QWine Reviews - Australian Wine Reviews: October 2022

Sunday 30 October 2022

Gundog Estate Indomitus Rosa 2022

Matt Burton sources fruit from a number of regions and it seems he has a habit of polishing a few gems. In short, this is delicious. A fabulous Rosé, I could neck the lot. Find this.

The best Pet Nat I have tasted. There, I said it! I could actually have a glass of this, and another, and probably another. Refreshing deluxe, this is a great fizz.

One of Juniper's top Chardonnays, this 2020 is not quite at the great heights of the previous vintage.

Just imagine a glass overflowing with raspberries and mulberries and that's what you get with this GSM on your first sip. Bursting with fruit and a long savoury tail, this is very well done.

This is a really good drink. Keaton means where the hawks fly, so the back label tells me. Produced on the south coast of NSW, it was great to see this new label come across the Qwine tasting bench.

Schwarz Wine Co Grower Grenache 2021

As Jason Schwarz says, "Grenache is a variety that works so well in the dry, arid climate of the Barossa. Its biggest point of difference is how it is influenced by the soils." This Grower Grenache is definitely influenced by the soils given it is a patchwork of parcels from across the valley. A glass full of fun, get me a large pour, please.

Quite a big and robust Cabernet Merlot blend, it softens with time in the glass. Give it a decant to see it at its best or put it away for a little sleep. All up, roast night is looking tops.

Scarborough Wines Keepers of the Flame Chardonnay 2021

Tasted at the Hunter Valley media famil back in May, this was one of the best Chardonnays in the line up showcasing the diversity of the region's quiet achiever. So underrated, Hunter Valley Chardonnay is a fabulous drink when done well. Get this on your radar.

Bethany is where Jason Schwarz's heart is and the fruit for this Grenache comes from the family's vineyard on Thiele Road. Planted in 1941, there is some impressive history staring at you from the glass. As with previous releases, this is dense and savoury. A Grenache to pour, chat deep and ponder. Classy stuff.

Great gear from the Barossa's Anarchy Wines. In the zone, this bone dry Rosé is a fab drink for 25 bucks.

Oakridge Vineyard Series Henk Chardonnay 2021

What a beauty! Oakridge has nailed another Chardonnay. From the Yarra Valley's Woori Yallock district, this Henk vineyard is all class. Concentrated with charming depth, lovely lines of intrigue captivate.

The first Grenache Blanc to grace the Schwarz META label, and what a great debut! It's so new it is yet to land on the website but stay tuned, it's worth lining up for.

This is Matt Burton's take on Hunter River Burgundy, be it with a twist. Made with Hunter Shiraz but partnered with an out-of-towner - some Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from the George's Vineyard (20%). As Burton says, "This wine is less about place and more about variety and style." It's a fab wine, that's for sure.

Pewsey Vale Contours Riesling Museum Release 2012

This is a walk down Riesling Boulevard where everything just sparkles. From the Pewsey Vale vineyard, this is a glorious wine.

The quality at this price point is outrageous - $45 is madness for what is in the glass. Race to this, it's a superb Chardonnay.

Merlot with some expression and presence - yes! This is a fine drink that is sure to please. Fruit depth, length plus a dash of spice ensure things are moving in the right direction.

Terre a Terre Crayeres Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2021

This is how Sauvignon Blanc should be done. Fresh, dripping with interest and a considered textural appeal, it's an excellent wine.

A little something fresh and appealing from Huntington Estate - a drink now, think later blend of Grenache, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Who says you can't drink red wine in summer?

A blend of Viognier and Verdelho makes up the Sassy Lassy. A neat, uncomplicated wine.

Arila Gardens Sand Garden Grenache 2021

The Sand Garden Grenache vines were planted in 1900, this is an excellent wine that oozes class.

The flagship wine for Pegasus Bay, this is just brilliant. Its class is evident when lined up alongside its sibling, albeit the latter was a year younger. There is more density and generosity yet there is no denying the sexy and lacy appeal. Boom!

The focus, the pristine fruit, the porcelain presence, another class act from the Oakridge Willowlake Vineyard Series Chardonnay.

Pegasus Bay Maestro 2019

The Maestro represents the best of the Pegasus Bay Bordeaux fruit. I was privileged to receive a pre-release sample and all I can suggest is that you get in the queue. There is a class about its swagger and I just want more.

