Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2020

 

So fresh, bright and delicious, this Viognier from Yalumba always over-delivers for the money. It is easily one of the best value wines you can find around the $10 mark. Happy International Viognier Day (30 April).

Yalumba Organic Viognier 2019

 

Enjoy International Viognier Day (30 April) with this Organic release which is a little more focused than its Y Series sibling. 

Witches Falls Provenance Rosé 2020

 

Pretty is the word. Those beautiful aromas just make you smile.

Hesketh Negroamaro 2019

 

Negroamaro is catching on and I dig. This is a solid example that is well priced. Go forth and embrace.

Maude Estate Pinot Noir 2019

 

A stunning Pinot! I must disclose though, I was in the engine room in February 2020 when this was in the early stages of blending. To be a fly on the wall and to witness the discussions taking place as this was put together was just awesome.

Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2020

This is such an approachable and ever-reliable Pinot Noir. Readily available too, making this a go-to is not a silly idea - particularly when it is often priced around the $30 mark.

Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2018

 

Lounge bar beats, small plates of charcuterie and a glass of this set the scene for chillaxing quite well I feel.

Carrick Unravelled Pinot Noir 2019

Playful and bright, this has some booty too. This is Carrick's entry-level Pinot made from the younger certified organic vines on the property.

Rouleur Pinot Noir 2020

 

This is a ripper. What's not to love about the juicy fruit and core of savoury goodness?

Parker Coonawarra Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

Oh damn! A luscious and vibrant Cabernet that just oozes class. The best Terra Rossa Cabernet I have seen. Ever.

Hesketh Penola Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

When you go to Penola you must go to the Windara Bakery and get one of those old-school long cream buns. The end. No more conversation required. Oh, and Penola is the heart of Coonawarra. I suspect the name of the wine may throw a few. Cast all that aside, this is super impressive.

Kimbolton Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

Here's cheers to the Cheetah!

Released in partnership with Zoos South Australia to support their vital work in Cheetah conservation, proceeds from the sale of this wine will go towards Cheetah conservation at Monarto Zoo in South Australia.

Berton Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

A rich, dense and drying Cabernet from Berton Vineyards sourced from the Coonawarra.

Parker Coonawarra Estate 95 Block 2018

This is a beauty. But let it breathe for a few hours or just put it away and forget about it for a while. A classy release no less. Slide into your jim-jams and just relax on the lounge with a large pour.

Ox Hardy Upper Tintara Vineyard Shiraz 2017

 

Workmanlike Shiraz. Sleeves rolled up, shoulder to the wheel, rustic persona. 

Witches Falls Wild Ferment Tinta Barroca 2020

 

A chiseled jaw with a rough shave rocking a jacket. Some rough edges but very smart execution. Gee, I like this. A new release in the Witches Falls range that will be sure to have a surge in popularity.

Rouleur Chardonnay 2020

 

This is such a wonderful Chardy to kick back with. I would definitely run for this if I saw it on the shelf. Fabulous and fresh. Yes!

Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth 2016

 

Parker Coonawarra's flagship although this First Growth doesn't come across with the prestige I've seen in the past. It's a solid wine but given the way it walks and the shape it holds, but the lights aren't flashing as brightly given its pedigree.

Parker Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2020

 

For 20 bucks, this is a great Chardy. You'd be content tucking into it after parting with a lobster. It's a bargain really. Maybe people don't have lobsters in their pockets anymore and just use pay wave? Check this out no less.

Ox Hardy Grenache 2020

 

Grenache that feels like Pinot Noir. Such a pleasurable wine that's all about sleek delivery rather than complexity.

Ox Hardy Slate Shiraz 2019

 

Nectar. An absolutely sublime McLaren Vale Shiraz dripping in history. There's an excellent story that goes with it too.

Witches Falls Wild Ferment Garnacha 2019

 

Vibrant and asking for a dance. This will get you waltzing or twerking, you choose. A bright and delicious Grenache from Queensland's Granite Belt.

Witches Falls Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2020

 

This is good. Really good. And I dislike Sauv Blanc immensely. So refreshing and lightly textured, it screams for sunshine, beaches and seafood. All at once would be preferable.

