QWine Reviews : February 2020

Maude Chardonnay 2019

For 30 bucks I reckon this is a scream. So much interest and pleasure all rolled into one.

Tar and Roses Nebbiolo Rosé 2019

A fab Rosé hands down. "Inspired by the women in my life" are the words on the label courtesy of winemaker Narelle King.

Alkimi The Rhône Series Rosé 2019

Stu Dudine tears out some pretty smart wines. Here's another great Rosé from his very consistent label.

Warramunda Liv Zak Rosé 2018

A very enjoyable Yarra Valley Rosé oozing textural feels and savoury goodness.

Chateau Yaldara Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

A big personality with a kind heart. You could cuddle up to this Cabernet with ease.

Bailey Wine Co Grampians Shiraz 2016

I reviewed this Grampians Shiraz nearly three years ago soon after release. It's great to have the chance to revisit it and see where things are at, and I'm pleased to report it is aging beautifully.

Maude Pinot Gris 2019

Central Otago Pinot Gris in the sweet spot. Bang!

Maude Mt Maude East Block Riesling 2019

Only sold in New Zealand, if you get the chance to wrap your laughing gear around this one, please do.

Maude Mt Maude Dry Riesling 2019

Such a delicious Riesling off 15 year old vines.

Amisfield Pinot Noir 2017

The sommelier at Noble Rot Wine Bar in Wellington was very keen for me to buy this. Oh, why not? Quite a delicious wine with some weight behind it.

Berton Vineyards High Eden Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Eden Valley Cabernet with three years under its belt.

Bailey Wine Co Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

A tense number, I reckon you'll see it at its best in a couple of years.

Berton Vineyard High Eden White Road Chardonnay 2018

Berton Vineyards have a knack of producing respectable wines at good prices. This Chardonnay is no different.

St Anne's Bendigo Chardonnay 2018

A very handy drink for $22.

Bailey Wine Co Rosé 2019

A splendid weekend kick back kinda wine. Slide this into your glass and laze poolside or bird bath (or any body of water for that matter).

Pegasus Bay's General Manager Paul Donaldson, the youngest of the family, was kind enough to walk me through their range of wines on a recent trip to New Zealand. Vergence, he tells me, is when the pupils of the eyes look outwards in opposite directions before focusing. I'm still trying to nail that one. Here's a 100% whole bunch, carbonic and naturally fermented Pinot Noir.

Thomas Wines Kiss Shiraz 2018

Stand and applaud. What an absolute belter this is!

Rusty Mutt Catnip Viognier 2019

Oh I enjoyed this. It certainly grew on me.

Hidden Creek Viognier 2019

Granite Belt Viognier with engaging aromas ready to let loose.

St Anne's Winery Pinot Gris 2019

A crowd pleasing Pinot Gris.

Irvine Wines Spring Hill Pinot Gris 2019

As easy going Eden Valley Pinot Gris.

Bailey Wine Co Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2017

Tim Bailey is smashing out some smart wines at the moment. His little side project has grown to become his #1 winemaking venture. Small operators like these are the ones worth latching onto.

Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay 2016

Such a fabulous Chardonnay from New Zealand's Wairapa region. There's great depth and drive here yet it feels unforced.

Pegasus Bay Estate Malbec 2017

I wasn't expecting to come across a Malbec when in the Waipara district, and here we are. A pretty handy wine this is too.

Pegasus Bay Estate Pinot Noir 2016

Damn I enjoyed this. An expressive and inviting Pinot Noir. I even grabbed one for the road.

Pegasus Bay Estate Chardonnay 2017

Chardonnay in the zone. A rock solid drink from the Waipara district.

Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon 2017

As summer draws to a close, here's a tidy wine to help you ride into Autumn.

Chateau Yaldara Reserve Shiraz 2016

Here's a big street tough outta the Barossa.

Curly Flat Chardonnay 2018

A beautifully balanced Chardonnay smashing the pleasure zone. Wow!

Aitken's Folly Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016

If there was such a thing as a sessional Pinot, this would be awfully close. It's such a delicious wine with no fuss or pretentiousness. Glasses are empty in no time with wines like these.

Aitken's Folly Vineyard Chardonnay 2016

A luscious fruit forward Chardonnay from a little place called Wanaka.

Peregrine Pinot Noir 2017

I hired a bike and rode from Arrowtown to Gibbston last week. If you're ever in that neck of the woods, do it! The scenery is stunning. Naturally, I needed to hydrate so it only made sense to drop in to Peregrine. It makes sense, they were on the track... A solid Central Otago Pinot Noir here.

Peregrine Pinot Gris 2019

Super fresh Pinot Gris. A delightful drink.

Peregrine Riesling 2018

I really enjoyed this Riesling - a class act.

Peregrine Rastasburn Riesling 2018

There is plenty of Riesling with varying amounts of residual sugar being toyed with in the Central Otago region. This wine from Peregrine carries 25 grams.

Thomas Wines Elenay Shiraz 2018

What this wine demonstrates best is Andrew Thomas' ability to blend parcels of his top fruit and create a wine of supreme class. Soon to be released, run at this, don't walk.

Thomas Wines Dam Block Shiraz 2018

I just want in. Big love for this release of the Dam Block.

Luna Estate Eclipse Chardonnay 2018

I was in Wellington recently and it was suggested that I head to the Noble Rot Wine Bar - what a place! A smart list coupled with clever food and cool vibes, I was just smitten. I ordered a glass of this Chardonnay off the list, and then another. A fabulous drink from Martinborough and then some.