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.

Black Estate Damsteep Pet Nat 2022

 

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. 

Juniper Conerstone Karridale Chardonnay 2020

 


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

Tenafeate Creek One Tree Hill GSM 2021

 

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.

Keaton Pinot Grigio 2022

 

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.

Tenafeate Creek Wines One Tree Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2021

 

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.

Schwarz Wine Co Thiele Road Grenache 2021

 

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.

Anarchy Wines The Misfit Rosé 2022

 

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.

Schwarz Wine Co Grenache Blanc 2022

 

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.

Gundog Estate Indomitus Rutilus 2021

 

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.

Oakridge Vineyard Series Hazeldene Chardonnay 2021

 

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.

Tenafeate Creek Wines One Tree Hill Merlot 2021

 

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.

Huntington Estate Nouveau 2022

 

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?

Lightning Tree Sassy Lassy NV

 

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.

Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir 2019

 


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!

Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Chardonnay 2021

 


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.

Tomfoolery Wines Young Blood Grenache 2022

 

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

Pegasus Bay Riesling 2019

 


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.

Lightning Tree Verdelho 2021

 


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.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2020

 

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.

Tomich Icon I777 Pinot Noir 2021

 

A soft and fine Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir from Tomich. 

Anarchy Wines The Alchemist Shiraz 2020

 

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.

Yangarra Estate Ovitelli Blanc 2020

 


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.

Huntington Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

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. 

Yalumba Galway Vintage Shiraz 2020

 


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

Lightning Tree Tempranillo 2021

 


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.

Clandestine Vineyards Prosecco Rosé 2022

 

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.

Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay 2019

 

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.

Arila Gardens Ironstone and Quartz Gardens 2021

 

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

Huntington Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

 

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.

Pewsey Vale 1961 Block Riesling 2021

 


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.

Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

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

Terre à Terre Down to Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

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.

Clandestine Vineyards Break Free Deux Rebelles 2022

 

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

Clandestine Vineyards Break Free Low Fi Nouveau 2022

 

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

Clandestine Vineyards Break Free Petite Blancs 2022

 

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

Clandestine Vineyards Break Free Bliss Bomb Pet Nat 2022

 

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.