Houghton Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 


Superb Cabernet. Measured and precise, this Houghton Jack Mann is absolutely brilliant.

Houghton CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec 2021

 

Damn, this is an excellent drink. Fruit, oak, balance, structure, longevity... What doesn't this Houghton CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec have?

Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

The wines from Zema Estate have skipped out of the ground, in my opinion, since Joe Cory was appointed as winemaker a few years ago. His fingerprints on these wines are now clear. And then there is the value factor. Woah!

Gundog Estate Smoking Barrel Shiraz 2023

 

The Smoking Barrel from Gundog Estate is an approachable and rock-solid expression of medium-bodied Shiraz that is sourced from the Hilltops, Hunter Valley and Canberra district.

Tenafeate Creek Sparkling Shiraz NV

 


Is anyone up for a glass of Barossa Berocca? Those in the know would be aware I refer to Sparkling Shiraz and this release from Tenafeate Creek is Christmas in a glass.

Paisley Wines Keyboard Rosé 2024

 


If you like them creamy and textural, head on over this way and check out this Paisley Wines Keyboard Rosé. Yum!

Paisley Wines Amplifier Chardonnay 2023

 


Good fruit and a pleasing presence ensure this Amplifier Chardonnay from Paisley Wines hits the mark.

Tenafeate Creek Tempranillo 2023

 


Friday night barbecue wine. What a tidy piece this is. Good fruit with the expected spice that Tempranillo brings, casual meals are calling.

St Anne's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023

 

An expressive Sauvignon Blanc from St Anne's Vineyard dripping with tropical fruit.

Montalto Tuerong Chardonnay 2023

 

This is one of those, "Where have you been all my life," moments. An epic single vineyard release of the Tuerong Chardonnay from Montalto awaits.

Montalto The Eleven Chardonnay 2023

Texture aplenty, The Eleven 2023 carries a little more weight compared to its Tuerong sibling. Planted in 1985, this is the oldest block at Montalto. Sitting 106 metres above on red clay soils, these eleven rows of vines are located outside the cellar door. 

Levantine Hill Blanc de Blanc 2021

 


A delightful fizz from Levantine Hill that is sure to impress.

Gundog Estate Hunter's Shiraz 2023

 

This Gundog Estate Hunter's Shiraz is an excellent release. A captivating depth and an alluring length demand you to return for more.

Gundog Estate Hunter's Semillon 2024

 

Deliberately made to be an approachable and crowd-pleasing style, winemaker Matt Burton has nailed the brief with this bright, vibrant and energetic Gundog Estate Hunter's Semillon.

Levantine Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 


The previous release 2018 was a little bump in the road but it's great to see this Levantine Hill Estate Cabernet 2019 back to where it belongs.

Yalumba Vat 11 Grenache 2023

 

A joyous glass of slurpable delish from Yalumba, this brand new Vat 11 hits the Grenache sweet spot and then some.

Montalto North One Pinot Noir 2023

 

Once known as the "Red Hill" in the Single Vineyard range, the Montalto North One Pinot Noir vines sit beside The Eleven Chardonnay block. A proven performer in the past, this 2023 has torched the previous release. Absolutely brilliant, this is something to behold.

Schwarz Wine Co Gratitude Shiraz 2021

 

The new flagship for Schwarz Wine Co, this Gratitude Shiraz is a nod of respect from Jason Schwarz to his parents for not uprooting their Barossa vineyards during the government vine pull scheme in the 1980s. The very best of Shiraz from the vintage, it spent two years in French oak.

Schwarz Wine Co Meta Grenache 2023

 

From the clay soils of the Barossa's Bethany parish comes this intriguing and curious Schwarz Meta Grenache. Throwing up a neat tussle between savoury and fruit, the 60% whole bunches used certainly play their part. Most importantly, this is delicious deluxe.

Tenafeate Creek Sangiovese 2023

 


Approachability is the word with this Sangiovese from Tenafeate Creek. Crunchy red fruit is the lead act in a wine that is an easy go-to that can be enjoyed with a host of casual meals. Tick!

Montalto Tuerong Syrah 2023

 

Wild and alive and I love it. Introducing this fabulous Single Vineyard Syrah from Montalto which is the best release I have seen of this to date.

Zema Estate Shiraz 2019

 


What a cracking buy for 22 bucks! Big love for this Zema Estate Shiraz. It's a super reliable drink.

Schwarz Wine Co The Grower Grenache 2022

 

A number of Barossa producers rely on their relationships with growers throughout the district to deliver quality wines and this Grenache from Schwarz pays homage to that. Incredibly smashable, this Growers Grenache doesn't need to be dressed up to be enjoyed.

Tenafeate Creek Rosé 2023

 


Fresh off the bottling line, the colour of this Tenafeate Creek Rosé is significantly different to the bottle pic shown. Think rose gold and onion skin, it's better than the photo suggests.

Brand and Sons Grand Central Chardonnay 2023

 

A new wine in the Brand & Sons range, this Grand Central Chardonnay is lean and skinny on the detail.

