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.
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.
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.
Forester Estate Chardonnay 2016
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...
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.
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.
David Hook De Novo Rosso 2015
A blend of Barbera, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese from the New South Wales Hilltops and Orange regions.
Deakin Estate River to Vine Shiraz 2016
A new label for Deakin Estate celebrating the 'Mighty Murray' whose vineyards border one of the world's longest navigable rivers.
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.
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.
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.
d'Arenberg The Peppermint Paddock Sparkling NV
I was once told Chambourcin is like eating a wet newspaper. Sometimes perceptions are best left at the door. This has Chambourcin. And Shiraz. And Graciano. Not a bad aperitif this.
David Hook Central Ranges Vermentino 2016
The Central Ranges aren't exactly a Vermentino hot spot. A fair wine this.
d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2016
One of the d'Arenberg staples is this Viognier Marsanne blend.
d'Arenberg The Ironestone Pressings GSM 2014
More of a Grenache/Shiraz blend (72/25), this is a delicious release with a drop of Mourvedre (3%) for good measure.
Pikes Los Compañeros Shiraz Tempranillo 2014
Tyrrell's Special Release Pinot Noir 2016
Twisted Gum Shiraz Cabernet 2014
A blend coming off a small three hectare vineyard from Ballandean in the heart of Queensland's Granite Belt.
David Hook Central Ranges Sangiovese 2015
An easy drinking red with the feet up on the dash enjoying the ride.
Tyrrell's Old Winery Pinot Noir 2015
Pedestal Margaret River Chardonnay 2016
Margaret River Chardonnay from the hands of Larry Cherubino. Great value drinking this - impressive for $25.
Flametree Margaret River Chardonnay 2016
A leaner style of Chardonnay with an element of class ticking the boxes.
Parker Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2015
I saw this advertised on special recently for $18 - hello Mr Bargain! A great drinking red from Coonawarra country.
Eldridge Estate Chardonnay 2015
Twisted Gum Verdelho Semillon 2015
Two friends here but rarely ever bedfellows. A Verdelho Semillon blend from dry grown vines.
Ravens Croft Pinotage 2015
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| 2014 label shown |
Ravens Croft Verdelho 2016
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| 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Blackbilly Sangiovese 2015
An easy drinking Sangiovese which slides down carefree without a trouble in the world.
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.