Mérite Malbec 2016

Oh boy. Here's a wine worthy of wrapping both arms around and embracing. And don't let go. Just don't. Such a wonderfully inviting and sleek Malbec, it's such a damn fine drink.

Hidden Creek Merlot 2018

Solid Merlot from the Granite Belt. A good drink for those seeking something that doesn't need thinking.

Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Early days for this Cabernet as it begins to emerge from is chrysalis.

Nick Haselgrove Clarence Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

A tidy McLaren Vale Cabernet from 40 year old vines.

Nuova Scuola Tempranillo 2018

Tempranillo screams for food and this example from the South Burnett is in full voice.

Altus Rise Wildlight Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

I'd like to think I can find the positives in a wine but this Cabernet challenged me to do so.

Hidden Creek Shiraz 2018

I preferred this to its Syrah sibling. It comes across a little more polished. Perhaps more rounded is a better descriptor?

Hidden Creek Syrah 2018

Give this some air to let the pretty perfume sing. There's some volume here too.

Nomads Garden Gewurtztraminer 2018

Attractive scents from the outset hook you in. That's the Gewurtz way isn't it?

Nomads Garden Dolcetto 2018

Slinky stuff. There's some versatility about this Dolcetto too. A little chill in the fridge adds another dimension. Great stuff.

James Haselgrove Futures Shiraz 2017

Here's a big fella that needs to be tamed.

Milford Pinot Noir 2016

From a small producer in Tasmania's Coal River, this is a handy Pinot.

Nick Haselgrove Wines Clarence Hill Chardonnay 2019

Tasty Chardonnay ticking the boxes for not a lot bucks.

Altus Rise Wildlight Merlot 2018

Flat panned Merlot.

Altus Rise Wildlight Shiraz 2018

A tidy Margaret River Shiraz.

Altus Rise Wildlight Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019

One of those greeny Sauv Sem blends.

Altus Rise Wildlight Chardonnay 2019

Young Chardonnay that will pass the roast chook test.

Bellwether Wrattonbully Shiraz 2017

Super smart Shiraz from the hands of Sue Bell. I could sit on a glass of this for some time just embracing the beautiful scents.

Mitchell Wines Kinsfolk Riesling 2017

Mitchell Rieslings are always a treat to behold but I'm not so sure about this new Kinsfolk release.

Nuova Scuola Viognier 2019

Viognier from the South Burnett - I can't say I've had one before so I was certainly curious when this arrived.

Hidden Creek Chardonnay 2018

From the winery awarded Queensland's best at the 2018 Queensland Wine Awards comes this concentrated Chardonnay from the Granite Belt.

Nuova Scuola Nebbiolo 2018

There are more of these 'drink now' Nebbiolos on the market, and I've got to say, I like what they bring to the landscape.

Lightning Tree Tempranillo 2018

If eating Italian, invite this Spaniard along to keep you company.

Raidis Estate The Kid Riesling 2019

My favourite Coonawarra Riesling - there, I said it. In recent years it has gained some serious momentum going from a fab thirst quencher to a sophisticated wine which captures the region and variety beautifully.

Bellwether Ant Series Riverland Bianco d'Alessano 2017

Here's a variety that blew me away. My first look at Bianco d'Alessano as a table wine, although I have seen it as a Pet Nat previously.

Bellwether Ant Series Montepulciano 2018

Sourced from the Riverland's Ricca Terra Farms, this Montepulciano with have you salivating for more.

Bellwether Wines Ant Series Heathcote Vermentino 2016

If you ever get the chance to pop into Bellwether just off the Coonawarra strip, just do it. It's such a stunning property with so much history. Inside I was captivated by the visual appeal of the old shearing shed now the cellar door. The wines are more than impressive too, this Vermentino is a case in point.

Kidman Wines Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

From a great Coonawarra vintage, here's a ripping Cabernet that will hold on longer than Wilson Phillips.

Ottelia Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Lovers of savoury driven Cabernets will find a friend here.

Miners Ridge AT Shiraz 2017

It's always great coming across new labels. Here's one from the Grampians.

Ladbroke Grove School House Block Riesling 2016

I spied this on the bench at a tasting and zeroed in. Coonawarra Riesling always piques my interest, there are some beauties out there.

Wynns Coonawarra Riesling 2019

It's been a while since I've had a look at a Wynns Riesling so I was keen to make up for lost time when I saw this within reaching distance.

Peter Thompson Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

The newest label to land on the Coonawarra strip with the cellar door in the middle of little Penola town.

Gundog Estate Indomitus Rosa 2019

Proper Rosé. Pretty scents, gorgeous fruit, it's just such a delightful drink.

Gundog Estate Indomitus Albus 2019

A white with soul. Some lip smacking textural appeal gets the juices flowing.

Nuova Scuola Sangiovese 2019

Fabulous Sangiovese. Crunch factor, deliciousness, what more do you need?

Lightning Tree Saperavi 2018

Saperavi is a Georgian variety gaining some good traction in Australia. Pair this a roast beef or hearty casserole and happiness with follow in hot pursuit.

Meerea Park XYZ Shiraz 2018

Steak night and a glass of this and you're in business.

Nuova Scuola Rosato 2019

Sarah and Stefano Radici have been making all the right noises since starting their Nuova Scuola range a couple of years ago. Their motto is, "Old world varieties, new world terroir." This Rosato made from Pinot Grigio hits the mark.

Usher Tinkler La Volpe Prosecco 2019

Such an easy slurp to kick off aperitivo hour.

Auld Family Wines Wilberforce Cabernet Shiraz 2015

A wonderfully savoury driven Cabernet Shiraz blend.

Meerea Park The Aunts Shiraz 2018

A little shy initially, give this a little time to let it sing. And sing it does!

Mitchell Wines Kinsfolk Gruner Veltliner 2017

Gruner is all the rage in Australia at the moment with a number of producers falling over themselves to get it in the dirt. Here's a respectable release from Mitchell Wines.

Auld Family Wines Strawbridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Langhorne Creek Cabernet that perhaps needs more time to calm the farm.

Yabby Lake Chardonnay 2017

I had the opportunity to have a look at this beside the Stonier Chardonnay 2017. A wonderful comparison between two wines from the same region and same vintage yet different altitude and site.

Stonier Chardonnay 2017

The ever reliable Stonier Chardonnay.

Meerea Park XYZ Chardonnay 2019

A great Hunter Valley Chardy for $25.

Woodstock Collett Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

A face full of blackberry pie.

Mitchell Wines Peppertree Vineyard Shiraz 2015

Terrific buying here. The pricing at Mitchell Wines is reflective of how they go about their work - classy with humility.

Woodstock Shiraz 2015

Bit of a donut wine - there's a hole in the middle. Normally a comment reserved for Cabernet, I found it quite prominent here.