With the low and no alcohol movement gaining plenty of momentum, this Pewsey Vale Lighter Riesling fits the brief wonderfully coming in at 9%. The tang and refreshment factor is immense.
Briar Ridge Limited Release Wrattonbully BDX 2021
Named the BDX, you could assume it's a Bordeaux blend but its main player is Barbera. It's not so Bordeaux then is it? But given the appellation law has changed (a law many would be oblivious to), it's a curious name I must admit.
Torbreck Les Amis Grenache 2020
With its feet steeped in stone soils, the Torbreck Les Amis is a wine with a heavy oak influence. Made for later, put it away and bring it out in 10 years+.
Yelland and Papps Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Barossa Cabernet doesn't usually entice me into a deep dive but I'm ready to somersault into this Yelland & Papps release with pike. Damn delicious and easy to drink, it's insanely smooth and velvet like.
Hesketh Regional Selections Pinot Noir 2022
An easy-drinking, medium bodied Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills.
Seville Estate Old Vine Reserve Pinot Noir 2021
Gorgeous. It's got some depth yet it glides with absolute ease. Its class seeps from every pore. An excellent Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from Seville Estate.
Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
A great Cabernet that lives in the shadow of The Menzies. You don't miss out on too much here. It's another quality drop from Yalumba.
Seville Estate Dr McMahon Reserve Pinot Noir 2021
Select. Precise. Earthy. Delicious. That's it in a nutshell. A thought-provoking and well-made Pinot Noir from Seville Estate. The critical factor here is that it is not a wine for now. Tuck it away and forget about it. Let ageing and the glamour of excellent winemaking do their thing.
Hesketh Lobethal Chardonnay 2022
Always a reliable wine in the Hesketh portfolio, this Adelaide Hills Chardonnay ticks the boxes.
Hesketh Rules of Engagement Pinot Grigio 2023
Fruity! Plenty of vibrant aromas explode from the glass. An easy-drinking and excitable Pinot Grigio that won't break the bank.
Seville Estate Pinot Noir 2021
That steady and calm yacht cruising along on clear waters, that's what this Pinot Noir is. What a beauty!
Yalumba Eden Valley Syrah 2021
This Eden Valley Syrah found its mojo after a couple of days of tasting. To say it developed wonderfully in that time would be an understatement. Give it a good decant or some time in the cellar and kick back to be rewarded for your patience.
Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2022
If lean and pristine is your go-to Chardonnay, this is probably not your bag. The depth and sophistication are captivating, although it must be said, this is not big and bulky. Winemaker Simon Black again shows his prowess and ethereal handling.
Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2021
Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2021
From Escarpment's Cobble Stone Vineyard comes this Pahi Pinot Noir. Comprised of four clones, it's tense and will benefit from some bottle age.
Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2022
A Pinot that just gets in deep. The feel and flow lend themselves to a D&M with the one you love. The sophistication, smooth lines and that little dancy beat, count me in.
Yalumba Homefulness Shiraz 2021
Everyone is a winner with this Homefullness Shiraz from Yalumba. The previous release Grenache hit the mark and was a great success and this is sure to follow the same trajectory.
Bethany Wines First Village Shiraz 2021
Tasty gear. Really tasty. It's such an enjoyable Barossa Shiraz that shows some oak. There is enough depth to sink your teeth into and enough joy to get you tapping your foot to the beat.
Juxtaposed Sangiovese 2021
Stockman's Ridge Signature Gruner Veltliner 2022
This Stockman's Ridge Signature Gruner Veltliner was harvested riper and barrel fermented to differentiate it from its sibling. The different handling is telling and the generosity is evident.
Stockman's Ridge Rider Gruner Veltliner 2022
There are two Gruner Veltliners in the Stockman's Ridge range and this Rider label showcases the freshness and vibrance that the variety can deliver.
Seville Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2021
These Seville Estate Chardonnays are schmick and radiate focus and precision. Dylan McMahon has an eye for detail and he is in his element here. The Reserve 2020 stood tall against its peers in a recent tasting of some top-flight Yarra Valley Chardys. This 2021 is super as well.
Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2022
Strawberries and cherries are all the rage and the slurpability factor is super high. There are cool wine bar vibes about this Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir.
