Arila Gardens Gardens of Moppa Shiraz 2020

 

Raspberries dipped in chocolate. The goodness you need in your life. This is a smart wine. Very smart. Feed it to me. 

Hofer Family Wines Arneis 2021

 

Clever gear. Have this with chicken or pork. Ribbed with fine spices, it taps you on the shoulder seeking your attention and you can't resist. 

Pertaringa Over the Top Shiraz 2019

 

You get a sense that this is a flying carpet of sorts as it floats through the mouth. Time in the glass reveals a serious side. A really good drink of McLaren Vale Shiraz awaits.

Castle Rock Estate Skywalk Riesling 2021

 

The Castle Rock Estate Skywalk Riesling is named after the panoramic suspended walkway on the local granite Castle Rock outcrop. This is a wine that is always an impressive performer and represents top value for the asking price.

Golden Grove Estate Malbec 2019

 

The excitement Malbec generates from winemaker Ray Costanzo of late is getting to the same levels as his beloved Vermentino and more recently his Brosé Rosé. This Malbec is a beauty and his excitement is understandable.

Schild Estate Shiraz 2019

 

Good going. A solid Barossa Shiraz. 

Pig in the House Shiraz 2020

 

Oh, this is pretty. Raspberries race to befriend you. I think I'll stay awhile. 

3 Rings Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

 

Not too bad but it doesn't have me banging on the door for another glass either.

3 Rings Shiraz 2019

 

A Barossa Shiraz that comes across a little disjointed.

Paringa Shiraz 2019

 

Big and blustery, a Shiraz that's like that T20 whack over the covers for six. There is not too much finesse here.

Arila Gardens Quartz and Garden Shiraz 2019

 

I first came across the Arila Gardens label recently in a line up of 150+ Barossa Grenache wines. I'm writing a book on that epic variety so stay tuned... But for the moment, zero in on this wine. This is a winery you need to slot into the "One to Watch" category. Here we have a Shiraz that is a sublime example of Barossa Shiraz.

Nanny Goat Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

 

This Chardonnay from Nanny Goat has just landed in Australia (quite literally). Big thanks to winemaker Alan Peters-Oswald and the Joval crew as it hits the trade this week. Although I've seen the Nanny Goat Pinots, this is the first time I've had the chance to sample one of the Chardonnays. I just learnt the first release was in 2012.

Patrick of Coonawarra Méthod Eucalypt 2020

A lightish Cabernet with a playful and dancy side. It moves and sways with ease. I reckon this would take a slight chill in warmer months too. Slot it right into the pop 'n' pour category as generous pours aren't out of the question. 

Yalumba Eden Valley Syrah 2019

 

An example of how time and tasting a wine over two days elevates the experience. This Eden Valley Syrah took a little while to open up and show it best.

Pertaringa Undercover Agent Shiraz 2019

 

In the slot! A really enjoyable McLaren Vale Shiraz and a great buy for 25 bucks.

Catalina Sounds Sound of White Chardonnay 2019

Flinty and gun powder aromas skip from the glass eagerly enticing you from the outset. A clever single vineyard wine from New Zealand's Marlborough region.

Geddes Wines Seldom Inn Petit Verdot 2019

 

What a round ball of delish! Get knee-deep here in generous fruit that has a playful side. 

Hollick Estate Pinot Noir 2020

 

Probably best described as a light-bodied Shiraz, here is a Pinot Noir from Coonawarra.

De Iuliis Aged Release Semillon 2014

 

Delicate in nature, this aged Semillon release from De Iuliis coats the mouth with ease.

Catalina Sounds Sound of White Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2019

 

This is good stuff. It's tempered through the mouth and offers a sense of calm. That calm of the water in the bay before the wind picks up after sunrise. That.

John Wallace Wine Maggie White 2021

 

Sipping in the park kinda wine. An easy-drinking type that will make friends with ease.

Golden Grove Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

A considered Sauvignon Blanc with 15% barrel fermentation.

Blue Pyrenees Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

There is no going wrong here. A reliable Cabernet year in, year out and often under $20. You are the winner. Pizza, the lounge, streaming your favourite series - you get the picture.

Lovable Rogue Fiano 2021

 

If you ever get the chance to wander about the Hunter Valley, you need to dine at Bistro Molines (note I underlined 'you need to'). One of the most glorious vistas in the valley will greet you. Carillion Wines are on the same site and have crafted this skinsy Fiano for your pleasure.

Shaw Wines Winemakers Selection Cabernet Merlot 2019

 

There is some energy about the way this skips along. A medium-bodied blend (57/43) that will please more than a few.

Golden Grove Estate Tranquillo Bianco 2021

 

This is all picnics, big shady trees and people grazing on shared plates by the river. An easy, uncomplicated blend.

Oz Wine Shiraz 2020

This arrived in a pack of samples all destined for the export market. An array of Asian countries were mentioned on the list but one particular country was missing, I'm sure you can join the dots there...

