Castle Rock Estate A W Reserve Riesling 2017


The A W Reserve comes from the best three tonnes of Riesling off the Castle Rock Estate vineyard. Handpicked, whole bunched pressed and left on light lees for two months, they've nailed it!

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Thomas Wines Sweetwater Shiraz 2017


Stick your nose in the glass and it is clear from the outset that this is a serious wine. Superb for the money, and in my opinion, the best value of all Andrew Thomas' Shiraz releases.

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Thomas Wines DJV Shiraz 2017


There's just something I find alluring about this wine. It's been that case for a number of years now. DJV is Hunter Valley Shiraz co-fermented with Semillon verjuice (6%).

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d’Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2017


Rock solid Shiraz. Although listed for $20, you can find it around the place for $15 or $16 - a great buy.

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Patrick of Coonawarra Fumé Blanc 2017


Sauvignon Blanc with a bit of barrel work - that's the way to do it!


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Singlefile Wines Single Vineyard Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon 2017


Pretty aromas have me hooked from the outset. A wonderful Cabernet from Frankland River in Western Australia.

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Ravens Croft Tempranillo 2018


Tempranillo is a variety that thrives in the Granite Belt soils. Here is a fab example from Mark Ravenscroft. Aromas of blueberries and red fruit flourish.

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Thomas Wines Synergy Shiraz 2017


The Synergy Shiraz is a blend of barrels from a range of Andrew Thomas' Hunter Valley sites.

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Thomas Wines Two of a Kind Shiraz 2017


A blend of Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz, the label is a tribute in part to Andrew Thomas' father who himself was a winemaker in "The Vale".

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St Anne's Winery Port Phillip Riesling 2018


Riesling is said to be the flagship wine at St Anne's. From little known Pentland Hills, 56km west of Melbourne, this release nails the brief.

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St Anne's Winery Heathcote Cabernet Sauvignon 2017



I've seen plenty of Heathcote Shiraz but rarely Cabernet. I do like what the red Cambrian soils do with Shiraz in that part of the world.

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d’Arenberg Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2016


I didn't see the Derelict 2015 release so there's a gap in my previous notes. The '13 and '14 were solid wines. A good salute to the variety but man that finish is dry.

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Ballandean Estate Opera Block Shiraz 2017

In November last year, Ballandean Estate celebrated 50 years of Shiraz. This release comes from those original plantings in the Opera Block and it's a Shiraz worth celebrating.

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Patrick of Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2013

An aged release from Patrick's Shiraz vineyard in Wrattonbully - 15 minutes north of the Coonawarra region.

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Soumah Pinot Noir d'Soumah 2018

A very enjoyable Pinot Noir oozing easy drinking factor. It's good value for money too.

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Sunshine Coast Cider Brut+ Cider NV


Wowsers! Super smart cider. An excellent substitute for sparkling wines yet not skimping on interest or pleasure.

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d'Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2018


This is the first Money Spider vintage to see the NASAA Certified Organic logo proudly displayed.

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St Anne's Winery Merlot 2017

Merlot sourced from vineyards to the north of the Murray River.


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Patrick of Coonawarra Estate Riesling 2018


Seriously good Riesling. A blend of fruit from Coonawarra and Wrattonbully, this is a vibrant and super refreshing drink. Take a bow Luke Tocaciu!

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Gartelmann Wines Benjamin Semillon 2018


Hunter Valley Semillon off 19-year-old vines with the delish factor is cranked high.

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Soumah Chardonnay d'Soumah 2018

Picked early to retain freshness, this entry-level Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley's Soumah Wines is no slouch.

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d'Arenberg The Feral Fox Pinot Noir 2017


A tidy Pinot sourced from the Adelaide Hills. Good stuff from team d'Arenberg.

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Singlefile Run Free Pinot Noir 2018

I preferred this Pinot Noir to its more esteemed sibling. This Run Free range is a blend of vineyards from the Great Southern region.

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Singlefile Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

I was patient with this Pinot, but however much I tried, I still found it a struggle to wrap my arms around it. I preferred its cheaper sibling to be honest.

