A clean and easy-drinking Pinot Grigio from The Flying Winemaker, what strikes me about these wines is their approachability, and that itself is a critical factor when buying something off the shelf. Tick!
The Flying Winemaker Prosecco NV
A crowd-pleasing Prosecco from The Flying Winemaker. Sourced from the King Valley, it's a very easy fizz to kick back with.
Golden Grove Estate Vermentino 2023
Find me a better Vermentino. This is fresh, vibrant, layered and screaming for sun-shining days.
Mesh Eden Valley Riesling Classic Release 2016
Golden Grove Nero d'Avola 2022
Golden Grove Estate Shiraz Durif 2022
Not the most conventional blend but gee it works. There's drive, length and a fabulous presence all bundled up in one neat package.
Corryton Burge Cornelian Bay Pinot Noir 2023
These Corryton Burge labels are devoted to the family and this Cornelian Pinot is sourced from the Coal River region where Helen, the mother of the family, was born. A very good Tassie Pinot it is too.
Mesh Eden Valley Riesling 2023
An excellent Riesling with vibrance, clean lines and an acid length that just purrs, this Mesh 2023 from the Eden Valley is a ripper!
Rogers & Rufus Grenache Rosé 2023
Smashable summer time get up. Bone dry and delicious deluxe, make the most of these warm days with this splash of good times in your glass.
Parish Vineyard Riesling 2023
Pristine fruit, river stone minerality and taut acidity bring the mouth to water. This is an excellent Riesling from Tasmania's Coal River.
Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
And you thought the Tiers 1.5m was something special? Woah! This is a treat and then some. The Tiers from Tapanappa has quite rightly built itself a reputation over the years and this further cements its standing as one of the premier Chardonnays in Australia.
Corryton Burge The Brigadier Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
This is a nice drink but when you're spending 45 bucks I suppose you want a little more than nice.
Corryton Burge Percival Norman Shiraz 2020
There is more polish to this Percival Norman Shiraz from Corryton Burge compared to its entry-level sibling, keeping in mind they are from different vintages.
Tin Shed Melting Pot Shiraz 2021
This is my second look at this Tin Shed Melting Pot Shiraz 2021 in a couple of months. I scored it 88 in my previous review and I admire owner Claire Doughty for standing by her product and proudly proclaiming that the pinchy acidity I picked up last time was not representative of where it should be. Bottle variation is a real thing. Was I the victim of such?
Corryton Burge Shiraz 2021
As with those previously reviewed in this Corryton Burge range, the wines and the winemaking are consistent - well played there. This Barossa Shiraz ticks the boxes.
There is some heft here. Nothing to clout you over the head but enough to nudge you and subtly let you know that there is a new sheriff in town.
Smith and Hooper Pinot Grigio 2023
An easygoing, no-fuss Pinot Grigio from Smith & Hooper. It's one of those reliable pick ups from the bottle-o for your mid-week fix.
Hill-Smith Estate Eden Valley Chardonnay 2022
There's a softness and silky presence to this Hill-Smith Estate Chardonnay from the Eden Valley. It's a good drink for 25 bucks.
Zema Estate Family Selection Shiraz 2018
The Family Selection range of wines from Zema Estate sees their best fruit parcels brought together to express and highlight their patch of Coonawarra dirt. This Shiraz was singing after a decant highlighting its ability to age.
Wild Game The Duke Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
A Cabernet that is so at peace with itself yet you get the sense it is still holding some secrets close. The Duke from Wild Game has proven over the years that it is a top performer and here we go again.
Zema Estate Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
A quick whiff and a taste and the words "in the zone" immediately spring to mind. This is a fabulous Coonawarra Cabernet. Better still, I don't normally lean to a Cabernet after a tasting but I gladly enjoyed a couple of glasses of this - what a beauty! So varietal and SO delicious. I love its shape. It's manicured and detailed yet fine and elegant.
Ballandean Estate Malvasia 2023
Things have been shaken up quite literally at Ballandean Estate with this cloudy Malvasia now on the books. With an appearance that looks more like limoncello, it has equal levels of freshness and interest.
Brash Higgins Ripple 2023
Approachability is the hashtag that follows Brad Hickey on his trips around Oz and beyond. Known for producing wines of interest, this Ripple sees whole bunch Nero d'Avola flooded with Cabernet juice and carbonic maceration cutting loose to do its thing. The result is a juicy wine high in entertainment value.
