Nepenthe Pinnacle Nebbiolo 2021

 

These "drink now" Nebbiolos are just fabulous to kick back with. Sure, the real deal with a bootleg of age is epic gear, but the insight these provide as a result of astute winemaking fills my bucket.

Nepenthe Pinnacle Mencia 2022

 

The Adelaide Hills is a Mencia hot spot at the moment. There are a vast array of interpretations of the variety which builds the curiosity factor. This release from Nepenthe is a spicy and dense rendition.

Yalumba The Steeple Shiraz 2019

 

I can't stop sipping this. Actually, substitute sipping with drinking. Just wow. Super silky with delicate spices, feed this Yalumba The Steeple to me via a drip.

Pewsey Vale Prima Riesling 2022

 

The first harvested fruit from this vineyard walks the tightrope of sweetness and acid with respectability. Nicely balanced, it is bright and expressive.

Winmark Single Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2021

 

Deliciously attractive, this is Hunter Valley Chardonnay in peak form. A superb wine from Winmark that will only continue to develop with some bottle age.

Montalto Merricks Pinot Noir 2022

 

Depth with a flirtatious prettiness. This Montalto Merricks is an attractive and savoury-driven Pinot with some oomph.

Gundog Estate Rare Game Shiraz 2022

 

A wine to embrace, the moreish appeal is gravitating. Inspired by the Hunter Burgundy wines of years gone by, this Gundog Estate is gloriously medium-bodied and drawn from two vineyards lying in the shadow of the Broken Back Range.

Yangarra Estate Preservative Free Grenache 2022

 

PF for Preservative Free. Such a pretty hue captures the eye but there is some heft in the glass. 

Soumah Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Cool climate Cabernet getting the juices flowing. And juicy is the word. Black fruits are the hero with this Soumah release.

Pewsey Vale Contours Museum Release Riesling 2013

 

Gloriously golden in the glass, the beauty of age radiates through this museum release Riesling, yet there is a beguiling freshness about its carry.

Winmark Icon 72 Chardonnay 2021

 

Named after the vines planted in 1972, Winmark is quite a beautiful vineyard in the Hunter Valley sub-region of Broke. A brand entirely devoted to Chardonnay (rejoice!), it has certainly made its mark after a few years.

After Five Wine Co Montepulciano 2021

Staining depth. A wine that really digs its claws in, this a very tidy expression of Montepulciano from the southern Barossa.

Burton McMahon D'Aloisio's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

 

Another beauty from Burton McMahon. These 2022 releases are humming and this D'Aloisio's Vineyard is no exception.

Sanguine Estate Inception Shiraz 2019

 

A cuddly Heathcote Shiraz from Sanguine Estate that draws you closer. 

Nepenthe Pinnacle Albariño 2022

 

Super fresh and inviting, send the Kingfish and prawns. What a thrilling Albariño we have here from Nepenthe.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2019

 

Xavier Bizot again proves he is the premier wine producer from the Wrattonbully region. This Vineyard Reserve deserves its time in the cellar. Do that and your patience will be rewarded deluxe.

Nepenthe Apex Chardonnay 2021

 

If you like your Chardonnay with some oak, this is waiting for you with open arms. Generously layered with a persistent finish, there is a lot going on.

Burton McMahon Syme Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

 

Spicier than its George's Vineyard sibling, this Syme Vineyard release from Burton McMahon is a superb Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. Give it a little more time to see it at its best as was proven over a couple of days of tasting.

After Five Wine Co Serata 2019

 

The blending of unlikely bedfellows Shiraz, Montepulciano and Aglianico (50/29/21) has delivered an absolute treat. A generous wine with a stunning savoury edge, be sure to decant to see it at its best.

Flametree Cabernet Merlot 2020

 

A fabulous Cabernet Merlot from Flametree that has so much to unpack.

Barossa Bourne Shiraz 2021

 

A spicy Shiraz from the hands of Stu Bourne that I would happily recommend.

Barossa Bourne Old Vine Grenache 2022

 

Put this Barossa Bourne Old Vine Grenache in the old boot category. Reliable and comfortable, keep it within reach and it won't let you down.

Burton McMahon George's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

 

The wines in the Burton McMahon range are in a sweet spot right now. A label worth following, this George's Vineyard Chardonnay is generous but impeccably weighted. Winning!

Barossa Bourne Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

A little firm on opening, give this Barossa Cabernet a little time to cool its heels.

Planta Circa Ancestor Grenache 2021

 

This Grenache from Purple Hands is a sheer delight to drink. Coming from Ancestor Vines planted in 1880, resistance is futile.

Twin Valleys Reserve Blanc de Blancs NV

 

A King Valley Blanc de Blanc without a great deal of interest.

