Eisenstone Nitschke Road Greenock Shiraz 2018

 

I tasted three Barossa Shiraz wines - all blind. Of the two Eisenstone wines in the line up, I preferred this Nitschke Road to the Dimchurch Vineyard. It's a wine that has a wonderful presence in the mouth and slides through ever so gracefully.

De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

 

It's great to be re-acquainted with an old friend. I haven't seen this wine for at least a decade. A trip to the cellar door many moons ago would be the last time this Estate Pinot touched my lips. Not much has changed it seems - it's still a rock solid example of Yarra Valley Pinot Noir.

Welland Wines Old Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

A tidy Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon from small producer Welland Wines.

Barambah First Grid Shiraz 2019

 

Who doesn't love a sausage sizzle? This Shiraz would partner your snag on bread nicely as you relax in the park with friends.

Welland Wines Old Hands Shiraz 2018

 

Proper Barossa Shiraz. Take your shoes off at the door, exchange pleasantries, come in and sit bolt upright, no elbows on the table thank you. And please, don't spill anything on those bone-white chinos. This is all class so bring your best behaviour.

Eisenstone Dimchurch Vineyard Shiraz 2018

 

A little leaner and dancier in the mouth than its Nitschke Road sibling yet it's a pretty and more aromatically expressive Ebenezer Shiraz.

Balancing Heart Ambrosial and Lush Sagrantino 2017

From the Granite Belt's oldest Sagrantino vineyard comes this release from Balancing Heart.

Barambah First Grid Chardonnay 2019

 

A Chardonnay that is said to be made to appease sommeliers and Gen Zers because it's the type of wine they want.

Welland Wines Valley and Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

A big, thick-set type. It's the bouncer at the door you give a polite nod to. He's not there for conversation, just to keep the riff-raff out.

Welland Wines Valley and Valley Shiraz 2019

These wines from Welland landed on the doorstep recently with the Barossa Shiraz and Cabernet flags being flown. Plenty of happiness awaits with this - a classic Barrosa Shiraz.

Unsung Hero Aglianico 2020

 

A big slice of Black Forest cake in a glass. Dee-lish!

Of Light and Shadow Pinot Noir 2019

 

Of Light and Shadow. If only life could be so simple. But perhaps, within that, Tim Shand from Punt Road Winery can show us it can be with super delicious expressions of Pinot Noir such as this.

Balancing Heart Evolve and Inspire Viognier 2019

 

Viognier can be a super drink when done well. There are a lot of drifters on the scene but you get a sense this release floats on a cloud. Moreish. Delicious. Yes! 

Robert Stein White Label Riesling 2020

 

Seductive aromas. You wouldn't pick this as a Mudgee Riesling, that's for sure. 

Unsung Hero Lagrein 2020

 

Riverland Lagrein. A new addition to the Unsung Hero range.

The Old Faithful Cafe Block Shiraz 2017

 

Lots of oak. Thirty-three months of it deliver heady aromas. But it settles and patience is rewarded. Throw it in a decanter and leave it to reap the rewards. 

Unsung Hero Touriga 2020

Andy Williams's exploration of emerging varieties is quite exciting. His plans for the future are worth sticking around for too. Watch this space. This Touriga is an impressive number sure to please.

Delatite High Ground Chardonnay 2018

 

It took me a little while to get enthused by this Chardonnay from Victoria's Delatite.

Huntington Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2018

 

Cherry ripe in a glass. A fabulous Shiraz Cabernet blend. There is a lot to like about its swagger. 

The Old Faithful Shiraz 2017

 

A big and dense Shiraz that swings hard. Quite a bulky and muscular type, it's a bit of a gym junkie with its veins popping out.

Geddes Maslin Shiraz 2017

 

A ripping McLaren Vale Shiraz. I could bath in this. And maybe I did...