QWine Reviews : September 2024

Pizzini Attendo Pinot Grigio 2022

Handled similarly to Chardonnay, this Pizzini Attendo Pinot Grigio was whole bunch pressed with a portion going to seasoned French oak (50%). A considered take on the variety, this is a thinker's style of wine.

Kosciuszko Sparkling 2022

A fresh and inviting sparkling from Kosciuszko, this is an approachable and easy drinking aperitif. Of most importance, I feel I have some oneupmanship on the name with an extra Z in my surname.

Crittenden Cri de Coeur Chardonnay 2022

The Crittenden Cri de Coeur (cry of the heart) range is their best of the best and this 2022 Chardonnay flies that flag with ease.

Oakridge 864 Henk Vineyard Aqueduct Block Pinot Noir 2023

There is no question, the Oakridge 864 range is absolutely humming. Be it the Chardonnay, Cabernet, Syrah or Pinot Noir, you are winning and then some with any of the above in your glass. This Henk Vineyard Aqueduct Block is a Pinot Noir masterclass.

Oakridge 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Pure joy, this medium-bodied Oakridge 864 Cabernet sits at the pointy end of cool climate expressions in Australia. Forever consistent, it's a stunning wine.

Turkey Flat Mataro 2022

Mataro done well and standing on its own two feet is a beautiful thing. I'm all for this cracker from Turkey Flat.

Turkey Flat Rosé 2024

The king of Barossa Rosé does it once again. This Turkey Flat is an excellent drink and the price screams value too. Get around it.

Oakridge 864 Aqueduct Block Henk Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

A brilliant wine in its own right, this Henk block continues to wow me. Chatting with winemaker Tim Dexter, he says Henk is a 'Grand Cru' site and this wine is always representative of vintage and site. Embrace the beauty here friends.

Oakridge 864 Close Planted Syrah 2022

A superb expression of Syrah, the detail in the vineyard and winery ensure this Oakridge 864 Close Planted flies high. And oh my, get on board and you'll float like a cloud with this in your belly.

Levantine Hill Sparkling Rosé 2017

A vintage Sparkling Rosé from Levantine Hill, this 2017 has had extended time on lees to develop an engaging textural interest. A smart drink, it's not hard to enjoy a glass or two.

Yangarra Estate Old Vine Grenache 2023

Serious Grenache lovers need to buy two of these - one held in each hand as you skip down the street. What a beauty we have here.

First Ridge Wines Barbera 2022

Better than the 2021 release, Barbera is the flagship wine in the First Ridge range. A fabulous drink, I could get very comfortable here.

Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2024

A very tidy Pinot Grigio from Pizzini Wines, the consistency of these current releases seems unstoppable. Bravo!

First Ridge Wines Fiano 2024

Such an aromatic and attractive wine, its beauty explodes from the glass. Fresh with some textural interest - go here.

Juxtaposed Lacey Fiano 2023

Tasted beside two other Fianos from different regions, this Juxtaposed Lacey Vineyard was the most savoury of the three. Quite nutty and textural, it's a considered and thought provoking wine.

Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache 2022

For a long time, the Bush Vine Grenache has been one of the best value wines in the Yalumba portfolio, but this 2022 is more than arms reach from its predecessors.

Paisley Wines Boombox Shiraz 2022

For $25 this is a good get. A little generosity without being heavy-handed is the order of the day. Slow cooked food, fire pit chats or movie night with a wedge of dark chocolate in your mouth are all at home with this Paisley Wines Boombox Shiraz.

Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo 2023

The thread of consistency is neatly stitched throughout these Pizzini wines. This La Volpe Nebbiolo is a tidy wine and a drink now type that will suit richer dishes.

Oakridge 864 Funder and Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay 2022

Absolutely sublime, we have a strong contender for wine of the year right here. I made the comment on the 2021 release that it's hard to think this Oakridge 864 Funder & Diamond cannot get any better and then a new vintage rolls around. And here we are and it's levelled up once again.

