Pikes The Hill Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Touted as one of the best Hill Block releases, time will be the ultimate measure. For now, there is no disputing the excellent quality of this Clare Valley Cabernet from Pikes.

Briar Ridge Briar Hill Chardonnay 2021

 

A single vineyard wine showing all the little things that glisten. Delicacy, depth, balance and length, it's an impressive Hunter Valley Chardonnay.

Briar Ridge Signature Stockhausen Chardonnay 2021

 

There is plenty going on here to amuse those who enjoy a Hunter Valley Chardonnay. More people should dive into the beauty that the region delivers with this variety. In this case, a  little bit of richness goes a long way. 

Hayes Family Wines Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

A blend of two Barossa Cabernet vineyards, one at each end of the valley. Although it took a little time to get going, it showed some great form in the end.

Hayes Family Wines Nuri Ancestor Vines Shiraz 2021

 

Brett Hayes' ability to gather fruit from unique vineyards is quite impressive. From a vineyard behind the old Penfold's winery in Nuriootpa, these ancestor vines are over 125 years old. An incredible wine, it shines a bright light on what are all things fantastic about Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Semillon 2022

 

Go back to 2013 and this Dairy Hill Semillon was winning every trophy under the sun and deservedly so. With a proven ability to age, it's a wine worth adding to your black book. 

Briar Ridge Stockhausen Signature Semillon 2022

 

I really love this label. What a fine tribute to the late Karl Stockhausen who did so much for the Hunter Valley. This Semillon exudes some cool summer vibes.

Tim Smith Mataro 2022

 

I'm not sure who loves Mataro more, Tim Smith or Andrew Seppelt. A pay-per-view street fight in Tanunda may settle it best. This 2022 from Smith is excellent throwing out the challenge to Seppelt once again. 

Briar Ridge Limited Release Fiano 2022

 

I dig this. A great Fiano from the Hunter Valley courtesy of Briar Ridge.

Briar Ridge Limited Released Albarino 2022

 

Vibrant with a little textural appeal, this refreshing white is ready for those warm days. 

Pikes Il Premio Reserve Sangiovese 2021

 

What a beauty! This Sangiovese is quite charming and ready to embrace a classic Italian dish. Armed with a sip slow moreishness, get comfy and enjoy the ride.

Pikes The EWP Reserve Shiraz 2021

 

Dripping with class - wow. Kick back and embrace an arm armchair ride through the pleasure zone. A glorious Shiraz from the Clare Valley.

Tim Smith Grenache 2022

 

This is a bomb of pleasure that thrusts itself in your direction. Take a seat, get comfortable and pour large. Another excellent Tim Smith Grenache awaits.

Hayes Family Wines Barossa Valley Shiraz 2021

 

A blend of vineyards from the northern Barossa, this is a Shiraz that brings happiness and comfort in equal doses.

Hayes Family Wines Fromm Single Vineyard Shiraz 2021

 

This is a beauty and just gets better and better. I thought it was on fire on day two of tasting but it continued to impress as time went on. Get around this fabulous Single Vineyard Barossa Shiraz.

Hayes Family Wines Primrose Single Vineyard Shiraz 2021

 

If you enjoy richer styles, this Single Vineyard Primrose Shiraz release would be well placed in your cellar. Owner Brett Hayes says this is an intellectual wine. Sit beside a glass for a while and you can see what he means. It will be a late bloomer and time will be its friend.

Yelland and Papps Shiraz 2022

A Barossa Shiraz that is more focused on good times than getting in deep, this is a great wine to splash in some glasses and kick back with. 

Angullong Fossil Hill Montepulciano 2021

 

What a great drink this is. It's rich, generous and loaded with interest. Monte Australian style smashing the brief. 

Yelland and Papps Blanc 2022

 

If you enjoy Chardonnay you'd be sure to enjoy Roussanne and no one does it better than Yelland and Papps. Now with four interpretations of the variety, this Blanc delivers interest for days.

Shaw Wines Eden Valley Riesling 2022

 

This is new for Shaw Wines. I haven't seen them draw fruit from outside their immediate locality in the Canberra district til now. A wonderfully refreshing wine, the Eden Valley bath perfume trait diffuses luring you in. 

Yelland and Papps Vin De Soif 2022

 

If you only drink 95+ point wines, jog on. But if juicy and silky is in your wheelhouse, the slurp factor of this Grenache/Cinsault/Mataro blend brings the dance shoes and beats to the yard. Yeow!

Mount Langhi Bili Bili Shiraz 2021

 

It's been a while since I've seen a Billi Billi Shiraz. The last time was at a wedding many years ago. Classic function centre wine, this is reliable and is quite the bargain for 20 bucks.

Shaw Wines Estate Rosé 2022

 

An interesting pair of varieties thrown together for this Rosé but it works. A little darker in the glass with a cranberry juice tinge, it's a ready partner for a casual barbecue.

Mayfield Vineyard Eighteen Fifteen Chardonnay 2022

 

The Chardonnay from Mayfield's Orange vineyard sits nearly 900 metres above sea level. There is some pleasing complexity about this wine.

Mayfield Vineyard Backyard Riesling 2022

 

A smart Riesling from a new producer to me. From Orange, NSW, the minerally drive and cool climate vibe sing all the joyful things. 

Mayfield Vineyard Sophie's Godmother Sauvignon Blanc 2022

 

The New South Wales Orange region produces some great examples of Sauvignon Blanc. This tight and zesty release goes down really well.