Wednesday, 31 May 2017

d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2014


This is the most enjoyable Dead Arm release I've had the pleasure of tasting in recent years. A few glasses went through to the keeper before I even considered writing the review - delicious.

Philip Shaw The Idiot Shiraz 2015


Good label, eye-catching name. Good drinking Shiraz too. One for a steak and a lazy night in I say.

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

Comyns & Co Black Cluster Shiraz 2016


My first look at Scott Comyns' new 2016 reds. A tough vintage to make a debut mind you but he's done the job here. Small batch Hunter Shiraz done well. Striking label too - Scott's brother Angus has worked wonders again.

David Hook Reserve De Novo Bianco 2014


A blend of Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from the Central Ranges sure to pass the roast chook test.

Monday, 29 May 2017

Forester Estate Chardonnay 2016

Here's a ripping bargain for Chardonnay fans to track down. This wine ticks all the boxes with ease. Listed at $34 on the website, I found this in retail land for $24 on special - great buying.

Quartz Hill Mencia Rosé 2016


A couple of months ago I had only tasted one Mencia in the form of Oliver's Taranga Chica Rosé. In that time another four have come through the door including this Rosé from Quartz Hill. This is great drinking too I might add. I'm becoming a big fan of the Spanish variety...

Sunday, 28 May 2017

d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2014


There's lots to like about the 2014 icon releases from d'Arenberg. Cabernet Sauvignon on song here - a super drop.

Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Gris 2016


A delightful drink from an excellent producer. Plenty going on as you'd expect from TMBT.

Mitchell Wines Watervale Riesling 2016


My first look at a Mitchell Riesling for a very long time. It's good to be back - disappointed I haven't been back sooner. Classy Riesling here.


Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2017


Always a good drink. Always great value. Find it for under or around $15 and you're laughing.


Friday, 26 May 2017

David Hook Central Ranges Nebbiolo 2015


A drink now rather than later Nebbiolo if there's such a thing, from Young in the Hilltops region of New South Wales.

d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Shiraz Grenache 2014


Always a solid return on this 'red stripe' classic. This 2014 is no different.

Thursday, 25 May 2017

Wednesday, 24 May 2017

Twisted Gum Moscato 2017


This could be the best Moscato I have ever had. Mind you, I generally steer clear of the style so have little to compare it to. Perceptions have taken a turn after looking at this release from Twisted Gum.

Tuesday, 23 May 2017

Twisted Gum Cabernet Sauvignon 2013


Coming off a small three hectare, dry grown vineyard, this is the best offering from Twisted Gum's current releases.

Monday, 22 May 2017

Quartz Hill Pyrenees Shiraz 2014


I've had a couple of wines from Quartz Hill now. I know little about them but I'm yet to have a bad experience. Pyrenees Shiraz going great guns here.

Friday, 19 May 2017

Thursday, 18 May 2017

Pikes Los Compañeros Shiraz Tempranillo 2014

A great drink for a couple of flat mates or Los Compañeros (the Companions) chatting away watching some reality TV perhaps. Easy drinking deluxe.

Tyrrell's Special Release Pinot Noir 2016

The famed Vat 6 wasn't produced in 2016 and the fruit pushed to this label.

Twisted Gum Shiraz Cabernet 2014


A blend coming off a small three hectare vineyard from Ballandean in the heart of Queensland's Granite Belt.

Monday, 15 May 2017

Sunday, 14 May 2017

Friday, 12 May 2017

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Ravens Croft Pinotage 2015

2014 label shown
There's only a couple of Pinotage wines produced in Australia. A South African variety, it's no surprise South African born Mark Ravenscroft brought a little piece of his homeland to Australia when he put this in the Granite Belt dirt. Fab wine.

Ravens Croft Verdelho 2016

2015 label shown

I dropped by the Granite Belt over the weekend. A fantastic couple of says spent with great folk and passionate winemakers.
Many wineries there produce a Verdelho. Some say it's the best variety suited to the region. Whilst I don't subscribe to that theory, I do think this Ravens Croft example is the best going around.

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

Ruckus Estate The Q Merlot 2015


Not named after me people - settle down. Mind you, I got a little excited at the thought. Oh to be famous! The Q Merlot from Ruckus Estate is named after the clone used - Q45.

Monday, 8 May 2017

Tyrrell's Special Release Shiraz 2014

Special Release for a special year. This is the business.

Tyrrell's Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2013


It's been well over 12 months since I've tasted a wine from Heathcote. Things must be moving slowly there. Tyrrells bought a vineyard there some years ago.

Sunday, 7 May 2017

Gartelmann Diedrich Shiraz 2014


There's always plenty of surprises in the wine industry. Particularly when the Hunter Valley produces a said 'vintage of the century' in 2014 - only to read the back label of this which says 'yield was too low' and the remainder of the wine was supplemented by Clare Valley fruit... I'm still scratching my head.

Windowrie The Mill Merlot 2015

Merlot from the NSW Central Ranges. I looked at this three times over two days - I still couldn't get into it.

Friday, 5 May 2017

Oliver's Taranga Corrina's Blend 2015


A field blend of Shiraz and Cabernet from McLaren Vale only made in years when optimal ripeness is achieved simultaneously.

Margan Breaking Ground Barbera 2015


The Hunter Valley's first Barbera planted back in 1998.

Thursday, 4 May 2017

Blackbilly Sangiovese 2015


An easy drinking Sangiovese which slides down carefree without a trouble in the world.

Margan White Label Semillon 2016

A delicious release from the ever consistent Andrew Margan.

Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Semillon 2016


Tasting wines like this makes me wish summer wasn't a thing of the past already. Fresh and vibrant, this is great drinking in the sun.