Ravens Croft The Waagee 2018

 

A Bordeaux blend named in honour of Mark Ravenscroft's father who would beam with delight and say, "Waagee, now that is a great wine," to give a fabulous drop his approval. No doubt he would be exclaiming the same about this release.

Howard Park Flint Rock Chardonnay 2019

 

From the Great Southern region, this Flint Rock is aptly named to represent the minerally structure of this Chardonnay.

Brash Higgins Ripple 2020

 

A wicked new wine from the ever creative and curious Brad Hickey. Whole bunch Cabernet flooded with Nero d'Avola juice for carbonic maceration.

Soul Growers Eden Valley Riesling 2020

 

Such an easy slurp. Lunch time done easy.

Chateau Yaldara Rosé 2020

 

The brief was to produce a classic Provencal style Rosé and that box has been ticked with ease. Check this new release from Chateau Yaldara.

Howard Park Chardonnay 2019

 

A super Margaret River Chardonnay. Charismatic and sophisticated. 

Blue Pyrenees Vintage Brut 2017

 

From a cooler 2017 vintage, this is a great fizz for the money.

Blue Pyrenees Luna Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

 

A tidy fizz to kick off your night. 

Gundog Estate Riesling 2020

 

Normally sourced from the Canberra district, the bushfires of 2020 put an end to that. The fruit for this release comes from the Yarra Valley. There are some small plantings of Riesling around the region (a surprise to many), this one comes from De Bortoli's Dixon Creek site.

Yangarra Estate PF Shiraz 2020

 

Super fresh Preservative Free Shiraz coming at you. 

Soul Growers Persistence Grenache 2018

 

A big sturdy Grenache in a big sturdy bottle. It reminds me of a fleet footed rugby centre spending the off-season at the buffet. 

Cat Amongst The Pigeons Fat Cat Shiraz 2018

 

Curiosity got the better of me with this one. After reading headlines such as, "Best red wine in Australia," I had to see for myself what the fuss was all about.

Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2019

 

"2019 was an exciting year for Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay," Simon Black says with spring in his step. He goes on, "Just you wait until you see the Single Vineyards." Based on the outrageously impressive Pennon Hill and this awesome Estate release, it seems you need to get in the queue and quick.

Seville Estate Chardonnay 2019

 

I love the tension that you get with these Seville Estate Chardonnays. You tug at the rip chord in the hope of release but there's no letting up - and you wouldn't want it any other way. Delicious!

Howard Park Miamup Chardonnay 2019

 

Delicate rays of an afternoon sunset glow in the glass. So pretty on the eye. A great Chardonnay buy for the money.

Ridgemill Estate WYP Chardonnay 2019

 

Flirtatious. Clever stuff from the Granite Belt Chardonnay Maestro that is Peter McGlashan.

Ravens Croft Nero d'Avola 2020

 

Ravens Croft's debut Nero d'Avola release made in the Joven style.

Geddes Old Vine Shiraz 2013

 

Generous and intense. There's plenty going on here. If McLaren Vale power is what you seek, this will fill your well. 

Ravens Croft Bad Girls Chardonnay 2019

 

A muted nose and subdued through the mouth - not the norm with Ravens Croft Chardonnays, that's for sure. 

Brash Higgins Nero d'Avola 2019

 

Brad Hickey made his name on this variety and he keeps smashing the high hats. Get comfy with another superb Nero d'Avola courtesy of his famed amphora.

Brash Higgins Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

Off the Omensetter Vineyard adjacent to the winery, the fruit is certified organic and biodynamic.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc Shiraz 2018

 

These Terre à Terre wines don't disappoint. I've been privileged to check out the Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Shiraz and Reserve and they've all impressed. There's an fabulous humility about the way they carry themselves and this Cabernet Franc Shiraz is no different.

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.