Tuesday 31 July 2018

Huntington Estate Tim Stevens Shiraz 2015

It was great to line up this 2015 release beside the 2009 and 2016. The flagship wine for Huntington Estate named after the winemaker himself. Three years young with a bright future.

Oates Ends Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Quite a grassy and herby Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend. Despite being barrel fermented with ten months in one-year-old oak, the barrel component could almost be overlooked.


Monday 30 July 2018

Huntington Estate Tim Stevens Shiraz 2016

The flagship wine for Huntington Estate named after the winemaker himself. It's a smart wine now but will evolve beautifully in the years to come.

Oates Ends Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

A work of art. There's a feeling of cool and charisma to this smashing Cabernet. Fresh and gorgeously medium bodied, the delish factor is sky high.

Hemera Estate Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2017

Adelaide Hills Chardonnay from Barossa producer Hemera Estate.

Sunday 29 July 2018

Out of Step Margin Walker 2016

Words I thought I would never utter - I think I have found my favourite Sauv Blanc!

Meerea Park Hell Hole Semillon 2018


I was privileged to attend the Meerea Park new release dinner in Brisbane a couple of nights ago. This Semillon was served pre-dinner and hit the spot. A new release hot off the press.

Curly Flat Lacuna Chardonnay 2017


Such a beautiful Chardonnay. Winemaker Matt Harrop says the Lacuna Chardonnay hasn't been bottled since 2013. It's, "a humble nod to Chablis," he adds.


Friday 27 July 2018

Hemera Estate Single Vineyard GSM 2017

Happiness awaits. Be sure to pour generously. Barossa GSM with the delish factor cranking.

Yelland & Papps Devote Roussanne 2017


A stylish example of what Roussanne can be when treated with creativity yet allowing it to demonstrate personality.


Hemera Estate Old Vine Grenache 2017


A new label to me hailing from Lyndoch in the southern Barossa. Good drinking Grenache to sooth your long workday blues.

Thursday 26 July 2018

Montalto The Eleven Chardonnay 2016



I don't dance, but I do when Montalto wines come through the door. Or perhaps it looks like I'm dancing albeit my knees giving way. Always measured and considered with bucket loads of interest, this release of The Eleven is no different.

Tyrrell's Wines Vat 47 Chardonnay 2015


The Hunter Valley doesn't just do Semillon well. Murray Tyrrell planted these Chardonnay vines in the 1960s, and in many ways, changed the face of Chardonnay from the region single-handedly. Oh, this is superb.

Gundog Estate The Chase Semillon 2018


"Detail,  precision and purity are the key themes driving this wine for us," says winemaker Matt Burton. A wine that delivers in style, behold a super Semillon release.

Tuesday 24 July 2018

Irvine Icon Eden Valley Zinfandel 2016


Here's a variety I don't see much. It's great to see Irvine ripping in and giving it a crack - and differently too I might add. Through the hands of winemaker Rebekah Richardson, Irvine is aiming to capture a delicate expression of what is traditionally a bold and punchy wine.

Witches Falls Garnacha 2017


A step back on previous vintages, this release seems to have crawled into its shell. I've come to expect this wine to be vibrant and enthusiastic but this 2017 feels sluggish and lethargic.

Monday 23 July 2018

Punt Road Gamay 2017

Gamay is bringing sexy back. More and more wineries are dropping it in the dirt, and deservedly so. There's so much pleasure to draw out of its simplicity and soft touch. Lazy Sundays and sunsets with a glass or two of this for the win.

Yangarra Estate Small Pot Whole Bunch Shiraz 2016


Devilishly delish. So much personality and charisma to sink your teeth into. The highlight for me is easily the savoury deliciousness courtesy of the whole bunches (25%).

Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Chardonnay 2017


Quite a taut example of Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay.

Sunday 22 July 2018

Tyrrell's Wines Vat 9 Shiraz 2016



Not a great year for Hunter red wines but it's those tough years are when the great winemakers stand up. Wrap your arms around this superb rendition of Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Gundog Estate Rare Game Shiraz 2017


Hunter Valley Shiraz - medium bodied pleasure awaits. Step right up to another respectable example.


Friday 20 July 2018

Gundog Estate Wild Semillon 2018


What you want to drink with Asian inspired dishes. The back labels says, "This exciting wine pushes the boundaries of conventional Semillon production with the use of indigenous yeast, fermentation on skins, and an off-dry finish." Well, the KPIs have been nailed.


Hayes Family Wines Cabernet Shiraz 2016


Exciting things are happening at Hayes Family Wines at the moment. The newly built cellar door is nearing its opening day and the wines are continuing to make the right noises.

Shaw Vineyard Estate Reserve Merriman Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

From a Canberra district vintage said to be the best since the 70s, this is a great example of cool climate Cabernet. The list of trophies and medals awarded to this wine already is quite impressive.

Windowrie Family Reserve Shiraz 2016

I do like these Windowrie wines. Find a steak and you have a perfect partner in this wine.


