QWine Reviews : April 2024

Even Keel Pinot Gris 2023

Cool, calm and charming, this is an excellent Pinot Gris from Polperro.

Chapel Hill Road Block Shiraz 2021

Big, rich and dense, there is a whole lot of love in this Chapel Hill Block Shiraz.

Chapel Hill The Vicar Shiraz 2021

Chapel Hill's flagship wine, the Vicar Shiraz 2021 glides along with absolute ease. Would it be bold to suggest it is even a little lacey? This is an excellent McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Yalumba FWS Botrytis Viognier 2023

Rich and concentrated, this is a great post-meal option matched with the right dessert. Lemon meringue pie, candied orange tart, or go one better, the Golden Gaytime - don't knock it until you've tried that combo.

Even Keel Heathcote Shiraz 2022

Heathcote isn't a region that hits this tasting bench all that often, so it was great to see this Shiraz make an appearance. Polperro's Even Keel range is sourced from a few regions and this Shiraz comes from the red Cambrian soils of Heathcote.

Penny's Hill Malpas Road Merlot 2022

This is a very tidy Merlot from Penny's Hill. It's generous and lengthy with fine lines. Tick!

Hesketh Dangerous Type Merlot 2021

If you seek an easy glass or two of red wine, this Dangerous Type Merlot from Hesketh is armed and ready. Smooth, no fuss, it glides along blissfully.

Mayfield Vineyard Mrs Crawford Pinot Noir 2023

A new wine for the Estate range, this Mayfield Vineyard Mrs Crawford Pinot Noir is a nod to Margaret Crawford who owned the property for 65 years taking over from James Crawford who established Suffolk Stud back in 1917 selling rams worldwide.

Head Wines Red Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

A rock-solid Barossa Cabernet from Head Wines that slides down with ease.

Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth 2020

Patience yields reward and this Parker Coonawarra First Growth is an excellent case in point. It took three days of tasting to find its groove and how good was it to wait it out. I'm pleased to report that it is a brilliant Cabernet.

Turkey Flat Grenache 2022

The winds of change have started to shift through Turkey Flat with this 2022 Grenache release hitting different to those that have come before. Not perched at the lofty heights that we have come know but it is still a very good drink.

O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz 2021

I could neck the lot. Such a fabulously approachable and well priced wine, this O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz is dense, silky and engulfed with black fruit.

Nightfall Wines Leo Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

I reviewed the Nightfall Leo Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 well before seeing this 2019. Nevertheless, here we are. Tuck this away in a dark place it will pay dividends.

Hesketh Twist of Fate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This is good Cabernet. It hits the mark, lands in the sweet spot, and is very easy on the hip pocket. Well done by the team at Hesketh.

Head Wines Riesling 2023

The label suggests to serve with white fish and a cream sauce. Bugger that. Find me a shady spot under a tree, a comfy recliner and a big glass of this Head Wines Riesling. Winning!

Head Wines Rosé 2023

Bone dry, this Head Wines Rosé does the job well. With a delightful fruit presence and onion skin appearance, this is sunset material.

Hesketh Auburn Fiano 2023

Two components of free-run juice and barrel fermentation have been blended to produce this Fiano from Hesketh Wines.

Hesketh Lost Weekend Chardonnay 2023

Curious aromas spill from the glass of this Hesketh Lost Weekend Chardonnay.

Castle Rock Estate A and W Pinot Noir 2023

In a word, excellent. This Castle Rock Estate A&W Pinot Noir speaks of the earth it sinks its roots into. Given its generosity, you could be forgiven for thinking it comes from Central Otago.

Ox Hardy Upper Tintara Shiraz 2022

Pour this and your eyes will light up. There is a polish about its appearance as it glistens before you. Hello to another impressive Upper Tintara Shiraz from Ox Hardy.

Hesketh Watervale Riesling 2023

Boom! What a delicious Riesling this Hesketh Watervale Riesling is. I suspect you'll find it for less than its RRP around the traps, and if you do, jump on it.

Penny's Hill The Agreement Sauvignon Blanc 2023

A little ray of sunshine, this Sauvignon Blanc showcasing the new Penny's Hill contemporary label is alive and excited.

Hesketh Regional Selections Pinot Noir 2022

This Hesketh Regional Selections Pinot Noir is more of a lighter-bodied Shiraz than an elegant and fine lined Pinot Noir.

