QWine Reviews : July 2024

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2020

Absolutely superb, this Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2020 is a step up on previous releases. A 78/22 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, it's tense, tight with quality dripping from every pore.

Usher Tinkler Reserve Shiraz 2022

I've shared bottles of this Usher Tinkler Reserve Shiraz in the past but to my surprise, I have not reviewed it til now. Vivid memories of fireside chats and a large charcuterie board in the Hunter Valley a few years ago come racing back. Good times. This 2022 release is a fabulous wine.

Usher Tinkler Red Shiraz Pinot Noir 2023

Cool wine bar kind of gear. Relaxing beats pumping in the background and a few plates of tapas with a glass or two of this Usher Tinkler Red Shiraz Pinot Noir will do the job just fine.

Soumah Hexham Pinot Noir 2023

From a challenging year, this Soumah Hexham Vineyard shines brightly. Give me a glass with the cool evening breeze brushing my face as the sun dips below the horizon. Top stuff.

Soumah Upper Ngumby Pinot Noir 2023

Harvested two weeks later than previous years, the wet vintage impacted the fruit resulting in this Soumah Upper Ngumby Pinot Noir coming in leaner than those I've seen before. Despite this, it possesses a tighter focus and mid-palate.

Sorby Adams The Thing Shiraz 2019

A serious looking Shiraz from Sorby Adams, the big, weighty bottle and wax seal speak of the power and class it delivers.

Camino Wine Co Grenache Rosé 2023

A super delish Rosé from the hands of Jason Barrette and his new Camino Wine Co label.

Glen Garvald PB White Blend No.1 2021

Wines offering layers of interest and complexity like this Glen Garvald PB White Blend No. 1 are ideal long lunch partners. Lending themselves to a diverse range of food matches, the depth on offer ensures there is plenty to consider and embrace.

Usher Tinkler Reserve Chardonnay 2022

I love this deluxe. This is your tonic to wind down after a long week. Well-handled generosity with a seductive depth, this Usher Tinkler Reserve Chardonnay is a weapon of mass destruction - when poured large.

Camino Wine Co Grüner Veltliner 2024

Two hours of skin contact has provided this Camino Wine Co Grüner Veltliner with a delightful textural presence. Say hello to this fresh and inviting wine pushing its case for a spot at your springtime long lunch.

Levantine Hill Melissa's Paddock Syrah 2018

An engaging and silky Syrah from Levantine Hill, give it some time to find its groove and you are in for a treat.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2022

A classic Australian claret Wrattonbully style and this smashes the brief. Vibrant and downright delicious, this is a fabulous Cabernet Shiraz to rip into.

Redman Wines The Last Row Shiraz 2022

Only available at the cellar door, this Redman Wines The Last Row Shiraz comes off 90+ year old vines. Vibrant hues catch the eye and immediately I'm hooked.

Camino Wine Co Chardonnay 2023

Sourced from the Hill Smith Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, this Camino Wine Co Chardonnay is a fruit-driven delight that calls for verandah chills on a warm afternoon.

Redman Wines The First Divide Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

This is a fabulous Cabernet and one I could kick back with very happily. Generous fruit is met with plenty of personality and draws you closer. The last of its kind, The First Divide from Redman Wines signs off in style.

Levantine Hill Estate Syrah 2019

Delicate with lacy fruit, this Levantine Hill Syrah is a silky and supple delight. As much as its curved lines add appeal, there is a measured density which I found alluring.

Levantine Hill Katherine's Paddock Chardonnay 2019

What a luxurious ride through Chardonnay paradise. Silky and devilishly delicious, the width and length on offer only heighten the enjoyment factor. It's quite stunning really.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2022

A brilliant drink! This Cabernet Franc with a dollop of Shiraz (9%) from Terre à Terre presses all the right buttons.

Redman Wines The Redman 2021

The best of the best from Redman Wines, The Redman is a blend of Cabernet and Shiraz (70/30). An old school style, this is worth getting around if you prefer traditional winemaking. Proven to develop with age, this is a keeper.

Camino Wine Co Paradigm Vineyard Shiraz 2021

Old school Barossa Shiraz nailing the brief. Winemaker Jason Barrette has been around the block and his new range of wines under the Camino Wine Co label are very smart. The wines are sourced from premier sites, and this Shiraz highlights his skillset.

Levantine Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2020

If you like them savoury then this is right up your alley. Hello to a most impressive Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from Levantine Hill.

Camino Wine Co Centenary Vines Grenache 2023

Experienced winemaker Jason Barrette has released his own range of wines under the Camino Wine Co banner. Sourced from some respectable sites, this Grenache immediately caught my attention coming off 1912 planted centenarian vines. What an excellent debut!

Briar Ridge Big Bully Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Power and grace sum up this Big Bully from Briar Ridge best. Very Cabernet and showing all the varietal traits you'd expect, there is an energy and vibrance that cannot be overlooked and that was a consistent highlight over a couple of days of tasting.