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Patrick of Coonawarra Pinot Noir 2016


Although Patrick are Coonawarra based, this Pinot Noir is sourced from Mt Gambier just down the road.

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Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2017


A gorgeous Pinot Noir. There's so much here to adore and admire.


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Curly Flat Chardonnay 2017


Winemaker Matt Harrop says the 2017 vintage was a year of moderates. Warm days and cool nights delivered steady (perfect) ripening conditions. This Chardonnay is a great reflection of that - it's in the zone deluxe.

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Huntington Estate Bin 24 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015


One of two new wines released by Huntington Estate. Winemaker Tim Stevens says, "The new Bin range consists of small parcels which offer an interesting difference to the core range."

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Te Mata Estate Vineyards Syrah 2017


A trip to a BYO restaurant only encouraged a visit to the nearby bottle shop. Medium bodied red was the call that went out and this smart Syrah this from New Zealand's Hawke's Bay was the answer.


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Joel Gott Zinfandel 2017

I recently received two Joel Gott wines courtesy of Vintage House Wine & Spirits - their Australian importers. There's not a lot of Zinfandel in Australia so to receive one, let alone from overseas, was a pleasant surprise.


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Yangarra Estate Shiraz 2017


Damn this is a superb Shiraz. The richness and density just pull you in.


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d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2018


A mirror image of the 2017 vintage just about. Bargain hunters go forth!


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Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Semillon 2018


The fruit for this Semillon was selected from dry grown vineyards with an average vine age of 40 years.


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P Series by Patrick of Coonawarra Sauvignon Blanc 2018


An easy drinking Sauv Blanc to appease those looking for an uncomplicated refreshment. Made exclusively for retail and on-premise.


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Sunshine Coast Cider Dry & Still Cider


Dry and still cider made on the Sunshine Coast from Granite Belt apples.


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Juniper Estate Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014


Brilliant! In a line up of five Cabernets on the bench, this was a cut above and then some schooling the rest with ease.

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Yalumba The Signature 2014

I didn't get to see this Signature upon release, but when friends turned up at the door with a bottle under their wing, I could have been seen rubbing my hands with glee. Just a pup, as Bruce McAvaney would say, this is special.

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Yangarra Estate Mourvedre 2017


A delight to drink really. One of those wines I'd rather happily sip away than ponder the thought of a review. But alas, here we are writing about this beauty we have on our hands.


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Pig in the House Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

A fruit forward Organic Cabernet Sauvignon from the New South Wales region of Cowra.


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Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2018


An excellent release. Pristine fruit and light on its feet ensure this is a winner.

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Pig in the House Shiraz 2018


If joyous and vibrancy are your thing, head on this way. An organic Shiraz bursting with energy.

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Robert Stein Reserve Shiraz 2014


A frisky number early that needed a little air to cool its heels.

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Curly Flat Williams Crossing Pinot Noir 2017


When the entry-level Pinot Noir looks like this, it's exciting to wonder where the top brass sits. This is a fab drop for $29.


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Sunshine Coast Cider Cloudy Perry


A good alternative for those who don't want apples because you can have your pears instead.

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Berton Vineyards High Eden Cabernet Sauvignon 2016


Tense and firm Cabernet from the Eden Valley.

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Yangarra Estate Noir 2018


It's only April and perhaps we've seen the bargain of the year. Wickedly juicy, one glass just isn't enough.

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Huntington Estate Bin 18 Shiraz 2015


One of two new wines released by Huntington Estate. Winemaker Tim Stevens says, "The new Bin range consists of small parcels which offer an interesting difference to the core range."


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Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Shiraz 2017


A solid investment for those seeking a medium bodied Shiraz.

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Hofer Family Wines Adelaide Hills Fiano 2018

There's plenty here to appease. A tasty Fiano from the Adelaide Hills.

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Margan Wines Breaking Ground Albariño 2018

I haven't seen a Margan wine for a couple of years but I saw a stack on a wine list recently. Seafood was on the cards and all signs were pointing to this Albariño.


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