QWine Reviews - Australian Wine Reviews: 2019

Monday, 30 December 2019

2019 Over and Out!

Thank you very much 2019!

This site would not be a success if it wasn't for the support of the winemakers, wineries and marketing gurus who generously offer me their time, ear, and of course, samples to taste and review. As always, it's an exciting journey to see what's new and who is pushing boundaries to capture a new audience.

But most importantly it's you, the readership, who keep things interesting from the emails and various conversations over various platforms. The thirst for knowledge and want to try something different is brilliant to be a part of - people just want to be more informed and drink better. And why not!?

If you haven't already, throw me a follow on Twitter or Instagram or a like on Facebook. Check the links below...

Along with 700 wines reviewed during 2019, I've been humbled and privileged to have had numerous articles published as well. My debut article in the Halliday Wine Companion Magazine October/November edition was certainly a fist pump moment and I'm grateful to Hardy Grant for the opportunity.

Wishing all my readers and supporters all the best for a successful 2020 and I look forward to continuing to discover and share some more liquid pleasure with you over the next twelve months.

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Gundog Estate Indomitus Rutilus 2018

Winemaker Matt Burton says emphatically that this is the best wine he has ever made. You can feel his excitement in this Canberra Shiraz as it curls around every crevice of the mouth. Wow factor deluxe.

The Auld Family Wines flagship that shines bright in the night's sky. An excellent Barossa Shiraz.

Picked, fermented and bottled all by July 2015, this Semillon has been deliberately held back five years before release. Those who enjoy the beauty of aged Semillon are in for a treat.

Such a refreshing drink. Carrying 23 grams of residual sugar, hot days and spicy foods and even dumplings are all the rage with this.

Bringing the Italians together with this Nebbiolo and Barbera blend. A wonderfully approachable wine.

Boydell's Reserve Shiraz Pinot Noir 2018

I spied this on the shelf at a Newcastle independent retailer and curiosity got the better of me. And I'm pleased it did - a superb Shiraz Pinot Noir from the Hunter Valley.

We were heading out for Thai so I grabbed this off the shelf at a local independent retailer in Newcastle. There are only a handful of Riesling producers in the Hunter Valley so I was keen to give this a road test.

A drying and sapping Tempranillo from Margaret River.

Tinklers Wines Hill Block Chardonnay 2018

Chardonnay fans ought to whack this on their bargain list. What a beauty!

A super refreshing Riesling for your drinking pleasure.

Lightening Tree Viognier Verdelho 2019

From an emerging label, vigneron Peter Stewart is confident this blend is the only one of its type in Australia.

Geddes Seldom Inn Grenache 2018

Killer Grenache! What a delicate and seductive beauty we have here. Supreme drinking for $25 - charge at this.

It'd be hard to knock this back when offered. A wonderful Clare Valley Shiraz.

It's always great to see this Hilltops No.1 sit alongside its No. 2 sibling.

Calabria Family Wines Private Bin Nero d'Avola 2018

This Calabria Private Bin range delivers some magnificent wines for the price point. The Montepulciano is a wonderful release but this Nero stands tall for good reason.

There's a delightful vibrancy to this spicy Montepulciano as its perfume spills from the glass.

A textural white that needs some food beside it.

A fair drink for not a lot although a couple of years has already changed its shape.

In the words of third generation family member Leanne De Bortoli, “It’s like a sprinkling of gold confetti to make any occasion extra special.” Another impressive Noble One release.

A big and generous Barossa Shiraz ready to give the insides a cuddle on those cold winter nights - we may need to wait a while for those given present conditions...

One for yo' nanna that likes 'em sweet. Or you can just have it as a cleansing aperitif or even a match with dessert for something different.

Mitchell Wines Kinsfolk Grenache 2017

A bit of Barry White factor here. You know, I can't get enough. That.

From a self-confessed winemaking nomad, this Rosé from the South Burnett is made Ashley Berini. It's the kind of wine you want in your glass when tackling a barbecued steak this summer.

A fresh and crisp crowd pleasing blend from the Yarra Valley.

Gundog Estate Marksman's Shiraz 2018

Sip slow as you float on a blissful cloud of Shiraz goodness from the Canberra district.

Give this a little air and patience and the reward will be yours. A beautiful Shiraz.

'Give me more' is the mood pulsating through this wine's veins. Delish!

Such an interesting Sauvignon Blanc. One for the thinkers not the slingers.

My first look at Auld Family Wines. A minerally drive the backbone to this Riesling release. Tempura prawns are firmly on the radar.

O'Leary Walker Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2018

There's a graceful swagger about the way this Adelaide Hills Chardonnay carries itself. Roast pork is screaming for it.

It's cricket season and bowlers crave a consistent line and length. This Chardonnay delivers on that.

Shiraz sourced from the Moppity Vineyard in the Hilltops region of New South Wales.

Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling 2019

Each time I look at this Half Dry Riesling I can't help but think of partnering it with plates of Thai or Malaysian food. A fab drink to take the sting out of your meal or a sweltering day.

From the first whiff the class steps forward.

Pinot Noir that comes across more as a light bodied Shiraz.

Tarter than your ex...

Usher Tinkler Death by Semillon 2019

More funk than Funky Cold Medina.
Stretch your curiosity a little more and get onto this - super delish skin contact Semillon.

Cab Franc straight up. Super fresh less the oak.

Shaw Vineyards Reserve Semillon 2019

As Bruce McAvaney would say, this is special.

O'Leary Walker Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2019

Tidy Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills.

Solid Margaret River Chardonnay at a respectable price. Rock solid.

Mesh Classic Release Riesling 2014

Aged release Riesling. If you've discovered how glorious it can be, consider adding this to your list.

For 20 bucks, this is a great pick up.

There wasn't a drop left. Sling some in your glass and you'll see why. A Pinot Noir and Gamay blend - super juicy and delicious deluxe, resistance is futile.