Thursday 19 July 2018

Tyrrell's Wines Vat 63 Chardonnay Semillon 2017


I was talking to a wine rep (not related to Tyrrell's) about wine varieties making waves. Talk shifted to blends and he made the point, "No one drinks white blends anymore. Why waste your time with stuff like Chardonnay Semillon blends?" Funny how things unfold - this came across my table not too long after that conversation. He will be reading this and perhaps this is a good place for him and others to restart their relationship with Chardonnay Semillon blends.

Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Gris 2017


Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris - what's not to like? Such a beautiful drink and a great region for the variety. A delicious wine for your drinking pleasure.

Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Sauvignon Blanc 2017


I don't like Sauvignon Blanc as a general rule. Put it in the right hands and make an effort = great results. Wild fermentation in old oak is a great start.

Tuesday 17 July 2018

Singlefile Wines Great Southern Chardonnay 2017

A good example of Chardonnay which oozes easy drinking. I could have a glass or two no sweat. Well made, varietal characters tick away effortlessly.

Monday 16 July 2018

Gundog Estate Hunter's Semillon 2018


So fresh. Hurry up summer already!

Windowrie Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Great Cabernet outta Cowra - who wouldda thought? This is rock n roll time - so much enthusiasm and energy well worth embracing.

Huntington Estate Semillon 2018


I was invited along to the Huntington Estate wine lunch on the weekend. Impressive food matched with well-crafted wines. This 2018 Semillon is hot off the press. A great wine to slurp on during warmer months, this is what I consider 'pool wine'.

Sunday 15 July 2018

Giant Steps Yarra Valley Syrah 2017

Cool climate Syrah on point. Damn, Steve Flamsteed has nailed this style. Run to this!


Ballandean Estate Angela's Reserve Liqueur Muscat NV


A tribute to Angela Crema,  mother of Mary Puglisi, the wife of Ballandean Estate founder Angelo Puglisi. Cool nights and cheese boards will warm the soul with a nip or two.

Driftwood Artifacts Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

A Cabernet that doesn't get the juices flowing. Sure it does the job, but the depth for this one is something that seems to be lacking.

Thursday 12 July 2018

Yangarra Estate Shiraz 2016



A great Shiraz - I just want more. The generous fruit and super smooth feels ensuring this is a luxurious ride to happiness.

Singlefile Wines Run Free Tempranillo 2017


Tempranillo from Western Australia isn't something I see much of. Here's a good match for a range of casual meals.


Singlefile Wines Single Vineyard Pemberton Pinot Noir 2017

An earthy and spicy Pinot from Western Australia's Pemberton region. A cool climate region, this medium bodied wine demonstrates varietal characters which linger long.

Monday 9 July 2018

Yelland & Papps Devote Greenock Shiraz 2016


Slurp factor is high. Smokey, dense, alluring - I just want in. A great Barossa Valley Shiraz.

d'Arenberg The Bonsai Vine GSM 2016


The name comes from the small bush vines used to grow the Grenache fruit. These vines are small for their age and grow on shallow soils and hard rock with their tiny shoots giving them a bonsai appearance.

Sunday 8 July 2018

Yangarra Estate Old Vine Grenache 2016


A cracking Grenache from the McLaren Vale subregion of Blewitt Springs. So fine, layers of interest keep you enthused. Vibrant and elegant, a beautifully structured piece of art from Peter Fraser.

Turkey Flat Butchers Block Red 2016


A reliable red blend that can be found in retail land for under $20. It ticks the boxes for barbecues and causal meals.

d'Arenberg The Sticks and Stones 2014


An intriguing blend which just works. How this blend ever came to be would be an interesting tale Chester Osborn will undoubtedly love to share, but the bold experimentation is worthy of credit.

Saturday 7 July 2018

Samuels Gorge Comet Trail Sparkling Shiraz 2015


Some wines are meant for drinking, not thinking. Slot this into that category. I reckon I could drink a gallon of this stuff. It's not sweet. It's not overly dry, but damn, gee it has delish factor written all over it.


Dr Edge Tasmania Pinot Noir 2016


I was thrown a bottle of this by good mate Tony Peters. He's a passionate Taswegian and we swap wines often. He loves trying new things but his go-to is always Tassie wine - he loves a Pinot. It's worth reading his views on what he comes across too - check his site here.

Alas, I enjoyed this bottle on a weekend away recently - an excellent example of Tassie Pinot. We watched a movie by the fire and the bottle was empty in no time.

Singlefile Wines Run Free Pinot Noir 2017

An easy drinking Pinot, straight down the line showing good varietal characters.

Thursday 5 July 2018

Vinomofo The Homeless Grapes Project Shiraz 2017



In some respects, this project could rightly be called the Selfless Grapes Project. So many people have given their time and resources to ensure it gets off the ground, all for the benefit of others. In the end, it's a brilliant story of a vast community coming together for those less fortunate - namely the Hutt Street Centre in Adelaide. Get the full rundown here.

Every cent raised will be donated to the centre - 2000 bottles have already been sold (333 cases) with a total of $44 000 already in the bag, and no doubt, this number will continue to rise. Quite an incredible feat really.