The last Alice's Mataro release was 2019 so it's good to see it in bottle once again. From the impeccable Barossa 2021 vintage, this is an attractive wine inside and out.
Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling 2021
There's a significant flood event happening in Brisbane at the moment. Residents are being told to conserve water due to issues at the treatment plant. Problem solved - drink more Riesling! Splash this in the glass and its energy and vibe consume you.
Kilikanoon Ashton 1920 Mataro 2020
An impressive Mataro that is ready for you to sink your teeth into. This is the first release of this wine - a celebration of the 100-year-old vineyard that was planted in 1920. Mataro lovers ought to black book this as it's due for release in coming months.
Kilikanoon KX Small Batch Riesling 2021
An Alsace style, this was the first Riesling harvested in the Clare Valley's 2021 vintage. Medium dry, that lick of residual sugar shoulders its way to the fore.
Rusty Mutt Original Shiraz 2018
Happy days. A great McLaren Vale Shiraz. I haven't seen these Rusty Mutt wines for a few years. One thing that hasn't changed is the consistency across the range. The Tempranillo and GSM are right in the slot and this Shiraz is no different.
Credaro Kinship Chardonnay 2021
A rich and dense Chardonnay coming at you from the Margaret River's Credaro Wines.
Tempus Two Prestige Cuvée NV
Gee, I like this. I went to taste a glass and it ended up in my belly. The refreshment factor is large.
Lange Estate Providence Road Shiraz 2020
Rusty Mutt Rocky Ox GSM 2020
Delish! Such an easy slurp. An anytime wine given its approachability, and that's precisely what you want in the glass on many occasions.
Lou Miranda Fierce III Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
A big Cabernet giving the innards a comforting embrace. Wintertime is coming - light the fire and sip this slow.
d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2019
One of those reliable labels that keeps on keeping on. Find this for under $20 and you are doing well.
The Natural Wine Co Lightly Sparkling Rosé 2021
The new The Natural Wine Co. Lightly Sparkling White and Rosé are organic, low in alcohol, low in calories, vegan and preservative free. “They’re somewhat of a niche wine, with few in the market,” says Canowindra's Jason O’Dea. “They allow people to ‘stay longer’. The wines are perfect for those looking to lower the amount of alcohol they are consuming, or simply for those wanting a refreshing, enjoyable wine with a touch of fizz.”
The Natural Wine Co Lightly Sparkling White 2021
Screw the cap and that little pop whispers refreshment. Yes! As the team at The Natural Wine Co say, "Enjoy our new world feel good wine."
De Iuliis Limited Release Shiraz 2017
A blend of the best barrels from De Iuliis' Talga Road, Steven and Lovedale Road vineyards, this is a curvacious medium-bodied Shiraz built to last. Already five years young, it's only just loosening up now as it comes in off the long run. Decant and embrace.
Credaro 1000 Crowns Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
One of the fabulous traits of Margaret River Cabernet is the bay leaf characteristic it delivers. There is a basket load of it here in this savoury driven wine from Credaro.
Rusty Mutt Conejo Joven Tempranillo 2021
This Joven Tempranillo has me thinking of chargrilled beef burgers and I'm not talking about HJs or Burger King. There is an unmissable meatiness and char factor ready to unleash itself on you. Winemaker Scott Heinrich suggests taco night is the go. Either way, you win.
Lange Estate Providence Road Riesling 2021
Australia is drenched with choice when it comes to fabulous Riesling. This release from Lange Estate has a distinct minerally drive that wraps its arms around you. It's Friday afternoon on the back deck material oozing refreshment and chill-out factor.
Fierce III Shiraz 2019
This Shiraz has that, "Don't mess with me," attitude. Handfuls of generous fruit are the hallmark of this Barossa release. A new label for Lou Miranda, it acknowledges the three sisters now working in the business.
McGuigan Cellar Select Shiraz 2019
A bold and moody Shiraz from McGuigan Wines. Part of their Cellar Select range, it's dense with some power behind it.
Wicks Estate Pamela Vintage Sparkling 2015
There's depth here but it's dancy and energetic. It just makes you want to bound along for the ride. A superb sparkling wine from Wicks Estate.
Credaro 1000 Crowns Chardonnay 2020
A generous Chardonnay that fills the mouth. It's a comforting wine that just gives you an embrace. This is a Chardonnay to sip slow and relax with as the mercury slowly dips in the early evening.
Hesketh Regional Selections Nebbiolo Bianco 2021
From the Adelaide Hills comes the first Nebbiolo Bianco release from Hesketh Wines. With no relation to its red grape namesake, this is a wonderfully fruit-driven and crisp white. Hello sunshine! If you like Fiano you'll definitely be a fan of this too.
Lange Estate Providence Road Chardonnay 2021
Lange Estate makes its debut on the Qwine tasting bench. From WA's Frankland River, this is a generous Chardonnay.