The first 2022 Grenache to hit the Qwine tasting bench doesn't disappoint. A joyous and juicy number, this is bursting with slurp factor.

There is a richness about this Riesling from New Zealand's Waipara region. It's not the fresh citrus type you may expect, nor is it trying to be. A considered and inviting release that keeps you coming back for more.

Verdelho has found a happy home in the Queensland wine regions and this release from the South Burnett offers that slice of paradise.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2020

From the Crayères Vineyard in Wrattonbully comes this generous but well-proportioned Cabernet Shiraz. The detail and shape are all class - it's an excellent wine hands down.

Wrattonbully Cabernet Franc done well. Very, very well. With a beautiful perfume, I'm hooked from the outset. Given the asking price, this is an excellent buy.

A soft and fine Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir from Tomich.

Anarchy is a project born from two Gold Coast mates taking their love of wine to the next level. Winemaker Dave Rushton packed up and moved to the Barossa leaving his film and television carrier behind to chase the dream. Respect! This tidy Shiraz is one of three wines in the range.

Yarra Yering No. 1 2015

I was fortunate enough to taste this exquisite release from 2015 when I dropped by the cellar door not too long ago. In a re-release of 2015, only 100 bottles were made available. In short, it's a stunning wine.

Welcome to the debut Ovitelli Blanc release. A magnificent wine, there is plenty going on as you'd expect from Yangarra Estate. The back label states, "Renowned for our Grenache and respecting the distant homelands of this variety, we planted its white varietal cousins." Lovers of texture and interest ought to dip their oar in.

Zippy and crispy, good gear this from Huntington Estate.

The Bone Line Iridium 2018

From a small winery in New Zealand's North Canterbury region, The Bone Line is dishing up some very smart wines. This blend is another example of that. Give it some air and it's a dangerous drink. Cool evenings with whispy pink clouds in the sky as the sun sets - the perfect match awaits.

A little radiant star of mid-week delight coming at you from the Barossa. You can't go wrong with this for $18. Yes!

From Queensland's South Burnett comes this tasty Tempranillo. Lightning Tree is the product of the district's long-standing viticulturist Peter Stewart and his wife Vikki. Smart gear, pizza, burgers and barbecues are sorted.

Tomich Woodside Vineyard Shiraz 2020

These Tomich wines have been quite consistent across the board. Respect. Here we have an Adelaide Hills Shiraz from their Woodside Vineyard.

Attractive on the eye, this is a crowd-pleasing Prosecco from the King Valley ready to wet your whistle. Solid aperitif gear, think the sun, sarongs and seafood.

Easily one of the best Chardonnays you will find in New Zealand, the team at Pegasus Bay seemingly achieve supreme class almost effortlessly. Go here, please do.

This is plush and oh-so heavenly. A superb Barossa Shiraz. Never heard of Arila Gardens? I suggest you introduce yourself...

Talk about dry. This is bone dry and damn delicious. A fab Rosé from Huntington Estate.

Hesketh Twist of Fate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Coming from the Limestone Coast and peak Cabernet Sauvignon territory, this is a tidy wine for 15 bucks.

What a ripper we have here. Not yet in peak form, you won't be disappointed having a glass or three (as I did) but patience will yield even greater results.

Cabernet in the slot. The Yalumba Cigar has been a reliable wine since its inception and this 2018 doesn't miss a beat.

Partner this with a lazy lunch, an ice bucket and friends who smile a lot. This is Sauvignon Blanc done well.

Soumah Upper Ngumby Pinot Noir 2021

I haven't seen a Soumah Upper Ngumby Pinot since the 2018 release. Coming from a site that I feel produces better Chardonnay, this Pinot is a more than respectable wine delivering plenty of savoury pleasure.

Vintner Trudy Stacy says this is perfect for any dance party. She might be onto something. Where's the DJ?

Serve this chilled to elevate the enjoyment factor. A tasty summer time red awaits.

Deadly smooth, this Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer blend slides through like silk.

I'm happy to admit I'm yet to board the Pet Nat train although I'm open-minded enough to keep trying to find 'the one' to completely convert me. Clandestine Vineyards vintner Nick Stacy says this cheeky number will do just that.

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