Castle Rock Estate Diletti Pinot Noir 2023

Bright with an energetic lift, it was an excellent exercise tasting this beside its siblings. From the Porongurup sub-region of the Great Southern, this Castle Rock Estate Diletti is the wine I kept coming back to.

Parker Coonawarra Estate Kidman Shiraz 2022

A rustic type, this Kidman Shiraz opens up a treat. The Parker Coonawarra wines have stepped up in recent years with Ox Hardy at the helm and this is a quality drink well worth tucking away.

Ox Hardy Chardonnay 2023

This Chardonnay from Ox Hardy grew on me I must admit. Give it some time to settle and you'll be rewarded.

Even Keel Chardonnay 2022

Even Keel. It's been a while. Hammered by weather issues, small crop volumes and the like in recent years, it's great to see the label come across the bench once again. These are smart wines made by the very personable and hilarious Sam Coverdale.

Nightfall Wines Lupus Merlot 2021

One of the better Merlots I've seen for a while, this Nightfall Lupus is coiled and focused with a furrowed brow. A keeper, give it the time it deserves and let it breathe and you'll be rewarded in spades.

Castle Rock Estate Pinot Noir 2023

Damn, this is a great drink. It's a shining beacon for how fabulously approachable and delicious Great Southern Pinot Noir can be. Pour this large.

Nightfall Wines Aquila Cabernet Franc 2021

What a beauty! This Aquila Cabernet Franc from Nightfall Wines glides with ease. There is an unmissable precision as it seemingly floats through the mouth.

Ox Hardy Grenache 2022

Delicate, supple and a joy to embrace, this is a fabulous Grenache from Ox Hardy. If you seek a silky, juicy glass or two of a medium-bodied red, this will fill your bucket and then some.

Head Wines Red GSM 2022

A terrific food wine, you won't lose with this in your glass. This classic GSM blend from Head Wines is very much an all-rounder.

Yalumba The Virgilus Viognier 2022

Australia's best Viognier? Absolutely! Not one winery in Australia has hung its hat on Viognier as its flagship white wine, but Yalumba has. They've been singing its praises for 40+ years and this Virgilus 2022 is another excellent release.

Hesketh Twist of Fate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

A smooth, soulful Cabernet at a very reasonable $16. Value much? This Hesketh Twist of Fate is a handy drink.

Head Wines Les Blancs 2023

This is a ripping autumn drink. Great fruit. Great texture. Interest all round. Hello to the Head Wines Les Blancs 2023.

Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2022

Sleek, silky and juicy sum up this fabulous Old Vine Grenache from Head Wines.

Hesketh Regional Selections Woodside Gamay 2023

Brand new and sourced from the Adelaide Hills subregion of Woodside, this Gamay is part of the ever-growing Hesketh range of wines. So delicious, slinky and slurpable, you could get very dangerous with this.

Hesketh Rules of Engagement Pinot Grigio 2023

This Hesketh Rules of Engagement Pinot Grigio is a great buy for 16 bucks. Tidy fruit with some textural interest = winning!

Hesketh Regional Selections Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Clean and crisp, this Hesketh Regional Selections Sauvignon Blanc is a clear step up from the entry level Bright Young Things.

Hesketh Wild at Heart Rosé 2023

A bone dry Rosé looking to wash down a burger or a barbecued meal.

Hesketh Bright Young Things Sauvignon Blanc 2023

This Hesketh Bright Young Things Sauvignon Blanc offers simple pleasure.

Nightfall Wines Draco Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

The best of the best from Nightfall Wines, this Draco is a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and is the flagship for the brand. A sheer delight to embrace, over a few days of tasting it loosened the belt buckle and sat back in a more relaxed manner. Rest assured, it will live long and will reward your patience.

Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Pinot Noir 2022

The Oakridge Vineyard Series is on fire at the moment. This Willowlake Pinot Noir is such a beautiful wine. Pillows of super fine tannins glide through effortlessly. Go here.

Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2022

There's a song that goes, "All we are saying, is give Viognier a chance." Or is that peace? Either or, you're winning both ways with this Yalumba Eden Valley in your glass. Grab a glass and sit back to feel some inner peace. This is a great drink for 28 bucks.