This Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Pinot Noir is nothing but a silk sheet of purity and finesse.
Oakridge 864 Funder and Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay 2021
There is a point in time when you think that Oakridge can't get any better and then a new vintage rolls over. What an incredibly pristine Chardonnay this Funder & Diamond Drive Block is. It is absolutely gorgeous from top to toe and is draped in silk and oozes sophistication.
Raidis Estate Laila Rosé 2023
The Raidis kids are growing up fast and owners Steve and Emma have now named a wine after each of them - beautiful! This Laila Rosé is a party machine, much like the young lady herself. Pour it large and kick up your heels.
Terroirs of the Granite Belt Chardonnay 2010
Raidis Estate The Kid Riesling 2023
This is elite. What a brilliant Riesling from the red Coonawarra soils! A region known for its Cabernets, scratch the surface a little and you'll find that Riesling flourishes here too. Put this Raidis Estate on top of your hit list for an inexpensive drive through the pleasure zone.
Hayes Family Wines Primrose Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Cape Barren Rare Bird Shiraz 2018
Cape Barren Native Goose Shiraz Grenache 2021
A generous and ripe Shiraz Grenache from Cape Barren, this McLaren Vale blend calls for a cool night in or a weekend by the campfire.
After Five Wine Co Montepulciano 2021
Montepulciano from the southern Barossa and it's another very good release from the ever-reliable and consistent After Five Wine Co. under the guise of Purple Hands Wines. This glistens in the glass and captures my eye immediately. It speaks of the clay soils it comes from with a silty tannin presence.
Cape Barren Native Goose Rosé 2023
This is a Rosé that is sure to find a legion of fans. Its engaging personality and bright presence ticks all the boxes you need for a reliable weekend drink in the sun surrounded by big smiles.
Cape Barren Native Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2023
A starburst of tropical fruit explodes from the glass courtesy of this Cape Barren Sauvignon Blanc that is sourced from the Adelaide Hills.
Hayes Family Wines Estate Mataro 2023
Bright, welcoming and energised aromas spill from the glass. It's an invitation hard to refuse. As time goes on it bunkers down and gets serious. Another ripping Mataro from Hayes Family Wines.
Raidis Estate The Trip Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The Trip is the big dog of the Raidis Estate clan, but given their love of goats, perhaps it's the Big Goat or the G.O.A.T.? Whatever way you look at it, it's an excellent insight into how contemporary Coonawarra Cabernet will look with some time under its belt.
Hayes Family Wines Estate Block 2 Grenache 2023
Hayes Family Wines has a vast array of Grenache wines with fruit sourced from all over the Barossa, but it's this Estate block which I have always enjoyed. There is something about its flow and presence that I gravitate to. With a flurry of good years of late, this 2023 backs off a notch from the stellar 2022. Notwithstanding, it's still a delicious wine in its own right.
Hayes Family Wines Marananga Shiraz 2021
Terroirs of the Granite Belt Shiraz 2008
It's not every day a 16-year-old sample from the Granite Belt arrives on the doorstep. Given its age and the time it spent in temperature-controlled storage, the $59 RRP seems quite inexpensive. Above all, it's a wine that is a very good example to learn and understand what aged wine can deliver without burning a hole in your pocket.
Fierce III Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Georges Road Les Terrasses Rosé 2023
A summertime Rosé, the 4.5g/L of residual sugar protrudes a little but the crunch from the red apple can't be denied.
Raidis Estate Emma Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Gris 2022
Emma Raidis is a sparkling, vivacious personality so it's no surprise that Raidis Estate's sparkling is named after her.
Colours of the South Rosso 2021
Raidis Estate Mama Goat Merlot 2022
A groovy little Merlot from Raidis Estate. There's an energy and vibe that grabs my attention early. Personality and interest are always a good thing when it comes to Merlot.
Oxford Landing One to One Merlot 2021
Soft and silky, this Oxford Landing One to One Merlot is an easy going drink. Golden hour at the camp site or a pizza wine, it's a bit of an allrounder that ticks the box.
Oxford Landing One to One Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Very much a young Cabernet, this Oxford Landing One to One is a good drink sure to please.
After Five Wine Co Aglianico 2019
Aglianico is the bass player in the band. A sturdy, reliable type that hits the right notes consistently. This release from the After Five Wine Co is an engaging cuddle in a glass. Generous with a dash of energy, it's a wine that grows on you. Winning!
