momentum. A super buy for $25, and although drinking impressively now, it will reward long term cellaring. Find this.

Santolin Wines Cosa Nostra Arneis 2019

 

Arneis radiating bright like a star in the night's sky. This flickers and beams as it delivers interest and refreshment in liberal doses. 

Santolin Wines Cosa Nostra Friulano 2019

 

Golden sunrise in the glass, a Friulano from the Alpine Valley worth checking out.

Redman Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

Officially released in October, this Cabernet represents respectable value as ever. Proven to age remarkably well, charge forth at this - another terrific release from Redman Wines.

O'Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling 2020

 

Classic Clare Riesling. Classic Polish Hill minerality. Big love for this, my preferred of the two new Riesling releases from O'Leary Walker.

O'Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2020

I say the same every year, it's great to be able to compare the Watervale and Polish Hill River Rieslings from O'Leary Walker. Here's another fab Watervale release.

by Merrill Georgie May Chardonnay 2019

 

From a new range of wines released by Geoff Merrill, this unwooded Chardonnay is sourced from McLaren Vale vineyards.

by Merrill Grumpy Gramps Grenache 2018

 

An easy drinking entry level Grenache from a new range of wines released by Geoff Merrill.

Burton McMahon George's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

 

Quite a pretty wine, red fruits bound from the glass with tremendous zeal. 

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2016

 

There's a good whack of oak here. I reckon it sits on a knife edge - some folk may be in their happy place yet others may say too much. It does play its hand, let that be said. Either way, it's a fabulous blend.