QWine Reviews - Australian Wine Reviews: January 2020

Thursday, 30 January 2020

Mérite Malbec 2016

Oh boy. Here's a wine worthy of wrapping both arms around and embracing. And don't let go. Just don't. Such a wonderfully inviting and sleek Malbec, it's such a damn fine drink.

Solid Merlot from the Granite Belt. A good drink for those seeking something that doesn't need thinking.

Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Early days for this Cabernet as it begins to emerge from is chrysalis.

A tidy McLaren Vale Cabernet from 40 year old vines.

Tempranillo screams for food and this example from the South Burnett is in full voice.

I'd like to think I can find the positives in a wine but this Cabernet challenged me to do so.

Hidden Creek Shiraz 2018

I preferred this to its Syrah sibling. It comes across a little more polished. Perhaps more rounded is a better descriptor?

Give this some air to let the pretty perfume sing. There's some volume here too.

Attractive scents from the outset hook you in. That's the Gewurtz way isn't it?

Nomads Garden Dolcetto 2018

Slinky stuff. There's some versatility about this Dolcetto too. A little chill in the fridge adds another dimension. Great stuff.

Here's a big fella that needs to be tamed.

From a small producer in Tasmania's Coal River, this is a handy Pinot.

Tasty Chardonnay ticking the boxes for not a lot bucks.

Flat panned Merlot.

Altus Rise Wildlight Shiraz 2018

A tidy Margaret River Shiraz.

One of those greeny Sauv Sem blends.

Young Chardonnay that will pass the roast chook test.

Bellwether Wrattonbully Shiraz 2017

Super smart Shiraz from the hands of Sue Bell. I could sit on a glass of this for some time just embracing the beautiful scents.

Mitchell Rieslings are always a treat to behold but I'm not so sure about this new Kinsfolk release.

Viognier from the South Burnett - I can't say I've had one before so I was certainly curious when this arrived.

Hidden Creek Chardonnay 2018

From the winery awarded Queensland's best at the 2018 Queensland Wine Awards comes this concentrated Chardonnay from the Granite Belt.

There are more of these 'drink now' Nebbiolos on the market, and I've got to say, I like what they bring to the landscape.

If eating Italian, invite this Spaniard along to keep you company.

Raidis Estate The Kid Riesling 2019

My favourite Coonawarra Riesling - there, I said it. In recent years it has gained some serious momentum going from a fab thirst quencher to a sophisticated wine which captures the region and variety beautifully.

Here's a variety that blew me away. My first look at Bianco d'Alessano as a table wine, although I have seen it as a Pet Nat previously.

Sourced from the Riverland's Ricca Terra Farms, this Montepulciano with have you salivating for more.

If you ever get the chance to pop into Bellwether just off the Coonawarra strip, just do it. It's such a stunning property with so much history. Inside I was captivated by the visual appeal of the old shearing shed now the cellar door. The wines are more than impressive too, this Vermentino is a case in point.

Kidman Wines Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

From a great Coonawarra vintage, here's a ripping Cabernet that will hold on longer than Wilson Phillips.

Lovers of savoury driven Cabernets will find a friend here.

It's always great coming across new labels. Here's one from the Grampians.

I spied this on the bench at a tasting and zeroed in. Coonawarra Riesling always piques my interest, there are some beauties out there.

It's been a while since I've had a look at a Wynns Riesling so I was keen to make up for lost time when I saw this within reaching distance.

The newest label to land on the Coonawarra strip with the cellar door in the middle of little Penola town.

Gundog Estate Indomitus Rosa 2019

Proper Rosé. Pretty scents, gorgeous fruit, it's just such a delightful drink.

A white with soul. Some lip smacking textural appeal gets the juices flowing.

Nuova Scuola Sangiovese 2019

Fabulous Sangiovese. Crunch factor, deliciousness, what more do you need?

Saperavi is a Georgian variety gaining some good traction in Australia. Pair this a roast beef or hearty casserole and happiness with follow in hot pursuit.

Steak night and a glass of this and you're in business.

Nuova Scuola Rosato 2019

Sarah and Stefano Radici have been making all the right noises since starting their Nuova Scuola range a couple of years ago. Their motto is, "Old world varieties, new world terroir." This Rosato made from Pinot Grigio hits the mark.

Such an easy slurp to kick off aperitivo hour.

A wonderfully savoury driven Cabernet Shiraz blend.

Meerea Park The Aunts Shiraz 2018

A little shy initially, give this a little time to let it sing. And sing it does!

Gruner is all the rage in Australia at the moment with a number of producers falling over themselves to get it in the dirt. Here's a respectable release from Mitchell Wines.

Langhorne Creek Cabernet that perhaps needs more time to calm the farm.

Yabby Lake Chardonnay 2017

I had the opportunity to have a look at this beside the Stonier Chardonnay 2017. A wonderful comparison between two wines from the same region and same vintage yet different altitude and site.