Seville Estate Reserve Shiraz 2020
The sophistication and concentration of this Seville Estate Reserve Shiraz are telling when tasted beside its impressive Estate sibling. This is an excellent wine to embrace.
Montalto Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2022
One of the best value Chardonnays going around, this Montalto Pennon Hill punches well above its price point. The victim of a couple of weather impacted vintages, it hasn't been sighted for a couple of years so it's great to see it hit the tasting bench once more.
Seville Estate Chardonnay 2021
I could drink gallons of this stuff. There is depth with some concentration yet it possesses a charming flow and dancy beat.
Castle Rock Estate A and W Pinot Noir 2022
Welland Wines Old Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
If you are looking to invest in a Cabernet that will reward patience, you won't be let down by this Welland Wines Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon. The power and depth will drive it beyond a decade with ease.
Castle Rock Estate Diletti Pinot Noir 2022
This Castle Rock Estate Diletti Pinot Noir is quite the step up from the entry level wine in the range of three. Sleek with polished edges, I found it irresistible.
Welland Wines Valley and Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
This is a rock-solid Cabernet blend of Barossa and Eden Valley fruit. It's a smart wine that shows some muscle. If you like 'em on the larger side, this will be up your alley.
Welland Wines Old Hands Shiraz 2021
A curvacious beauty going places. Give it time and watch it shine.
Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Seville Estate Shiraz 2020
Gee this is a great cool climate Shiraz. Silky, it glides through the mouth before dusty tannins swoop.
Seville Estate Dr McMahon Shiraz 2019
From the original 1972 Shiraz plantings, only 50 dozen of this 2019 Dr McMahon were produced. Silky with a rustic edge, it took a couple of days to get about its work.
Castle Rock Estate Pinot Noir 2022
Bethany First Valley Grenache 2021
Imagine jumping around on a pile of juicy raspberries - precisely what is happening here. This is a super delicious and smashable Grenache coming at ya from Bethany Wines.
Earthworks Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
A Barossa Cabernet with lots of green capsicum, leafy things and dried herbs skipping out to greet you.
Yarra Yering Chardonnay 2021
A Chardonnay with refined purity and excellent balance, well-handled fruit is coupled with pristine citrus highlights and a minerally drive. Superb!
Soumah Hexham Pinot Noir 2022
Yelland and Papps Greenock Shiraz 2021
A classic fire pit wine from the Barossa's Yelland & Papps. Seeing 23 months in third use French oak, head this way if you adore an earthy, dense and concentrated Shiraz.
Yelland and Papps Old Vine Grenache 2022
What sheer delight this is. A glorious ride through the pleasure zone, this Old Vine Grenache is a joyous expression of the variety.
Mount Pleasant Mount Henry Shiraz Pinot Noir 2022
In a word, wow! The balance and finesse are captivating. A classic Hunter Valley blend done with a contemporary sheen.
Welland Wines Valley and Valley Shiraz 2022
I previously tasted this wine in the Welland Vineyard on the back of a ute with owner Ben Chapman back in April. It was tasted soon after bottling and the three months since has certainly made a difference and helped it settle into its shoes.
Juxtaposed Wait Vineyard Shiraz 2021
Dr Wes Pearson is all about detail and the one percenters and the new labels for his Juxtaposed wines express the finer details for wine nerds like me - winning! From the Sandy Corner Block of the Wait Vineyard comes this excellent McLaren Vale Shiraz off 55-year-old vines.
Soumah d'Soumah Pinot Noir 2022
Light, bright and fresh, this is an easygoing Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley.
Tim Smith Bugalugs Shiraz 2022
Tim Smith sends me an email and says, "I've got an emerging new variety from the Barossa, it’s only taken 180 years to get where it’s at now…." He might be onto something with this Barossa Shiraz thing. And I reckon he has nailed it. Pour this large, it's a great drink.
Wild Game The Duke Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
My last look at this Wild Game The Duke Cabernet was from the 2012 vintage. At the time I suggested it could be the bargain of the year for $22 with eight years bottle age. This 2014 release has similar age but the price has skipped up. It's still a ripping deal no less.