Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Hutton Vale Farm Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

This Hutton Vale Farm Cabernet is an excellent wine but it needs time to see it at its best. I came back to this after several hours in the glass and we were in business. A day on and it was even better. A keeper, tuck it away and you'll reap the rewards. 

Clandestine Vineyards Hearts and Minds Cabernet Malbec 2021

 

Two single vineyards from different regions have been blended to deliver this powerful Cabernet Malbec from Clandestine Vineyards.

El Desperado Red Blend 2022

 




Known as the Red Blend, when you get a red wine that's as easy to throw back as this, it doesn't matter what the make up is. What a fabulous slurp this is from El Desperado.

El Desperado Tempranillo 2021

 


Dangerously smooth, this takes pizza and pasta night to another level. Throw me a burger to match though, but a ragu will be just fine. A fabulous Tempranillo from El Desperado that oozes value at 20 bucks.

Monday, 2 October 2023

El Desperado Rosé 2023

 


These El Desperado labels were made using AI. The detail is captivating I must say. The label on this Rosé depicts a warm summer's sunset and that is precisely when you should drink this.

El Desperado Pinot Grigio 2023

 


This $20 El Desperado Pinot Grigio really punches above its weight. It's a fabulous drink and top value. Go here for an inexpensive drop of pleasure.

El Desperado Sauvignon Blanc 2023

 


The new release wines El Desperado wines from the The Pawn Wine Company have hit the mark and then some. The value at the price point screams the word bargain. Here is a very good drink for Sauv Blanc lovers.

Clandestine Vineyards Pinot Gris 2023

 

Aromas explode from the glass with little field flowers and green apple taking the lead. This is a most enjoyable Pinot Gris from Clandestine Vineyards.

Break Free Petite Blancs 2023

 

This Petite Blancs is a fascinating wine. Made with Chenin Blanc and Gewurztraminer that were sourced from the Swan Valley and Frankland River respectively, the aim is to deliver a minimal intervention wine, and I've go to say, it's pretty tasty.

Break Free Bliss Bomb Pet Nat 2023

 

This goes alright. Admittedly, I'm not a big Pet Nat fan, but this Break Free Bliss Bomb ticked the box.

Clandestine Vineyards Prosecco Rosé 2023

 

Have this at a spring time long lunch with those that smile a lot. This is an easygoing fizz where the joy factor is high.

Fierce III Dry Rosé 2023

 

A Rosé that throws a darker shade in the glass. I don't mind that to be honest given most Rosés are now the same pale salmon appearance. Like Aldi, it's good different.

Wednesday, 27 September 2023

Skimstone Wines Cabernet Merlot 2021


Winemaker Jean Francois calls this Cabernet Merlot blend Mr Winter. Take a sip and it's easy to see why. It's a wine with a comforting embrace. From vines planted in the early 1990s, this is a great blend.

Skimstone Wines Barbera 2021


Mudgee is doing Italian varieties very well and this Barbera from Skimstone is another case in point.

Skimstone Wines Sangiovese 2021

Sangiovese done well is a classic pizza night wine and that is precisely what I thought when I put this to my lips. The wines in the Skimstone range are highly consistent and this release ticks the boxes.

Skimstone Wines Rosé 2023

 


Brand new in the bottle, I was fortunate to be the first to check this out with winemaker Jean Francois prior to its release. Winning! This Rosé from Skimstone is an absolute cracker for 25 bucks. Go here.

Skimstone Wines Chardonnay 2021

 


The cellar door at Skimstone Wines provides a beautiful vista and laid-back experience. This Chardonnay is a fabulous wine worth tracking down for its terrific drive and balance.

Tuesday, 26 September 2023

First Ridge Wines Barbera 2021

 

This Barbera from First Ridge Wines is said to be their signature wine. Not too many Australian wineries hang their hat on Barbera, but isn't it good to be different! It matches the hype too - it's a fabulous drink.

First Ridge Wines Montepulciano 2022

 

I saw a couple of Montepulciano wines during my recent trip to Mudgee and this release from First Ridge Wines was one of the better examples. Bravo!

First Ridge Wines Marco 2021

 

Marco is a 50/50 blend of Barbera and Sangiovese. This 2021 is the first release of the wine and it looks as though First Ridge might be onto something. Rich and generous, it's such a great drink.