Oliver's Taranga Vermentino 2020

Dangerously refreshing, arm yourself with this when things warm up as spring and summer come at you.

Geddes Cellar Release Petit Verdot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Rugby's version of a rolling maul in a glass. A couple of big lads combining and causing all sorts of demolition and pleasure at once. Lip smacking good gear.

Thistledown Thorny Devil Grenache 2019

A well made Grenache. I thoroughly enjoyed this wine from Thistledown.

Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache 2019

A juicy, red fruited Grenache that is easy to embrace.

Thistledown Great Escape Chardonnay 2018

A Chardonnay with some weight in the trunk. 

Balgownie Estate Viognier 2019

I was saddened to hear that fire ripped through the kitchen at Balgownie's Yarra Valley Estate a few days ago. Thankfully no one was injured but there was severe damage through the building. All this when the hospitality industry is already struggling in these Covid times.

This Viognier comes from Balgownie Estate's Bendigo vineyards and is their first release of the variety since 2010.

Vino Intrepido Straight Jakot Friulano 2019

There's not a lot of Friulano in Australia but there are now two sites I'm aware of in the Mornington Peninsula region. This is one of those wines you'd be happy absorbing the scents as you try and dissect all the interesting aromas present.

Cloud Cuckoo Land Fiano Greco Zibibbo 2019

Quite an eclectic blend of three varieties all sourced from South Australia's Riverland.

Wild Game The Countess Sparkling Pinot Gris 2019

Sparkling Pinot Gris - I can't say I've had one before. Blush in appearance, the fruit is sourced from Mt Gambier, south of Wild Game's Coonawarra home.

Vino Intrepido Blood of My Blood Sangiovese 2019

If you enjoy Sangiovese you'll be sure to thoroughly enjoy this release made from Heathcote fruit.

Vino Intrepido Spanner in the Works Nebbiolo 2019

James Scarcebrook is The Intrepid Wino. His passion is contagious and you can find him discussing all things wine on his podcast named The Vincast or catch him going about his exploration on his YouTube site. He's also ventured into winemaking and has produced a range of wines since 2016. I was thrilled to receive an email from James not too long ago asking if I could review some of his new releases. And what a place to start with this beauty! This is no spanner in the works either, let it be known. It is best described as an impressive rendition of Nebbiolo.

Wild Game The Duchess Riesling 2019

A very approachable wine that offers good refreshment without a great deal of complexity. 

Garbin Estate Sangiovese 2019

A straight up and down Sangiovese.

Wild and Wilder The Courtesan Riesling 2019

Clare Valley Riesling rarely misses the mark.

Garbin Estate Sangiovese Rosé 2020

Bright and inviting in the glass, this Sangiovese Rosé looks like watermelon juice.

Garbin Estate Chenin Blanc 2020

Chenin Blanc is a variety that doesn't come across this tasting bench all that much. Western Australia is where it has found a happy home but there are a few pockets here and there dotted around the rest of the country.

Garbin Estate Verdelho 2020

My first review from the 2020 vintage. This Verdelho comes all the way from Western Australia's Swan Valley.

Wild Game The Duke Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Quality + bottle age... Is this the bargain bottle of the year?

Balgownie Estate Bendigo Shiraz 2017

Gee I enjoyed this. Perhaps too much? A wonderful Shiraz from Balgownie Estate's Bendigo vineyards.

Brand and Sons CBD Shiraz 2014

The one that got away... This review has been sitting around patiently awaiting release. The CBD label was one of a few new releases to come from Coonawarra's Brand & Sons. Some very impressive wines are in the range too which are well worth checking out.

Wild and Wilder Opportunist Shiraz 2019

I've sampled a few Langhorne Creek wines in recent weeks. Generosity is a hallmark of the district and this release from Wild and Wilder is true to form.

Wild and Wilder The Exhibitionist Merlot 2019

A easy drinking Merlot to cure your mid-week blues.

Wild and Wilder Sophisticat Sauvignon Blanc 2019

A fresh, crisp and playful Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills.

Zema Estate Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

The best fruit finds its way into this Cabernet - Zema's flagship label. A savoury driven wine, I love the cut herbs and dried thyme that shimmer away. I loved this.