Yalumba Grenache Rosé 2024

A new wine in the Yalumba range. The only thing longer than their list of wines is a road train. The 175 year anniversary stamp sits proudly on the bottle too, and deservedly so.

Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache Blanc 2024

This is the second release of Yalumba's Grenache Blanc. Planted adjacent to their famed Tri-Centenary vineyard, this is a vibrant expression.

Juxtaposed Wait Vineyard Sandy Corner Block Shiraz 2022

Dr Wes Pearson and his partner Cassie have bought out their previous business partner and they now own Juxtoposed outright. "Not the wisest fiscal decision I've ever made but I didn't get into the wine business to make money," he says. Pearson's humility is one of his best attributes and you can see this in his wines. He's all about vineyard expression and he sources his fruit from some excellent sites around McLaren Vale.

From the 56 year old vines of the Sandy Corner Block in the Wait Vineyard, there is an endearing complexity about this Shiraz without the killer punch. Well balanced, the density sneaks up on you. This is a ripper and I just want to snuggle up to it until every drop is gone.

Pizzini Fiano 2024

As I look out the window, I've been fortunate to have been drenched with blue skies lately, and wines like this Pizzini Fiano almost plead with me to go out and soak up some rays over lunch. What a beauty this is. A big thumbs up from me, give me a glass or two.

Lambrook Wines Shiraz 2023

Of the four Lambrook wines sampled, I enjoyed this Shiraz the most. It's a fabulous expression of cool climate Shiraz and one I'd be more than happy to share with my friends when they swing by for a glass or two.

Pizzini Nonna Gisella Sangiovese 2023

Right in the slot for a slinky and juicy Sangiovese, this Pizzini Nonna Gisella is precisely the potion you need for an easy glass or two to relieve the stress of a long day at the office.

Brand and Sons Night Owls Shiraz Malbec 2021

Not common bedfellows, this Brand & Sons Shiraz Malbec tosses up another great wine in the Coonawarra Untold range. Consistency is a hallmark of this label and this release keeps the tempo.

Mayfield Vineyard Three Boys Cabernets 2023

The Three Boys Cabernets from Mayfield Vineyard hits the ground for the first time in 2023. From a cool year, this is a bright and vibrant style that sees just 8% new French oak.

De Iuliis Limited Release Shiraz 2019

The De Iuliis Limited Release Shiraz has quietly ascended into the upper echelon of Hunter Valley Shiraz, yet many are still getting to know the brand and its quality. Introduce yourself, please do. This wine is excellent.

Yalumba Tri-Centenary Grenache 2022

From Ancestor vines planted in 1889, no one else handles Grenache like this Yalumba Tri-Centenary and the results achieved by winemaker Kevin Glastonbury are monumentous. 372 days on skins is something of a rarity for this variety and what a prized possession it is.

De Iuliis Estate Rosé 2024

The Rosé from De Iuliis in recent years has really started to hit its straps thanks to some more considered winemaking. Throw this 2024 on your long lunch and sunset barbecue list, it's absolutely splendid and ripping value for the asking price.

De Iuliis Single Vineyard Semillon 2019

Only five years young, that extra time has certainly done its thing. A superb wine, I had the luxury of tasting this De Iuliis Aged Release Single Vineyard Semillon alongside its newly released 2024 sibling and it was quite the treat to see where things are at. Go here.

De Iuliis Wilderness Road Semillon 2024

Clean, crisp and wonderfully fresh, this Wilderness Road Semillon from the Hunter Valley's De Iuliis Wines nails the delish brief.

Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache 2023

An excellent expression of Grenache, this Yalumba Vine Vale rarely misses the mark. Of all the Grenache wines in the Yalumba range, this is my runaway favourite. Highlighted by pretty florals, delicious fruit and a glorious medium-bodied frame, just sit back, loosen the belt buckle and get comfy.