M Burton Shiraz I NV

 

When you pour all your knowledge and expertise into one bottle to celebrate a milestone, this is what you get. A sleek, detailed and considered wine from Gundog Estate winemaker Matt Burton.

Patrick of Coonawarra Méthode Skinny Riesling 2020

 

Something is in the water at Patrick of Coonawarra. In recent times we've seen new branding, a host of new wines, and like this, conventional styles have been tipped on their head. Respect to winemaker Luke Tocaciu for shaking things up a bit. Check this out though - funky town Riesling. So textural and layered, this cranks the dial high in the exploration stakes. 

Arila Gardens GSM 2020

 

A big Barossa GSM to wrap your mittens around on a cool evening. This is easy to warm to.

John Wallace Wines Juju Red 2021

 

A fun and playful red to thrust this new John Wallace Wines label into prominence. Is it the best wine you'll have this year? No. Could you drink a gallon of it? Hell yeah! And maybe I did just that. Go here.

Tellurian TWB 2020

 

A terrifically long and textural blend here from Heathocote's Tellurian Wines. Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Gris come together and what a fabulous debut it is! More like this, please. 

Hutton Vale Farm Grenache Mataro 2017

 

This looks and feels traditional in its delivery, although you get the sense it is quite considered in its making. But there is some telling oak here that is hard to miss. It's quite a different wine compared to the seductive and silky 2016 release.

Blue Pyrenees Organic Grenache 2020

 

There isn't a lot of Grenache out in the Pyrenees I wouldn't have thought, but gee we're on to a winner here. Quite the tasty number. It's certified organic too.

Yalumba Paradox Shiraz 2017

 

In a quaint Angaston cafe a few years ago I caught up with Barossa storyteller and former Yalumba Ambassador Jane Ferarri for breakfast - her go-to haunt of course. Among the range of topics discussed, there was one thing she said that I have never forgotten. When I asked her about her favourite Yalumba vineyard her face lit up with immeasurable joy before she uttered three words to me, "The Paradox Vineyard."

Yelland and Papps Old Vine Grenache NV

 

This wine grows on you - big time. The marriage of three vintages (2018, 2019, 2021) from the same vineyard, it's a bit like stepping onto a cable bridge. Initially a little shaky, with some forward momentum you can't help but embrace the vista and natural beauty that surrounds you. 

Gundog Estate Wild Semillon 2021

Well hello there! Here is a Semillon I want to drink lots of. So fresh and oozing pleasure.

Hofer Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

This will grow into its shoes nicely. A big and generous Cabernet from Langhorne Creek.

Tim Smith Wines Eden Valley Shiraz 2019

 

You can't help feel a sense of calm as this washes through you. What a luxurious and delicious expression of Shiraz. I've said it before, if you have yet to introduce yourself to Tim Smith Wines, perhaps you should down tools and extend your hand. An excellent wine.

Catalina Sounds Sounds of White Sauvignon Blanc 2020

 

How to describe this Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough's Catalina Sounds? Herbaceous!

Gundog Estate The Chase Semillon 2021

 

Gundog Estate's flagship Semillon.

Gundog Estate Hunter’s Semillon 2021

 

Such an easy drinking and approachable Semillon from the Hunter Valley's Gundog Estate. 

Tim Smith Wines Bugalugs Grenache 2021

 

Take me down a slurpy city where the vines are green and the Grenache is pretty... There is not a splinter of oak to be seen in this Bugalugs with the delish factor cranked high. 

De Iuliis The Garden Vineyard Semillon 2021

 

The Hunter Valley 2021 Semillons are starting to turn up. I always enjoy looking at them this time of year as it builds anticipation for the upcoming spring and summer. Here is a tasty single vineyard release from big Mike De Iuliis.

Loveable Rouge Vermentino 2021

 

Hunter Valley Vermentino with extended skin contact.

Arila Gardens Sand Garden Grenache 2020

 

It's always a privilege to become acquainted with a new label. This Grenache from Arila Gardens is super impressive. One of those little operators that don't have a cellar door open to the public but they do tastings by appointment only. Here's a tip, make the appointment.

Running With Bulls Garnacha 2020

 

Barossa Grenache is often described as Barossa Pinot. Here is the perfect example! 

Tim Smith Wines Eden Valley Riesling 2021

 

Calling all Riesling lovers! Get this in your veins. Supreme refreshment awaits. Tim Smith keeps telling me how amazing the Barossa 2021 is. "Believe the hype!" he says. Based on this, wine lovers are in for a treat.

Yelland and Papps Vin De Soif 2018

 

Lazy weekends, a rough day at work, a thirst brought on after binging all day watching your favourite series - whatever the occasion, this is your weapon for the purpose.

Geddes Wines Seldom Inn Grenache 2020

 

Be careful. This will sneak up on you and seize your heart. Such a lush and delicious Grenache from Geddes Wines.

Punt Road Napoleone Vineyard Block 4 Chardonnay 2020

This Punt Road Block 4 is a beauty! It's a sneaky bugger to get hold of though as it is only available at the cellar door. I'm sure if you whisper sweetly you can order it over the phone or online - just blame me.