Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache 2020

 

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

Yalumba Eden Valley Chardonnay 2020

 

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.

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.

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.

Rockbare McLaren Vale Shiraz 2020

 

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

Long Gully Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

A really enjoyable Cabernet from the Yarra Valley's Long Gully Estate. Loaded with varietal interest, cool nights in front of the fire pit or the footy, you choose.

Hobbs Behr Creek Shiraz 2020

 

Big, rich and dense, this is a cupful of muscular Shiraz. It's that ripped dude at the gym fuelled by protein shakes and boiled eggs - and I love it!

The Flying Winemaker Sauvignon Blanc 2020

 

A starburst of tropical fruit explodes from the glass of this Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc.

Grower Gatherer Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

A wine that needs something to soak it up - Spag Bol or lasagne to the rescue.

Grower Gatherer Shiraz 2020

 

By Earthworks, this is an easy, approachable barbecue wine that is readily available.

Crittenden Estate Pinot Noir 2020

 

Pinot Noir happiness from Mornington Peninsula's Crittenden Estate.

Hobbs Tin Lids Aria Secca Shiraz 2020

 

Long with a flirtatious spiciness that gains momentum through to close, I had this open for four nights and it didn't miss a beat. 

Scout Waipara Pinot Noir 2020

 

I traveled to Waipara in February 2020 and fell in love with the place. Less than an hour from Christchurch airport, we found a cozy place to stay at Georges Road winery. The Wine Pod is brilliant. Go there with your loved one.

What struck me about Waipara is the finesse of the wines. Pinot rages on in this district (like most in New Zealand), but Waipara Pinot is different. It really speaks to me. There is some depth yet it possesses a salivating medium-bodied appeal. The fruit isn't overly dense yet has some carry. There is some vitality about the wine too, not to mention the soils that hum along in the background. This Pinot Noir from Scout is a ripper.

Thomas Wines Sweetwater Shiraz 2020

The 2020 Hunter Valley vintage was a challenge and it is no more evident with Andrew Thomas' minuscule releases. Normally releasing a vast array of Shiraz from across the district, Thommo's scrupulous fruit selection resulted in only three Shiraz being released. And in true Thomas Wines style, no stone was left unturned to deliver the best wines possible.

Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Chardonnay 2020

 

Willowlake can do no wrong. It's that pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Here is another superb Chardonnay from Oakridge. Boom!

L'Artisan Le Rosé 2020

An easy-going Rosé from Languedoc.

L'Artisan Le Chardonnay 2020

The weight of this bottle may be the reason cargo ships are taking so long to traverse the seas at the moment. Damn, there is some glass in the frame...

L'Artisan Le Sauvignon Blanc 2020

An imported Frenchie to add to the pile for those that can't get enough of the already flooded Sauv Blanc market. Spending four months on lees, this goes ok.

Thomas Wines Two of a Kind Shiraz 2020

 

A quick look at Andrew Thomas' new Two of a Kind release - his traditional blend of Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Long Gully Estate Single Vineyard Syrah 2020

There is a lot to like about the softness of this wine. A single vineyard Syrah from the Yarra Valley, it's very smart and a delight to drink.