Lemon Villa Sparkling Chardonnay 2017
A 100% sparkling Chardonnay from the Orange region's Lemon Villa. These wines are made by Duncan Cook of Cook's Lot fame.
De Iuliis Special Release Pecorino 2021
The first release of the De Iuliis Pecorino and what a mighty fine debut it is. Crispy and crunchy, it is very delicious!
Patina Sticky Tea Riesling 2018
Sticky Tea. What a name! The colour reminds me of the water at Lake Cootharaba (just north of Noosa) which is stained by tea tree leaves. But this is none of that. Riesling basket pressings that have been fermented then pressed off. It's excellent and quite delicious!
Tempus Two Pewter Series Pinot Chardonnay 2013
Tim Smith Wines Mataro 2021
The more I sample Tim Smith's Mataros, the more he is becoming the Barossa Mataro boss - in my mind at least. This release is sublime. Exquisite. Would you find better I ask?
d'Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2021
Fleshy and rounded, I like the cut of this wine's jib. Perhaps we need to start a Roussanne Appreciation Society? I'd commence the journey with this wine - great value for $22 and it's certified organic too.
Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache Blanc 2021
Grenache Blanc. That's right, Grenache but white. Fancy that. No surprise that the Grenache gurus at Thistledown have one in their range. What a drink it is too. A bundle of fun, it's clean and crisp and a fabulous alternative to those mainstream varieties.
De Iuliis Rosé 2021
Chill hard and pour large. What an absolute beauty this is! A little crafty online research will help you nab this for $17 which is insane value. Go here.
Hesketh Negroamaro 2021
The more I see Negroamaro the more I want in. It's good to see another new Aussie label on the shelves, the fruit for this one is sourced from the Barossa.
Pirate Cru William Hunt Shiraz 2019
Big and dense. Generous and warm. Caramel and coffee beans lurch forward on opening. A big Barossa Shiraz awaits.
Hesketh Fiano 2021
The second release of this Fiano, I'd be curious to watch this wine evolve in coming years given the young age of the vines.
d'Arenberg The Olive Grove Chardonnay 2021
Fresh, forward and vibrant, this Chardonnay opens up with great energy.
Ms Sans Cosmopolitan Mocktail
I recently penned an article on non-alcoholic drinks and I received some samples from Sydney's Sans Drinks. The online business is going gangbusters, so much so, they have taken the next step and opened Australia's first non-alcoholic bottle shop in the suburb of Freshwater. Carrying a range of self-named cocktail mixers, Ms Sans Cosmopolitan already comes pre-mixed with non-alcoholic vodka so just pour, shake, garnish and enjoy!
Tim Smith Wines MGS 2021
Many Barossa producers make a GSM, but not Tim Smith. His epic crush on Mataro ensures he twists the blend slightly to deliver an MGS. He hasn't missed the mark either. He rarely does. This is a brilliant wine for 30 bucks.
De Iuliis Limited Release Chardonnay 2018
Peachy! Some engaging depth here. The oak really imparts some personality and I love it. A beautiful Hunter Valley Chardonnay.
Blue Pyrenees Estate 2018
Right in the slot of a classic Cabernet Merlot, blackcurrants meet plums framed by savoury delish. Well played here by Blue Pyrenees.
Pommery Brut Royal Champagne NV
There's something about Champagne that just makes you feel a little bit fancy. This Pommery impressed deluxe. A blend of forty crus, it sees 36 months in bottle before release.
Hesketh Jimi's Ferment Fumé Blanc 2021
Winemaker James Lienert was responsible for this wine - Jimi's Ferment it was creatively named. He's a good fella too. I've been fortunate to spend some time with him chewing the fat at the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup a couple of years ago. I digress. This is a white wine handled like a red wine without the skins and it's delicious.
McGuigan Wines Personal Reserve Chardonnay 2016
A Cellar Door exclusive, this Chardonnay is on the old school side of the spectrum. It's creamy with a little weight in the booty.
Pirate Cru Slurpy Puppy Shiraz 2020
One of the Pirate Cru's top sellers and it's easy to see why. A very approachable Barossa Shiraz, it's such a good friendly slurp - dare I say.
Dirt Candy The Little General 2021
Clandestine Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021
I must admit, the only time I have an Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir in my possession is when I have a samples sent to me. Given the choice to buy Pinot, I head to a couple of other regions. Maybe I need to explore Hills Pinot more? But for those who like a little oomph in their Pinot, this may float your boat.
d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2021
Wicks Estate Pinot Rosé 2021
Wicks Estate has landed themselves an excellent winemaker in Adam Carnaby. With 2021 being his first vintage after a most successful stint at Seppelts, this will be a label to watch closely. Here we have an excellent value Pinot Rosé.
