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.

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Auld Family Wines William Patrick Shiraz 2016


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

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Meerea Park Terracotta Semillon 2015

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.

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Pewsey Vale Prima Riesling 2019


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

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Soumah Rosso d'Soumah 2018

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

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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.

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Hart & Hunter Hunter River Riesling 2019


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.

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Juniper Estate Small Batch Tempranillo 2018

A drying and sapping Tempranillo from Margaret River.

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Tinklers Wines Hill Block Chardonnay 2018

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

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Mitchell Wines Watervale Riesling 2019


A super refreshing Riesling for your drinking pleasure.

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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.

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Geddes Seldom Inn Grenache 2018


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

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Mitchell Wines Kinsfolk Shiraz 2015


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

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Gundog Estate Hilltops No. 1 2018


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

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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.


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Calabria Family Wines Private Bin Montepulciano 2018

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


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Calabria Family Wines Private Bin Pinot Bianco 2017

A textural white that needs some food beside it.


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Calabria Family Wines Private Bin Vermentino 2017


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

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De Bortoli Noble One 2016

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.
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Auld Family Wines Strawbridge Shiraz 2017


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...

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Soumah Brachetto d'Soumah Frizzante 2019

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.

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Mitchell Wines Kinsfolk Grenache 2017


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

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Berini Wines Hoochie Bubba Rosé 2019


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.

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Soumah Tutto Bianco d'Soumah 2019

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

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Gundog Estate Marksman's Shiraz 2018


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


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Gundog Estate Rare Game Shiraz 2018


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

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Curly Flat White Pinot 2019

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

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Nomads Garden Sauvignon Blanc 2018


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

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Auld Family Wines Wilberforce Eden Valley Riesling 2019


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

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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.

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Hill Smith Estate Eden Valley Chardonnay 2018


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

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Gundog Estate Hilltops Shiraz No. 2 2018


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

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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.

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Hill-Smith Estate Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2018

From the first whiff the class steps forward.


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Wolf Blass Makers Project Pinot Noir 2018


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

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Shaw Vineyard Estate Sparkling Cuvée 2018


Tarter than your ex...


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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.

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Penley Estate Francis Cabernet Franc 2019


Cab Franc straight up. Super fresh less the oak.

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Shaw Vineyards Reserve Semillon 2019

As Bruce McAvaney would say, this is special.

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O'Leary Walker Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2019


Tidy Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills.


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Juniper Estate Crossing Chardonnay 2018


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

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Mesh Classic Release Riesling 2014


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


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Wicks Estate Sparkling 2019


For 20 bucks, this is a great pick up.


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Eldridge Estate PTG 2019


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.

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Oliver's Taranga Fiano 2019


A Fiano which looked better on day two and three of tasting.

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Colab and Bloom Grenache 2018


Greek night was a comin' and I needed some Grenache. This was scooped up from the bottle shop shelf - a great pick up! A brilliant wine all the way.

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Wicks Estate Pinot Rosé 2019



Bone dry, it's pale salmon appearance is what will attract many folk.


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Gundog Estate Squire's Shiraz 2018


A fab blend of Hilltop and Canberra fruit. It seems Matt Burton has magic hands when it comes to blending these regions.

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Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2019


Summer time slings.

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Start a Conversation The Common Wine Co. NU Rosé 2019


Here's a great excuse to Start a Conversation. Charismatic, charming - all the qualities needed to get the chat flowing freely. A great wine for a great cause.


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