QWine Reviews - Australian Wine Reviews: June 2022

Thursday, 30 June 2022

Punt Road Block 11 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Absolutely humming! I've said often enough that Yarra Valley Cabernet should not be underestimated but sadly it flies very much under the radar. This is a brilliant example of the cool climate style.

The focus and precision of the maker (he who has his name on the label), is worth acknowledging here. It's a wine that grows on you and you are rewarded handsomely.

Measured, there is delicacy mixed with sophistication. Give it a chance to breathe and watch it bloom. It's a great expression of Tasmanian Pinot Noir.

A tribute to the late Karl Stockhausen who passed only a few months ago, the label now has the great man's face on it. For a number of years, he consulted with the team at Briar Ridge and this wine has been made in his name for some time.

Patrick Of Coonawarra Block 5 Aged Riesling 2014

If aged Riesling is your thing, surely Patrick is already on your radar. Time and time again they produce the goods and this 2014 aged release is no different. Hitting the shelves with eight years bottle age, there is still a long future ahead of this excellent wine.

Dancy red berries skip around with sheer delight. A joyous medium-bodied red wine well worth splashing in your glass. This is a tribute to the famed Hunter Valley Burgundy wines of days gone by - hence the name HRB.

There is nothing like a vibrant and fresh Semillon to brighten your afternoon mood. Sip this in the sun or with a bucket of prawns. For me, I'd do both.

Although the shelves in retail land are packed with current vintage wines, isn't it a beautiful thing that some wineries hold back stock for an aged release? Only 150 dozen were tucked away of this Semillon and what a treat it is for those who enjoy Semillon with some time on its side.

Beechworth is bitterly cold right now but this Chardy will bring some warmth to your soul. What a beauty! Personality deluxe, it radiates complexity and pleasure in equal doses.

One of those wines you can sit on for a while. This is a pleasant and enjoyable Yarra Valley Merlot that will please those looking for a soothing drink.

Do Yalumba wines ever miss the mark? Whatever the price point, variety or occasion, the quality just seeps through the label's veins time and again. This Barossa Shiraz is no different and certainly doesn't buck the winning formula. A rock solid expression of delight coming at you.

Mudgee Cabernet. It's big, it's boisterous and it's damn comforting. Need a cuddle on the inside? Here's your weapon. In a line up of similarly priced Cabernets, this finished on top and shows you don't need to drop a bomb to snare a great drop.

Like its Chardonnay stablemate, this is a very smart wine. A generous, rounded and dense Cabernet awaits.

One whiff and this is very Cabernet. Roasted peppers, blackcurrants and some dried herbs all race for your attention.

Juniper Three Fields Chardonnay 2020

A Margaret River Chardonnay with plenty of layers to peel back. Well priced for the interest it offers, Chardy fans ought to stick this on their radar.

A Chardonnay with some meat on the bones, this is a clever expression of the variety from the north of Tasmania.

One of those Rosés you often see on wine lists, and if you do, grab a glass to kick back with or a bottle to splash into the glasses of those around you. Almost foolproof, this won't let you down and this 2021 is no different.

Oh the freshness. It's something that leaps out here from the get-go. A barrel fermented Chardonnay from Mudgee's Huntington Estate.

Layered and textured, there is plenty to admire and adore. Part of the Samuel's Collection, this range represents great drinking. This Roussanne is Yalumba's entry-level and it's a fab alternative to Chardonnay.

Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache 2020

Well hello there! Fresh and aromatic, we have Mr Sociable on our hands.

Very tidy, this is Barringwood's first Riesling release off their Evandale site in northern Tasmania. Sit on the beach and soak up the sea spray with this in your glass - it works a treat. I speak from experience...

There is a lot to embrace here. Find that comfy spot in front of the fire or put a glass beside a juicy steak. A wonderfully generous and layered blend.

Screaming for calamari, pour me a large glass thanks.

Part of Yalumba's Samuel's Collection, the fruit is sourced from Eden Valley vines perched 535 metres above. It's an enjoyable wine that sits right in the 'reliable' zone and is sure to please.