Zonzo Estate Pinot Noir 2019

A very tidy Pinot that doesn't blow a hole in your back pocket. The slurp factor is high here too.

Bird on a Wire Chardonnay 2017

Immaculate. This would be served as the arrival drink at the gates of Chardonnay heaven to get you in the mood. Sublime!

Zema Estate Cluny 2016

One of those wines that oozes reliability year after year. A fabulous drink for the money.

Howard Park Grand Jeté 2015

Jeté is a ballet movement - something I never knew. The way this sparkling glides through the mouth I'm not surprised it's a dancer. A graceful and elegant wine in every sense.

Wild Game The Dame Shiraz 2013

A quality savoury driven Shiraz at an incredibly low price given it already has seven years under its belt. 

Lévrier Peritas Zinfandel 2014

A brilliant Zinfandel! 

Lévrier means "greyhound" in French. Jo Irvine has a deep love for the breed and has been surrounded by them for much of her life. The artwork on the labels is a tribute to them and those images are stunning. 

Mr Riggs Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Escaping to the pub in these Covid times is all a bit exciting. Wine lists aren't what they used to be, for now at least. Mind you, the pub I went to was clearing their bottle shop stock through the restaurant. A lamb shank pie and a bottle of this did the job magnificently.

Zema Estate Sparkling Merlot 2018

What a wonderfully balanced sparkling red. Hello to the first release of Zema Estate's Sparkling Merlot. 

Angove Family Crest Shiraz 2018

Quite an earthy Shiraz. Not the clean cut, buttoned up suit kinda character you may be seeking.

Blue Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

A very tidy Cabernet. Blue Pyrenees wine club members pay only $16.50 which is a ripping deal.

Langmeil Massimo Montepulciano Primitivo 2019

A big, sturdy blend coming at you from the Barossa's Langmeil Estate. Two varieties I've never seen together, but it works.

Berton Vineyard Reserve Botrytis Semillon 2018

From a not so well known Riverina producer comes this wonderful sticky to enjoy with either a citrus tart or some cheese. Delicious!

Blue Pyrenees Richardson Shiraz 2018

A beautiful wine. Pretty scents of dried red flowers and rosella get the juices flowing.

Angove Family Crest GSM 2018

A terrific blend for those that love a good GSM. Count me in that crowd. This is a beauty for the money - there wasn't drop left.

Blue Pyrenees Estate Bone Dry Rosé 2019

This is Blue Pyrenees' most popular selling wine and it is easy to see why. One glass just isn't enough.

Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2017

There's a ribbon of blue fruit which cruises through the core of this wine - delish! A great little Shiraz from Blue Pyrenees.

Heartland Shiraz 2018

This is one of those wines you do a double take for when you seen the price. A fab Shiraz for the money.

Angove Family Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

A powerful McLaren Vale Cabernet representing very handy value.

Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Langhorne Creek Cabernet is big, hearty stuff - make no mistake about it. Snuggle up to this on a chilly night or sip by the camp fire. Tasty stuff!

Chablisienne 1er Lechet 2017

It's a long story but I went to the bottle shop to get a bottle of sparkling red and I came back with this Chablis among other things. Stock take they said... So here I am with a chain store 1er Chablis reduced from $59 to $35. Can't be that bad, eh?

Blue Pyrenees Richardson Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The flagship of the Blue Pyrenees range, this Cabernet is certainly youthful. 

Blue Pyrenees Merlot 2017

An easy drinking Merlot from Victoria's Pyrenees region.

Zonzo Estate Rosé 2019

The last time I was at Zonzo Estate it was known as Train Trak Wines. New life has been breathed into the old cow milking shed with re-branding and new ownership in 2015. The incredibly talented Caroline Mooney is now the winemaker too. A label to black book as one to watch with Mooney at the helm, this Rosé is made for Friday afternoons. Or Saturdays. Or long lunch Sundays. You get the drift...

Angove Family Crest Chardonnay 2019

Sourced from the Adelaide Hills, this Chardonnay comes from two vineyards.

Brand and Sons Icon Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Five years young, you get the sense it's still busting a move more than Young MC. Time in the glass takes then hold, and oh gee, this is a delicious wine. 

Jim Brand Silent Partner Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

A wonderful Cabernet that gives the sense it's keeping something in the bag for later.