Briar Ridge Hillrose Shiraz 2023

Sourced from the Hilltops region, this Briar Ridge Hillrose Shiraz needs some time to breathe. Give it that chance and you'll be rewarded.

Levant by Levantine Hill Rosé 2023

Offering plenty of provoking thought, this Levant by Levantine Hill Rosé is rippled with interest. Readily available, it's sure to engage those who embrace considered wines.

Redman Wines Cabernet Merlot 2021

There is more lift in this Redman Cabernet Merlot 2021 release than those that have come before. A deliberate shift in winemaking to use less oak and make it more approachable has paid dividends.

Paringa Shiraz 2022

$16 they say. Get in the queue! What a ripping deal this Paringa Shiraz is for the asking price.

Earthworks Rosé 2023

The best of the Earthworks wines, this Rosé is a fab drink for $20.

Earthworks Riesling 2023

A simple Riesling from Earthworks that will do the job alongside a spicy dish.

Mount Pleasant 1946 Rosehill Single Vineyard Shiraz 2023

The original block planted by Maurice O'Shea in 1946 on those red volcanic soils that make the Hunter Valley so unique, this is a thrilling expression of Shiraz. Winemaker Adrian Sparks tells me 2023 is a brilliant vintage, and to take a look at these Mount Pleasant wines in his care it is clear he isn't mincing his words.

Earthworks Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Of the three Earthworks red wines, this Cabernet was my preferred. Glossy in appearance, it skips along almost baulking at getting in too deep yet it offers some interest to match its easygoing nature.

Earthworks Tempranillo 2022

An easy go-to for a midweek pick-up from the bottle-o. Wines like this are made for casual food, so pizza and pasta here we come.

Earthworks Shiraz 2022

A respectable Barossa Shiraz from Earthworks.

Mount Pleasant Mountain A Medium Bodied Dry Red 2023

Adrian Sparks is really lighting things up with these Mount Pleasant releases. This Mountain A is an absolutely brilliant Shiraz and I'm in love.

Mount Pleasant O.P & O.H. Shiraz 2023

The killer blows just keep coming with these Mount Pleasant 2023 releases. What an excellent range of wines from Adrian Sparks. This Old Paddock and Old Hill is superb.

Mount Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz 2023

Another excellent medium-bodied delight from Mount Pleasant, this Rosehill Shiraz lands in the pleasure zone with supreme ease.

Mount Pleasant Mount Henry Shiraz Pinot Noir 2023

Oh my. This Hunter River Burgundy thing is absolutely brilliant when done well. First crafted by Maurice O'Shea in 1937, it has become trendy again, particularly over the last decade. A seductive blend of Shiraz and Pinot Noir, go here. This is ace.

Terre à Terre Crayères Sauvignon Blanc 2023

I've said it before and I'm happy to say it again, this Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is the best in Australia. The considered wine making, detail and interest all ensure it rises to the top with ease.

Briar Ridge The Gatherer Shiraz 2023

The Gatherer Shiraz makes its debut in the Briar Ridge portfolio. Sourced from the famed Sweetwater Vineyard, it seems the Hunter now has a Gatherer...

Briar Ridge Ampelus Argilla Syrah 2023

A new wine in the Briar Ridge stable, the Ampelus Argilla Syrah is comprised of the best parcels of fruit from the three oldest blocks on the Mt View site - Dairy Hill, Briar Hill and Red Hill. Matured in concrete Gres Jarre, the fruit absolutely sings.

Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Shiraz 2022

An earthy and brooding Hunter Valley Shiraz, the savoury presence of this Dairy Hill from Briar Ridge is the hero.

Penny's Hill Yeenunga Grenache 2023

Serious and focused, what makes Penny's Hill Yeenunga Grenache leap skyward is the complexity it delivers. The Single Vineyard Grenache is pretty as but this showcases a terrific structure and complexity that has it elevated on its own.

Penny's Hill Single Vineyard Grenache 2023

Woah! This Single Vineyard Grenache from Penny's Hill is absolutely humming. Give it to me!

Penny's Hill Single Vineyard Shiraz 2022

A layered and generous McLaren Vale Shiraz, this excellent Single Vineyard release from Penny's Hill will pay dividends with a long life ahead.

Yelland and Papps Stone Well Syrah 2023

The interest and curiosity that these Yelland & Papps wines deliver never cease to amaze. This Stone Well Syrah is Michael and Susan's Barossan take on the Northern Rhone.

Briar Ridge Block 6 Pinot Noir 2023

Highlighted by a pretty bouquet of red petals and flowers that throw their arms out for an embrace, this Briar Ridge Block 6 Pinot Noir is such a welcoming and inviting wine.

Mount Pleasant Mothervine Pinot Noir 2023

Some would be oblivious to the fact that the Hunter Valley was the original home of Australian Pinot. Add that to your trivia black book. This Mount Pleasant Mothervine comes from the original 1921 plantings. A delightful drink with a little grunt, it's very well done.