Here we have an aromatic Fumé Blanc from the Margaret River.

Yalumba Wyndy's Last Stand Shiraz 2020

The tentacles of the Hill-Smith family reach far and wide in the wine game but this Shiraz is a tribute to Wyndham Hill-Smith who fended off the MCC when playing cricket for an Australian XI in Perth way back in 1932. Wyndy was batting at 6 with some other guy by the name of Bradman, who was coming through the ranks I hear, batting at 3.

A wine that grows on you, for a label I don't know much about I walk away suitably impressed. Very nicely done here.

Two Cabernets are better than one the label says. A little shake up of the norm that delivers a summery red that will easily get a little cosy in winter. There is a lot to like about this Reframed range from Wynns.

A crowd-pleasing King Valley Prosecco sure to put a smile on the dial for those looking for a cold glass of fizz.

These Flying Winemaker wines have covered a bit of ground sourced from two regions in New Zealand, the King Valley and now this Cabernet from Margaret River.

Indigo Vineyard Secret Village Shiraz 2017

One of those sip slow and embrace wines, I was infatuated with the depth on offer. Decant for now or let it reward with some cellaring, this is an impressive Beechworth Shiraz.

A wine that kept evolving the longer it sat in the glass, this is a fabulous long-term proposition. Slot this into the birth year wine/keepsake category. It's a glorious ride.

Fresh, vibey and damn inviting. This is one of those pour large and surround yourself with those who make you smile kind of wines.

I could get comfortable here. Very comfortable. It's juicy, it's dancy, it's just delicious. One large glass won't touch the sides. A fruit-forward Pinot rushing at you for your drinking pleasure.

Yelland and Papps Greenock Shiraz 2020

If you love your Barossa wines you ought to make a beeline to Yelland and Papps. Open by appointment only, just make the appointment. The layers and detail in their wines are always intriguing. This single vineyard Shiraz sourced from Greenock is no different.

Silver Lining is Marty Edwards' way of giving back. Living with Parkinson's Disease, he is giving back with all proceeds from sales contributing to Parkinson's Research in Australia. The best bit is that this is a very smart wine - a win win.

Just beautiful. What a cracking Pinot Gris this is, and I must admit, it's one of the best I've had for some time.

A tidy McLaren Vale Shiraz that enjoys some air under its wings.

Shiraz and Riesling? Why the hell not! Pour this and admire the colour. Those cerise hues are glorious. Boom!

A long lunch, Moreton Bay bug rolls and a glass of this as I reclined on a comfy chair at a rooftop bar. How's good is life? A wonderful drink, it ticks all the boxes for those in search of a generously flavoured Chardonnay.

An easy-drinking barbecue Pinot with some depth. More accurately, it's more of a lighter Shiraz than a pretty Pinot.

Dry and seemingly extracted, this Pinot seems much older than what it is. Savoury driven, the brown hues suggest it has more age on it than a 2019 release.

Syrah sourced from New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region.

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Shiraz 2018

Big love here. Cold nights, fireside chats, this is a cuddle in a bottle. A fabulous Mudgee Shiraz.

Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay - what isn't there to like. This Estate release from Crittenden ticks all the boxes. It's a mightily impressive drink.

Fruit forward, there is some great energy here. The cooler climate fruit skips along. It's joyous really.

Bright in the glass and with a pretty aroma profile, it's easy to see how this is a cellar door favourite.

Mudgee isn't your go-to Grenache region but owner Tim Stevens and wife Nicky love the stuff. Not as much as me but they're close.

Serious Riesling vibes. Pour me a large glass after mowing the lawn, or any time for that matter. Thank you very much.

Dalrymple Cave Block Chardonnay 2019

A Chardonnay for those D&Ms with your love, or if you've just had a long week. Damn, I should have this on tap given the latter. Impressive gear hands down.

My first look at Rockbare for what seems eons. It's great to be back and check out this beauty. In short, it just feels great.

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