Oakridge Yarra Valley Series Pinot Noir 2018
Finger licking Pinot hitting the spot. The $20-30 price point for the Pinot in Australia can be hit and miss but this strikes the target with ease.
Lobethal Road Tempranillo Graciano 2017
A glass of this was thrust in front of me when visiting a pub recently. My friend went asking for a Grenache and came back with this - a Tempranillo Graciano blend. The person behind the bar convinced her it was the same... Not so, but a good excuse to have a look at a label I haven't seen for what seems an eternity.
St John's Road Line and Length Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
These St John's Road wines represent great value. You don't need to be a wine connoisseur to know what a good wine looks like. Drinking wines like these will bring pleasure in spades.
Atze's Corner Wild Rose Vermentino 2018
Vermentino oozes refreshment factor. Be it on its own or with some food, there's so much I enjoy about the variety. Here's a very tidy example from the Barossa Valley.
Meerea Park Indie Roussanne 2018
Great to see a Roussanne standing on its own two feet rather than blended away. A tidy drop from the Hunter Valley.
Berton Vineyards White Rock Chardonnay 2018
Fellow writer Stu Robinson posed the question to me about the Berton Sauvignon Blanc - why would you plant Sauv Blanc in prime Riesling country (Eden Valley)? Fair cop that. Same could be said about Chardonnay really.
Juniper Estate Chardonnay 2017
It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to have a look at a wine from Juniper Estate. Not much has changed in that time by the looks either - the quality is still high.
Oakridge Yarra Valley Range Rosé 2018
Part of the new Oakridge Yarra Valley Range, this Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Grigio.
Sunshine Coast Cider Bottle Fermented Cider
There's a big kick to this but you wouldn't know it. Weighing in at 7.2%, it's made with apples grown on the Granite Belt.
Max and Me Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
When the train rolls into Pleasure Town station you just get off and make the most of your visit.
Eden Valley Cabernet well worth getting in your belly.
Eden Valley Cabernet well worth getting in your belly.
Hastwell and Lightfoot Montepulciano 2017
An attractive label greets the eye. Perhaps it's the small image of a magpie that gets my attention? My favourite Australian bird would have to be either the Magpie or Butcher Bird. I'd love to see a Butcher Bird on a label mind you - can someone sort that out, please?
Berton Vineyard High Eden Sauvignon Blanc 2018
A new label to me with an, "Oh wow," introduction. Clean, crisp and very refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from the Eden Valley - a great drop.
d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2014
As with many of the d'Arenberg blends, this has a big frame and the muscle to carry it. A blend of Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Merlot 54/23/23 from McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.
Torbreck The Hillside Vineyard Shiraz Roussanne 2017
A Barossa Shiraz and Roussanne co-ferment (92/8) and matured in large format French oak for 14 months.
Windowrie Family Reserve Chardonnay 2017
Chardonnay has been made by Windowrie for nearly 30 years at their Cowra winery. Winemaker Anthony D'Onise says he is, "Looking to produce a modern example of Cowra's most famous variety." He's ticked that box with this release.
Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir 2017
I find Pinot Noir in the $20 to $30 bracket can be a bit hit and miss. There are a few reasons for this but a good quality Pinot in that price bracket is certainly achievable. Here's a solid go-to which I spied on a restaurant wine list.
Samuel's Gorge Shiraz 2017
You can be assured that the wines out of Samuel's Gorge are rock solid. This Shiraz ticks the box once more.
d'Arenberg The Cenosilicaphobic Cat 2012
Here's a big boy. No surprise it's been held back and released at seven years of age. If you like 'em big, give this a shot.
Red Letter Days What She Said Tempranillo 2018
I can't say I've had a New England Tempranillo - til now.
Winemaker Greg McGill is a proud Scotsman and also loves The Office - hence the name. A quick Google search will fill you in for those who don't watch the show...
Penley Estate Project Shiraz McLaren Vale 2018
An eye-catching wine with fabulous shelf appeal. A remake of one of Rembrandt's paintings adorns the front label recreated by the women of Penley Estate. Take a close look to see a few familiar faces... So delicious, it's a wine well worth tracking down.
Penley Estate Project Shiraz Coonawarra 2018
I admire Kate Goodman for what she has done at Penley Estate since jumping on board as winemaker in recent years. To say she has shaken the tree is an understatement. Here's another example of her willingness to push boundaries.
Hayes Family Wines Field Blend GSM 2018
If you are yet to introduce yourself to Hayes Family Wines, I suggest you do so soon. Andrew Seppelt is producing some absolutely delicious wines. This Field Blend GSM is a belter. I couldn't stop at a glass or three. And it's that quality across the range which has everything pointing in the right direction.
Max & Me The House Blend 2017
A finger-licking blend from the Eden Valley. Swirl it around to give it a breath of air and it sings a rhythmic tune.
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2018
Riesling and dumplings are best friends so don't break a winning combo I say. This is a good drink and the dumplings were damn tasty too.
Samuel’s Gorge Kaleidoscope Horizons Grenache Tempranillo Graciano 2016
Winemaker Justin McNamee says this is the blockbuster in his range. It sure is. An interesting blend that just works, large plates of soul food are must by your side with a large pour of this in the glass.
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Summer is gone but things are warming up again - in my part of the world at least. Here's a tidy Savvy to douse the heat poolside.
Hayes Family Wines Primrose Vineyard Shiraz 2017
Super Shiraz! I may or may not have had more than a few glasses... One of those wines that speaks to you and resisting temptation to go back for more is futile. So, give me another.
Dodgy Brothers Juxtaposed Shiraz 2017
Wes Pearson's wines are always well considered. Here's a very tidy expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz.