Best of 2023

2023 was another big year for this humble site and things continue to rumble along at full steam. 667 wine reviews were posted taking the all-time total to over 6550! 

I ventured to the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, Mudgee and Orange to press some flesh as well as meet a diverse array of producers whose wines I've never seen before. As always, I am grateful for the generous time winemakers give me to learn about their wines and their patch of dirt.

As I reflect on the last 12 months, one noticeable difference in the reviews has been the increased quality of wines that have come across the tasting bench. I'm most grateful for all samples that are sent but it is clear that my site and words are valued by an array of esteemed and proven producers with many newbies getting on board too. I really value and cherish these relationships - a most sincere thank you to you all!

Stella Bella Otro Vino Pinot Grigio 2023

 

The laid-back feels of this Pinot Grigio from Stella Bella are expressed on the label and they are evident in the glass. Lazing by the pool, casual long lunches or sunsets, this seems to have all the easy times covered.

Tin Shed Wines Wild Bunch Riesling 2023

This Wild Bunch Riesling from Tin Shed Wines is a solid summertime refreshment from Tin Shed Wines. Pretty aromas and chalky feels show its Eden Valley roots.

Tin Shed Wines Single Wire Shiraz 2021

 

Sourced from a grower using organic and minimal intervention processes, this Single Wire Shiraz from Tin Shed Wines comes from the cooler climes of the Eden Valley.

McLeish Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

More serious than its entry-level sibling and already with four years under its belt, this Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from McLeish Estate is shaping up nicely to drink now or hold a bit longer.

McLeish Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

Silky, this Cabernet from McLeish Estate glides through the mouth.

Tin Shed Wines Melting Pot Shiraz 2021

 

A Barossa Shiraz from Tin Shed Wines that has good bones.

Oliver’s Taranga Fiano 2023

 

The Queen of Fiano is well in command of her throne people. This is hands down proper Fiano from Oliver's Taranga.

Tin Shed Lazy Arvo Grenache 2022

 

Juicy and joyous, this Lazy Arvo Grenache from Tin Shed is imminently smashable. It's a terrific wine that you'll see off in no time.

Barossa Bourne Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2022

Looking for a wine with depth and a casual charisma? This Barossa Bourne Cabernet Malbec is your weapon.

McLeish Estate Reserve Semillon 2021

 

With already two years under its belt, this McLeish Estate Reserve Semillon 2021 is in top nick and moving in the right direction before hitting the aging phase of its development.

3 Rings Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

Like its Shiraz stablemate, this 3 Rings Cabernet is quite spicy, but the silky feels call you that little bit closer.

3 Rings Shiraz 2021

 

A good Shiraz to give you insides a cuddle. Spicy, it's an easy go-to for a midweek meal or wine o'clock at the campground. For $20, it's good going.

Paulmara Estates Aristotle Shiraz 2018

 

Give this Aristotle Shiraz from Paulmara Estates some time to open up and it shines like the wheels on a muscle car.

White Gate Wines Nero d'Avola 2023

 

When life gives you lemons, drink this ripping Nero! What a delight this is. Soft, youthful, juicy and vibrant - come at me.

White Gate Wines Misfit 2023

 

Aptly named 'Misfit' given the four varieties blended were probably never meant to be together, this is a unique wine that is soft and silky with waves of black pepper washing through.

Yalumba Sanctum Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Off the Yalumba Menzies Vineyard in Coonawarra, the pedigree is real so you know this Sanctum is no mug. 

Paulmara Estates Blanc de Noir 2023

 

This is the perfect wine to mess with everyone's head during a Wine Options game. I had a shot at the variety used and failed. My journey took me to Italy but the little known variety on these shores hails from the Mediterranean and it stole the show. A terrific food wine, charge at your weekend barbecue with this under your arm.

Paulmara Estates Mêlée 2021

 

The Mêlée from Paulmara Estates is a curious blend of Sangiovese, Shiraz and Malbec that just works. It's a wine with fruit density, a long finish and handfuls of fine spices. Consider it a special for woodfired pizza or souvla night.

White Gate Wines Ramekin 2023

 

90 year old Semillon was handpicked and destemmed before being tossed into two Amphora for a month on skins. Wild fermentation took place and the result is an expressive take on a Barossa variety that is often forgotten about.

White Gate Wines White Blend 2023

 

White Gate Wine Co is a trendy little producer in the Barossa not afraid to push the boundaries. This White Blend sees Semillon, Viognier and Riesling (45/45/10) come together with the Semillon sitting on skins for the 10 days.

Paulmara Estates MARAnanga Shiraz 2021

 

A classic Barossa Shiraz from Paulmara Estates that brings together generous fruit and all those spice cupboard delights.

DAOSA Blanc de Blancs 2019

From one of the highest vineyards in the Adelaide Hills comes this pearler of a sparkling. Celebrate with this in your glass and you'll be surrounded by nothing but big smiles.

Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache Blanc 2023

 

I made the comment in a recent review that Grenache Blanc was just about non-existent a few years ago and now it is sprouting everywhere across the Barossa. This is Yalumba's debut release and it is elite. What a cracking drink! My tasting turned into a drinking. 

Oliver's Taranga Brioni's Blend 2023

 

This wine blew my mind last year and once again it has hit the mark. So juicy, it's a a fabulous slurp.

DAOSA Natural Réserve NV

An easy-going sparkling from the Adelaide Hills, the sixth release of this DAOSA Natural Réserve NV has an easy come, easy go swagger. Not much will ruffle its feathers, and nor should it as you sip on this with sheer delight.

Arila Gardens Gardens of Moppa Shiraz 2022

 

The Gardens of Moppa Shiraz 2021 from Arila Gardens was an absolute beauty, but this 2022 is pegged back a notch or two. Not as rich and mouth-coating as previous releases, it still carries itself well.

McLeish Estate Victoria Chardonnay 2023

 

Hot off the press comes this very tidy McLeish Estate Victoria Chardonnay 2023. 

McLeish Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023

 

Oh, I like this. There's some great shape here, but for all the beauty that it is and can be, it's a touch young for now. Just like Wilson Phillips, hold on for one more day. Actually, make that a year or two.

McLeish Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2019

 

Rich and concentrated, this Reserve Chardonnay 2019 from McLeish Estate is more developed than I anticipated.

Oliver's Taranga Chica Rosé 2023

Formerly known as the Chica Mencia Rosé, nature showed its hand and kept the Mencia yield down. So, the 2023 Chica Rosé is a Shiraz and Mencia blend (55/45). Don't be disheartened, it's still a great drink.

Yalumba Y Series Chardonnay 2023

 

I had the opportunity to taste this Y Series Chardonnay alongside the new Lighter release which comes in at only 7% alcohol. This "normal" wine is more rounded and polished when comparing the two.

Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio 2023

 

Tasted alongside the new Lighter Pinot Grigio (7% alc) in the Y Series range, from the first whiff you can tell this is a lot more serious. It's a great drink for the money.

Yalumba Y Series Lighter Chardonnay 2023

 

A new wine in the Y Series range, this Lighter Chardonnay comes in at 7% alc compared to the 12.5% of the "normal" release. I tasted the two alongside one another to get a picture of where things were at and this Lighter Chardonnay is pretty good.

Yalumba Y Series Lighter Pinot Grigio 2023

A new wine in the Y Series range, this Lighter Pinot Grigio comes in at 7% alc compared to the 12% of the "normal" release. With the no and low alcohol movement gaining momentum, this is a pleasing addition to the range.

Oliver's Taranga Mencia 2023

 

Already the Queen of Fiano, Corrina Wright is a go-getter and I reckon she's claimed the Queen of Mencia title too. One of the first to bring Mencia to McLaren Vale, her fruit is now sourced by a few others in the region. The quality is unquestionable and it has continued to surge since its first release in 2016.

O'Leary Walker GSN 2022

 

The debut of something creative and new from O'Leary Walker - hello GSN! Scratch the Mataro/Mourvedre that we know of as a usual accomplice and replace it with Nero d'Avola. A little spicy but there is some richness yet enough juicy factor to embrace. Tick!

O'Leary Walker Gruner Riesling 2023

 

The O'Leary Walker Seasonal Release range continues to stretch the curiosity and here we go again. This is a 50/50 blend where Gruner Veltliner meets O'Leary Walker's prized and pretty Watervale Riesling. Clean, tight and crisp, the OLW team might be onto something here.

Oliver's Taranga Grenache 2023

 

So juicy and incredibly delicious, this Oliver's Taranga Grenache throws its arms open ready for a welcoming embrace. This highlights once again why Millenials are gravitating to medium-bodied glasses of happiness like this.

Tim Smith Bugalugs Blanc 2023

 

Tim Smith's Bugalugs Red is all Captain Charisma with its easygoing nature. Now the red has a permanent partner with the Blanc seeing its second release. This is all tapas, pintxos and cheese boards. Personally, cheese Twisties won't go amiss. Above all, big love for the textural vibes here. Kick back as the sun falls from the sky and let the worries of the world pass you by. Bliss.

Aristotelis ke Anthoula Little Red 2022

 

I followed the instructions and served this slightly chilled - who says you can't drink red wine in summer? A juicy red fruit with a fine spritz, this is calling out for a charcuterie board or a pulled pork roll.

Tim Smith Riesling 2023

 

Serious Riesling from a not so serious producer. Tim Smith's laid back persona comes through in his wines and what a brilliant drink this is! The prettiness and splendour of the Eden Valley are on show here. Bring it!

Aristotelis ke Anthoula Sonnyboy 2023

 

Only recently I had a Riesling that took me down memory lane back to my childhood with Whizz Fizz and Pine Lime Splice highlights and now we have this Sonnyboy from Aristotelis ke Anthoula stirring up the past again. Those were carefree days sucking on those iconic icy cold triangular bricks after a long and hot day at school. Good times! This is a tasty treat too. Welcome to funky town with this textural delight.

Ihana Shiraz 2022

 

A Formula 1 driver meets a sixth-generation McLaren Vale producer, Ihana (Finnish for wonderful or fantastic) is a collaboration between Valtteri Bottas and Oliver's Taranga. There is a calm and admirable presence about its carry, a self-confident swagger of sorts for a wine that should be walking with arrogance given its pedigree. But it's the humility that I warm to.

DAOSA Rosé 2021

Delicious! Sunsets are made easy with approachable and considered wines like this. The DAOSA Rosé 2021 is a Blanc de Noirs with detailed complexity and smooth delivery that oozes relaxation vibes.

Oliver's Taranga Vermentino 2023

 

Going on holidays? Pack this in your bag. Lazy days by the water and a glass or two of this will ensure the worries of the world pass you by. Clean, crisp and refreshing, this is a delightful Vermentino from Oliver's Taranga.

Yelland and Papps Limited Cuvée 2019

 

With a brighter personality compared to its 2018 sibling, this Yelland & Papps Limited Cuvee 2019 stands with arms wide open possessing interest and vibe. Oozing moreishness, this is a classy old school Shiraz.

Yelland and Papps Limited Cuvée 2018

 

From 1960s vines planted in the Barossa sub-region of Greenock, this Limited Cuvée has been released with five years bottle age. Dense and weighty, it carries less alcohol than its more vibrant 2019 sibling. Tasting the two releases side by side was quite the treat.

Tenafeate Creek Vincenzo 2021

 

A tribute to winemaker Michael Costa's nonno Vincenzo Costa, this comes in a big hefty bottle. It's a weapon and immediately gives the sense that this is a serious wine. And it is.

Tenafeate Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022

 

A respectable Cabernet Merlot blend from Tenafeate Creek that shows good varietal traits with a spicy tempo throughout.