Purple Hands Deep Purple Hands Shiraz 2022
What a name - Deep Purple Hands. Is anyone else thinking smoke on the water? As the name suggests, this is deep, dense and dripping with generosity. This is Barossa Shiraz done very well from Purple Hands Wines.
Georges Road Selection Pinot Gris 2023
This is the best Pinot Gris I have seen for a little while. It's an absolutely ripping wine! The detail, the interest and the wonderfully managed weight deliver a fabulous expression of the variety. Run at this. Please do.
Vinifera Reserve Organic Chardonnay 2023
Oxford Landing One to One Shiraz 2021
This is a tidy Shiraz that drives along in cruise control. The One to One range from Oxford Landing covers a lot of bases but those bases are covered well with a bunch of reliable wines on offer.
Georges Road L'Etranger Pinot Noir 2022
Georges Road is a small winery an hour's north of Christchurch in the Waipara region. These wines are considered and well made. The L'Etranger Pinot Noir fruit is sourced from Central Otago. A wonderful expression of the variety, this will age beautifully.
Mount Langi Ghiran Talus Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2021
Purple Hands Mataro Grenache Shiraz 2022
Mount Langi Ghiran Talus Shiraz 2021
Peppery, oaky, spicy and minty sum up this Shiraz from a flavour profile perspective, but it's the lack of drive and penetration from the fruit that draws my attention. For the money, it doesn't match what you'd expect. Perhaps some bottle age may help it come together, but for the moment, I can't see it.
Vinifera Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
I could get comfortable with this Vinifera Organic Cabernet. Very comfortable. From the Mudgee region, it's a Cabernet that just keeps tapping on your shoulder asking questions and I'm more than happy to oblige.
Purple Hands Shiraz 2022
Smack bang in classic Barossa Shiraz territory, this Purple Hands is a great drink and it's one that reliably produces the goods year after year.
Oxford Landing One to One Rosé 2023
Gee, this Oxford Landing One to One Rosé hits the mark. What a great Rosé for $20! Bargain much?
Oxford Landing One to One Brut Cuvée NV
A crowd-pleasing fizz, this Oxford Landing One to One Brut Cuvee will add some sparkle to your casual drinks.
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Chardonnay 2022
This bunch of new releases from Mount Langi Ghiran are a really tidy set and this Cliff Edge Chardonnay is a beauty for the asking price. It gets in deep and runs long - delicious!
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Riesling 2023
Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Pinot Gris 2023
This Pinot Gris from Mount Langhi Ghiran has some swagger. It's cool with a charming persona and a little attitude you could say. And I like it.
Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Rosé 2022
Billi Billi is the creek that runs near the Mount Langhi Ghiran property, and happiness seems to flow with ease with a glass of this in hand. From a range of wines that reliably delivers for the price point, this Rosé is no different.
Vinifera Organic Gran Tinto 2022
Some hefty savoury aromas offer a curious introduction to this interesting Tempranillo, Shiraz, Graciano (48/28/24) blend from Mudgee's Vinifera. And savoury is certainly the buzzword.
Georges Road Block Three Riesling 2022
From a tiny Waipara producer an hour's north of Christchurch comes this most impressive Riesling. Inspired by his time him Alsace, winemaker Kirk Bray delivers the goods with this fabulous Block Three release.
Golden Grove Estate SPV Reserve Sparkling Vermentino 2022
Sparkling Vermentino! This is a fabulous aperitif. Alive and vibrant, it possesses a joyous mousse and energetic fizz. Coupled with its subtle complexity, it's a wonderful sparkling for something a little different.
Mount Langi Ghiran Pepper Series Shiraz 2022
Pepper Series by name and Pepper Series by taste. An Aldi exclusive from Mount Langi Ghiran, it sees 15% new French oak for twelve months. It's good buying for $16.
Vinifera Organic Tempranillo 2023
Flush with aromas that are vibrant and alive, this is a most inviting Tempranillo from Mudgee's Vinifera.
The Flying Winemaker Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
The Flying Winemaker sources fruit from various regions across Australia and internationally. This is an easy-going Margaret River Cabernet from The Flying Winemaker at a competitive price point.
Golden Grove Estate Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2018
It's fair to say not many handle Tempranillo like this in Australia and the longevity this exudes is a credit to the making. From the oldest Tempranillo vines at Golden Grove Estate, the depth, density and complexity will ensure this will continue to live long.
The Flying Winemaker Little Pig Rosé 2022
A bone-dry Rosé from Margaret River that is ready for your next barbecue. It's an approachable drink and I can see how some folk would gravitate to it time and again.