Hesketh Regional Selections Grenache 2019

 

A good slurp and well priced, this is an easy-going Barossa Grenache.

Witches Falls Wild Ferment Marsanne 2020

 

A new Marsanne from Queensland producer Witches Falls. 

Berton Vineyard Metal Label Black Shiraz 2020

 

For 14 bucks this is super stuff. Berton Vineyards have a knack for producing smart wines for little outlay. Here we go again with a great bargain.

Berton Vineyard Reserve Shiraz 2019

 

An oak driven Shiraz from Berton Vineyard which has been sourced from the Barossa.

Mount Avoca Old Vine Shiraz 2019

 

A great Shiraz from Mount Avoca, said to be Australia's most awarded organic winery.

Curly Flat Western Pinot Noir 2019

 

This Western moves with grace but there is a focus and sophistication about it. My pick of the three Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2019 releases.

Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2019

 

Always a treat. Masterfully blended and that stands out furthermore when tasted beside the single vineyard Central and Western wines. A classic.

Lienert Estate Shiraz 2016

 

I love this label. Pink pinstripes and all. It is so eyecatching. Better still, this is a fabulous Barossa Shiraz with density and drive. 

Curly Flat Central Pinot Noir 2019

 

Curly Flat's Central Block is home to their oldest vines planted in 1992. This release sees some density. 

Patrick Piuze Vaillons Les Minots Premier Cru 2019

 

Just fabulous. Layered pleasure coming at you.

Patrick Piuze Vaillons Les Forêts Premier Cru 2019

 

A Premier Cru imported by Domaine Wine Shippers.

Vino Intrepido Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Pinot Grigio 2020

 

James Scarcebrook is kicking out some pretty smart wines. His nomination in the Young Gun Top 50 is well deserved too. His Vino Intrepido label is one well worth sticking in your black book. Pinot Grigio lovers will enjoy this.

Vino Intrepido Nero's Fiddle Nero d'Avola 2020

 

Pretty aromas flood the nose and ensure you sit up. What an intro! 

d’Arenberg Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2017

 

The Laughing Magpie is creeping back to its glory years. The last few years have incrementally stepped up and this release is no different.

Babo Wines Prosecco Rosé DOC

 

Fun in the sun! Who says we're done with warm days just yet. A very approachable Prosecco coming at you with a dash of Pinot Noir to give it a blush appearance. 

Lienert Estate Roussanne 2020

 

I love these Lienert labels. They ooze shelf appeal. Little gold lightning bolts adorn this bottle - clear glass, a black label and gold highlights draw the eye. Smart wine this too.

Lienert Estate Mataro 2018

 

Lazy evenings, a chill in the air, rain tapping on the roof - all that. Have this in your glass and you're complete.

Bloodwood Riesling 2010

 

Aged Riesling is a thing of beauty and well worth embracing in two hands. But don't let it slip, like I did...

Whiskey Gully Wines Black Rod Shiraz 2019

 

Here is a lesson in patience. Don't drink this now. Please don't. Give it a couple of years in bottle and your patience will be rewarded. This is a fantastic Granite Belt Shiraz well worth waiting for.

Paulett Wines Shiraz 2018

 

A really impressive cool-climate Shiraz. The quality of the wines at Paulett is well worth embracing. Here we have another smart release.

Mount Avoca Viognier 2019

 

Viognier. Get into it. There are some clever examples around the traps and this is one of them. Well priced at $26, it's a fab drink. Did I mention it's organic?

Paulett Wines Cabernet Merlot 2018

 

Flashy? No. Edgy? No. Respectable and high quality? Absolutely. What a beauty! Silky smooth, this Cabernet Merlot slides down all too easily. Go here.

d'Arenberg The Bonsai Vine GSM 2018

 

Snuggle up material. There is plenty of give here to provide that homely feel.

Paulett Wines Brielle Grenache 2020

 

A ripping Clare Valley Grenache that hails from the Watervale subregion. Delicious and then some, I'd dive into this with pike.

Jack West Grenache 2020

 

Light, bright and dancy Barossa Grenache.