Reflecting Light White Feather Chardonnay 2022

 

This Reflecting Light Chardonnay from the Macedon Ranges is a beautiful love story in a bottle. Chablis-esque, it's hard not to adore its shape and presence.

Burton McMahon George's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

 

Epically silky, this is a smashing Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from two mates with supreme winemaking IP.

Soumah Hexham Vineyard Syrah 2022

 

Oh, I like this. The drinkability of these Soumah wines never ceases to impress. Get one for now and one for later, you won't lose.

Deep Purple Hands Shiraz 2021

 

A dense and cuddly Barossa Shiraz, that as the name suggests, gets in deep. Yes!

Schild Estate Moorooroo Shiraz 2020

 

Planted in 1847, the Moorooroo vineyard is home to the oldest Shiraz vines in the world. Rich, dense and brooding, this is an excellent wine from Schild Estate.

Flametree Chardonnay 2022

 

Flametree produces quality wines and this Chardonnay is the best release in this range that I have seen for a number of years. Well priced at $30, you'll be able to track it down for a little less. And you should track it down, it's a great drink.

Winmark Wines Expressions Chardonnay 2021

 

The Winmark Wines Expressions Chardonnay is a blend of five blocks from a total of seven onsite. Each block is picked and fermented separately with French oak playing a small role. It's quite a beautiful drink.

Winmark Wines Rusty's Run 2022

 

Winmark Wines have landed with a bang since taking over the old Poole's Rock vineyard in 2016. After bottling their first wines in 2018, they just took out the award for Cellar Door of the Year at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards in 2023. Located in the Hunter Valley subregion of Broke Fordwich, they specialise in Chardonnay. This Rusty's Run is an expression of 'new world' Chardonnay and it hits the mark.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2021

 

A classic Aussie claret that smashes the brief from Terre à Terre. This is the fourth release of this wine with the label stamping its authority at Wrattonbully's premier producer.

Soul Growers Equilibrium GSM 2022

This is what a great GSM looks like. It's not about the points but more about the pleasure and the delish factor it delivers. This Soul Growers absolutely smashes the brief. Need a reliable red to fall back on? Look no further.

Colours of the South Mourvedre 2021

 

Juicy Barossa Mourvedre with a rustic edge. Tasty stuff indeed. Colours of the South deliver the Flavours of Happiness.

Smith and Hooper Cabernet Merlot 2021

 

A leafy and savoury driven Cabernet Merlot from Smith and Hooper.

Twin Valleys Prosecco 2023

 

A simple Prosecco that will tickle the fancy of those who enjoy a clean and crisp glass of fizz.

Twin Valleys Reserve Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV

 

Hello flavour. Where are you?

After Five Wine Co Shiraz 2021

 

After Five Wine Co. If there was ever a label wine drinkers would know back to front, it would be this one - coz we all want is something delish after five, right? Clever, smart booze. Polish, sheen, length and delish factor describe it best.

Storm King Wine Co Tempranillo 2022

 

Tempranillo with 60% whole bunch carbonic maceration - now that's pushing the dial with the variety and your taste buds are the winner. A great wine from Storm King Wine Co.

Soul Growers Provident Shiraz 2022

 

I've said it before and I'm happy to repeat the dose, this Soul Growers Provident Shiraz is a quintessential representation of what the Barossa does best. Having a few of these lying around is a wise decision for those times you need some comfort in a glass.

Yangarra Estate Noir 2022

 

Such an intriguing wine, this Yangarra Estate Noir is bursting with curiosity and interest. I could keep my nose in the glass for a while - it is so expressive. 

Storm King Wine Co Shiraz Malbec 2022

 

Quite an intriguing wine, this Shiraz Malbec keeps its cards close to its chest yet there is a mystique that keeps drawing you back for more time and again.

Barossa Bourne GSM 2022

 

Mid-week bliss on a platter, this is such an easygoing and uncomplicated slurp. This Barossa GSM is that bottle of red wine you can turn to if you seek a good drink without too much complexity. Not too heavy and not too light, it's smack bang in the safety zone.

Yalumba Barossa Shiraz 2021

 

Polished, this Barossa Shiraz from Yalumba is in tune with the dress code. It's here to please and it doesn't miss. What a rockstar!

Colours of the South Rosso 2020

  

A barbecue or roast night special. Generous with soft spices, this is a terrific drink.

Mount Pleasant Cellar Aged Semillon 2018

 

The Hunter Valley has no peer when it comes to Semillon. Be it fresh and vibrant new releases or a cellar release with some time under its belt, these wines done well are 'semsational'. This pristine 2018 from Mount Pleasant is proof of that.

Twin Valleys Alpine Valley Pinot Gris 2023

 

Like its King Valley sibling, this is an easy-drinking Pinot Gris ready to launch at your next lunch gathering.