Sunday, 28 May 2023

Barossa Boy Risk It For The Biscuit Semillon 2022

 

Risk It For The Biscuit - one of those fascinating names for a wine. There is a great mouthfeel and presence with this Semillon. I've encountered some Barossa Semillon that has just been a hot mess - overripe and gloopy. This is a fabulous wine that is neatly balanced and shows bright fruit.

Stonehaven Limited Vineyard Release Chardonnay 2022

 

What a tidy wine this is! It's not going to break the bank and it's not going to bring home a swag of trophies, but it will deliver pleasure to those who seek a solid and reliable example of Chardonnay.

Thursday, 25 May 2023

blü hen Shiraz Riesling 2022

 

Don't look at Shiraz Riesling and say, "Oh what!" but rather belt out, "Oh yeah!". This is a juicy, vibrant and energetic wine that screams for large pours and generous plates of food. And how is that label for capturing the eye with brilliant shelf appeal?

Hesketh GAR Cabernet Shiraz 2021

 

GAR stands for the Great Australian Red and that red would be the Cabernet Shiraz blend that Aussies can call their own. A blend of Coonawarra Cabernet from Parker's Abbey Vineyard and McLaren Vale Shiraz from Hardy's Upper Tintara Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, this is a generous red wine that calls you back for more.

Hesketh Ebenezer Shiraz 2021

 

A powerful Shiraz from the northern Barossa.

Hesketh Midday Somewhere Shiraz 2022

 

Midday somewhere sounds like beer o'clock but in this case we splash Shiraz in the glass. 

Hesketh Unfinished Business Pinot Noir 2022

 

Unfinished business in my book is an open bottle of wine and empty glasses nearby. But hey, that's me. This version of the definition is a Pinot Noir from the Limestone Coast.

Wednesday, 24 May 2023

Josef Chromy Brut Finesse Rose 2017

 

What a delightful fizz we have here from Josef Chromy. An energetic bead and blush appearance on the eye, it slides down all too easily.

Tuesday, 23 May 2023

Mercer Wines Malbec 2022

 


As we near peak fire pit and slow-cooked meal season, keep this Mercer Wines Malbec handy - it's a beauty. And then there is that colour! Coupled with eye-catching shelf appeal, it's a great drink.

Mayfield Vineyard William Pinot Noir 2022

 

Part of the new flagship "Premier Range" for Mayfield Vineyard, a portion of this William Pinot Noir went through carbonic maceration.

Mayfield Vineyard Thomas Chardonnay 2022

 

Welcome to the new range of wines from Mayfield Vineyard under the flagship 'Premier Range'. The detail this Thomas Chardonnay carries is evident.

Saturday, 20 May 2023

Brand and Sons Old Town Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Smart Cabernet this. Everything just seems well-proportioned. These Brand & Sons wines are in a bit of a purple patch at the moment. Lovers of Coonawarra ought to black book this label.

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 


A pre-release look at this Special Release Cabernet from Huntington Estate. It's a wine that builds momentum the longer it is open. Give it that time and you'll be rewarded.

Brand and Sons Old Town Shiraz 2021

 

Sam Brand is on a quest to expose some "micro sites" of Coonawarra. This Old Town Shiraz comes from the centre of the district, a mere 1.5 acre block planted in the 1950s. Expressive and enticing, this is a beautiful drink.

Friday, 19 May 2023

Jim Brand Yates Chardonnay 2022

 

Coonawarra Chardonnays deliver an inherent richness. Although this example is not weighty, the generosity cannot be disputed. Roast chook night is looking up with this in your glass.

Bobar Wines Chardonnay 2022

 


It's great to see Bobar come across the tasting bench. I've only ever had their Gamay previously which was bought on recommendation (note, it was superb!). Sunshine in a glass, this Chardonnay doesn't miss a beat. A smart expression of the variety and then some.

Wednesday, 17 May 2023

Yangarra Estate Ovitelli Blanc 2021

 

Wonderfully textural with a faint minerally vibe, this Ovetelli Blanc is making quite a name for itself.

Josef Chromy Pinot Noir 2021

 


A riot of red cherries sprint from the glass. From Josef Chromy, is a classic example of Tasmanian Pinot Noir.

Saturday, 13 May 2023

Bobar Chardonnay 2022

 


It's great to see Bobar come across the tasting bench. I've only ever had their Gamay previously which was bought on recommendation (note, it was superb!). Sunshine in a glass, this Chardonnay doesn't miss a beat. A smart expression of the variety and then some.

O'Leary Walker Seasonal Release Pinotage 2022

The debut release of this O'Leary Walker Pinotage was in 2019. A great drink back then, you'd be pleased to know little has changed. Silky with plenty of red and blue fruits, this is a joy to drink.