Tapanappa Tiers 1.5m Chardonnay 2023
Finesse and purity all the way. The step up in class is evident compared to the Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay, this Tapanappa Tiers 1.5m is calming and stylish with a charismatic swagger.
Zema Estate Rosé 2023
A Rosé with some colour, and I don't mind that. Watermelon juice like in the glass, I find the darker Rosés lean themselves a little better to barbecued food - purely based on the fact that they generally have a little more fruit depth.
Zema Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Tropical and fresh, this is an easy party starter for those seeking a crisp and energetic white.
Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2023
Ballandean Estate Wild Ferment GFM 2023
The Puglisi family, the iconic name behind Ballandean Estate and the Queensland Wine Industry, embraces all things family, and this Wild Frement GFM is just like an Italian family gathering in a bottle. A diverse range of grapes come together in unison.
Ballandean Estate Wild Ferment Viognier 2023
Ballandean Estate's new winemaker Boxi Zhen is certainly showing his hand and expressing his personality through his wines. A new style of Viognier from this iconic Granite Belt producer, it was harvested in batches and fermented with wild yeast turning what was done prior on its head.
Turkey Flat Evolution Preservative Free Shiraz 2023
This is not the greatest Shiraz you'll ever have, but if you seek a juicy ball of delish, run to this. And sometimes such wines are the best wines that simply nourish your soul.
Miss Zilm Watervale Riesling 2023
A juicy and energetic Watervale Riesling from Miss Zilm. It's a step or two behind the previous release but it's an enjoyable Riesling no less. Also available in magnums, it makes gatherings in the sun that little more attractive.
Miss Zilm Fiano 2023
I like this. A lot. Here we have Clare Valley Fiano from Miss Zilm showing it can play alongside the Riesling contingent that the region is so well known for.
Miss Zilm Pinot Grigio 2023
Tasted the same day the 2024 was harvested (how's that for timing!), this 2023 release is a clean and well-formed Pinot Gris that doesn't want to chase the limelight. It's humble in its own skin delivering a wine that hits the mark.
Brash Higgins FRNC 2022
Pour a glass of this Cabernet Franc from Brash Higgins with its inviting savoury introduction and you'll sure be pleased with what's in front of you. It's a pleasure to drink without any bells and whistles, that's for sure.
Corryton Burge Pinot Gris 2023
Another solid wine from the Corryton Burge range. This Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris cruises along without any pomp or show and that's the way I like it. Good stuff.
Corryton Burge Eden Valley Riesling 2023
There is a fabulous consistency throughout this Corryton Burge range. This Eden Valley Riesling hits the mark in all the right places - attractive aromas and excitable fruit are the order of the day.
Arila Gardens Old Vine Shiraz Grenache 2022
Boom! Arila Gardens is a small Barossa producer absolutely smashing it. What a sweet ride this new Old Vine Shiraz Grenache blend is. Kick back, get comfy and embrace the sheer delight.
Corryton Burge Barossa Grenache 2023
Tasty gear bursting with attractive aromas, this is a solid Barossa Grenache for your drinking pleasure.
Corryton Burge The Patroness Chardonnay 2022
With fruit sourced from the Adelaide Hills, this Patroness Chardonnay is named after Grandmother Ethel Nancy and it's a tidy expression of the variety.
Wild Game Wines Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Brash Higgins R/SM 2022
This is the best Riesling/Semillon blend released by Brash Higgins to date. A 70/30 field blend, it is insanely delicious with a glorious mouthfeel and shape.
First Drop Wines Real Time Chardonnay 2022
Chardonnay with a good dose of oak. This is a roast chook night special from First Drop Wines.
First Drop Wines Vivo Arneis 2023
If you are yet to start your Arneis exploration I reckon this would be a very handy launch pad. An energetic and exuberant release from First Drop Wines, this is ideal for warm summer days.
First Drop Wines Endless Summer Pinot Grigio 2023
Endless Summer alright. The label gives off cool vibes and I do get drawn to a Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) with a slight blush appearance. Tasty stuff.
First Drop Following the Sun Prosecco 2023
This First Drop Wines Prosecco is an easygoing and fun sparkler.