Lyons Will Farrawell Pinot Noir 2023

 

From Lyons Will's oldest vineyard, the Farrawell was planted by Bob and Barbara Farrawell in 1996. It's a wine that came across closed and keeping its secrets close to its chest, give it some to to show its best.

Soumah Hexham Vineyard Syrah 2023

 

Beautiful drinking, I could happily drain a couple of glasses. Another great release of the Soumah Hexham Vineyard Syrah.

Flametree Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022

 

This Cabernet Merlot is great. What a beauty without dropping your week's wage in one hit. It's considered, layered and even a little glossy adding some polish to woo you. Well done to the team at Flametree once more.

Glen Garvald Marsanne Roussanne 2021

 


Silky and creamy, this Glen Garvald Marsanne Roussanne blend from Levantine Hill is an absolute beauty. Did someone say sunset drinks?

Tenafeate Creek Grenache 2023

 


An enjoyable Grenache with a little kick in the belly, pretty scents of purple flowers, squishy blueberries and a hint of lavender get things under way.

Tenafeate Creek Mataro 2023

 


Showcasing Mataro in its purest form, this new release from Tenafeate Creek sees no oak.

Flametree Wines Embers Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

An easy, casual Cabernet that you'd be happy to see on the list at the local Italian restaurant. Its approachability certainly builds it's case.

Lyons Will The Greys Pinot Noir 2023

 

From a single vineyard planted in 2017, The Greys pays homage to the Eastern Grey kangaroos that travel through this vineyard and often engage in some fisty cuffs along the way. An excellent first up release, the wines from Lyons Will never fail to impress.

Rusty Mutt Snapdragon Fiano 2024

 

The complexity in this Fiano from Rusty Mutt builds its form slowly. A wine that will show its best beside some food, there is a nuttiness that is the beating heart.

Boydell's Sparking Verdelho NV

 


A simple Sparkling Verdelho from Boydell's in the Hunter Valley.

Soumah Hexham Vineyard Viognier 2023

 

There is a lot to like here. With a great body and shape, this curvaceous and engaging Hexham Vineyard Viognier from Soumah is sure to impress.

Levantine Hill Estate Chardonnay 2021

 


A brilliant Estate Chardonnay from Levantine Hill with a delicious flow and wonderfully handled weight. Pour me a glass and just keep pouring...

Usher Tinkler Big Bad Bill Semillon 2023

 

Named after Usher Tinkler's father, Big Bad Bill is a veteran of 50+ Hunter Valley vintages. This Semillon is pristine with a delicious vibrance. Come at me summer.

Boydell's Pinot Gris 2024

 


Almost water clear in appearance, this Boydell's Pinot Gris is sourced from the Hilltops region of NSW and has some crowd-pleasing appeal.

Levantine Hill Samantha's Paddock Mélange Traditionnel 2018

 


Absolutely brilliant, this Levantine Hill Samantha's Paddock is a keeper. Demonstrating superb development over several days of tasting, its structure and shape ooze class.

Rusty Mutt Vermilion Bird Shiraz 2018

 

Woah! If fistfuls of oak are your thing, this is your weapon. Of the three Rusty Mutt Vermilion Bird Shiraz wines tasted in a mini vertical, this 2018 was bludgeoning compared to its 2015 and 2016 siblings.

Rusty Mutt Vermilion Bird Shiraz 2016

 

Of the three Rusty Mutt Vermilion Bird Shiraz wines I looked at in a mini vertical, this 2016 stood well above the 2015 and 2018 with the fruit and oak being more in sync.

Rusty Mutt Vermilion Bird Shiraz 2015

 

The first of a mini vertical of the Rusty Mutt Vermilion Bird Shiraz, this 2015 is a big, concentrated Shiraz built to last.

Lyons Will Estate Pinot Noir 2023

 

Sleek, slinky and absolutely delicious, this Estate Pinot Noir from Lyons Will just doesn't miss. Super reliable and an excellent drink, go here.

Usher Tinkler Death by Semillon 2023

 

Texture lovers, throw this funky Fitzroy and Brunswick wine bar material into your glass. This Death by Semillon from Usher Tinkler pushes a few boundaries and stretches the curiosity factor in a big way yet ups the drinkability. It's great stuff.

Squitchy Lane Chardonnay 2021

 

From the south facing slopes of Gruyere in the Yarra Valley comes this Squitchy Lane Chardonnay. With vibrant fruit and a tension that coils around the mouth, a parade of fine spices drives long on its tail.

Boydell's Chardonnay 2023

 

An easy going Hunter Valley Chardonnay from Boydell's with a little mojo to keep you enthused.

Boydell's Reserve Shiraz Viognier 2022

 

A curvaceous and expressive medium-bodied red from Boydell's, this Reserve Shiraz Viognier is sourced from the Hilltops region of NSW.

Travellers Rosé 2023

 

What a tidy wine this is! Part of the NextGen Liquor Marketing range, this Travellers Rosé comes in the form of a sustainable 20 litre KeyKeg which offers the opportunity to pour wine on tap.

Travellers Verdelho 2023

Verdelho on tap! This fruity wine is a fair all-rounder is part of the NextGen Liquor Marketing range and comes in the form of a sustainable 20 litre KeyKeg.