That wonderous Australian blend of Shiraz and Cabernet basking in all its glory. Find this and indulge. What a belter!
Vino Intrepido Straight Jakot Friulano 2020
The sun setting with golden light peering through the trees in the distance, cool afternoon breezes and a plentiful glass of this Friulano for the win.
Schild Estate Prämie Shiraz 2018
Silky, sexy and persistent. What a brilliant rendition of Barossa Shiraz!
Geddes Seldom Inn Rosé 2021
Rosés with a cranberry juice appearance seem to be the absolute minority nowadays with the shelves bulging with pale salmon examples. If I keep hearing, "That's what the people want," I think I'm going to scream. What a relief Tim Geddes is good enough not to follow the crowd. A great drink this.
De Iuliis Estate Semillon 2021
Find a patch of sunshine to be partnered by a generous pour of this Semillon. It is such a good drink that oozes refreshment.
Geddes Seldom Inn Viognier Roussanne 2021
This is a wonderful blend. It is a wine with so much going on and so much interest.
O'Leary Walker Claire Reserve Shiraz 2016
De Bortoli Melba Amphora Cabernet 2019
Everyone is having a crack at Amphora it seems. This Cabernet from De Bortoli Wines is a ripper! Sourced from the Melba vineyard, it was released to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Dame Nellie Melba. Don't underestimate Yarra Valley Cabernet. If anything, you should seek it out.
De Iuliis LDR Shiraz Touriga 2018
Sensationally medium-bodied, Mike De Iuliis has made this blend his own in the Hunter Valley and the following this wine is getting continues to snowball. Deservedly so too - it is excellent!
Vino Intrepido Sacred and Profane Sagrantino 2020
Big, broad, this is a muscular type. If you like them large, Sagrantino could be your new thing.
O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz 2019
Classy Clare Valley Shiraz. This is a wine that just grows on you. It's not 95 points, but to heck with that. It's a wine you just want to drink. Go here.
Robert Oatley Finisterre Chardonnay 2019
A fabulous Margaret River Chardonnay here from team Oatley.
Celebrating 10 Years of Qwine Reviews!
Here we are, ten years on... Happy Birthday to Qwine Reviews!
What a sweet ride this last decade has been. From a humble first post reflecting on a trip to Heathcote, this site has morphed into something well beyond my expectations. Nearly 5000 wine reviews later and things are charging along.
My introduction to this caper came through Twitter - remember when it was cool to be using that platform? A friend then suggested I start a blog, well, that was cool too and everyone seemed to have one. Time has passed and it is interesting how the landscape has evolved. It seems now anyone can be a wine writer (or is that an 'influencer'?) on Instragram - buy followers, craft a snazzy pic, tell the world how fantastic the wine is without genuine critique, all in the hope that more free booze is sent so we can 'collaborate' some more...
I'm proud of my commitment to remain independent and offer uncompromised reviews on all wines that are sent, not just the good ones. I'm also most proud of the relationships I have developed over these last ten years with some of Australia's and New Zealand's leading winemakers and writers, yet it has been as thrilling to have befriended some emerging winemakers and observe their progression.
When I started out writing there seemed to be an ocean of 'wine bloggers', and as time would have it, only a handful remain. To these great people (you know who you are), I salute you! It's a passion, we don't get paid to write reviews (fact), but the reward is in the exploration.
My exploration has opened some incredible doors beyond wine reviews, and for that, I am most grateful. Ten years ago I would have never thought I would have been published by leading wine magazines and websites, written regular columns, had a weekly radio spot to discuss wine, been able to host numerous wine dinners, MCed the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup day for 730 guests in the VIP tent, I've even had the opportunity to get my hands dirty and work vintage with some incredibly talented winemakers. This is all very humbling.
A big shout-out goes to you though, my readership. Thank you! You're the flicker in the flame. I've enjoyed the interactions, made some great friends and engaged in some wonderful conversations, all as a result of this wonderful thing called wine. Every bottle tells a story and it creates a memory for years to come.
Here's cheers to what the future holds. There are some exciting things in the pipeline and I look forward to what the days, weeks and years ahead hold.
Cheers,
Steve 🍷
Whiskey Gully Wines E.B. Reserve Blanc de Blanc 2018
Peachy! A wonderfully refreshing fizz from Granite Belt producer Whiskey Gully.
Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Chardonnay 2019
A solid Chardy on the old-school spectrum made by Hawke's Bay producer Tony Bish.
O'Leary Walker The Sleeper Shiraz 2018
Robert Oatley Wines Finisterre Grenache 2019
Robert Oatley Wines have acquired some smart parcels of fruit in their portfolio. This Grenache comes from the Blewitt Spring sub-region of McLaren Vale. I dig this for a lazy night in.
De Iuliis Estate Rosé 2021
Slay the day then Rosé they say. Apply that theory here and your routine will be on point after you slay this Rosé as well. Damn, it is such an easy slurp to embrace.
L'Artisan Le Grenache Noir 2019
Imported French Grenache that is readily available at a chain store.
