Larnook Grenache 2023

 

Like a silk sheet of sheer beauty, this Larnook Grenache is brilliant.

Oliver's Taranga Brioni's Blend 2024

 

What a juicy and gorgeously perfumed little blend this Brioni's Blend is. Perhaps in a world first (there is nothing like building the drama), the unity of Touriga, Grenache and Mencia (71/19/10) from Oliver's Taranga is a knockout.

Oliver's Taranga Anfore Fiano 2023

 

Well helloooo to the first release of this Anfore Fiano from Oliver's Taranga, and as the back label says, "Inspired by Italy. Crafted in McLaren Vale. Aged in clay Anfore. Unfined. Unfiltered. Hand bottled." You have my attention.

Larnook Grenache Shiraz 2023

 

Like a Neenish tart, there is a distinct line down the middle of this Larnook Grenache Shiraz. Perhaps some more time will help the two sides smoke the peace pipe?

Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Shiraz 2021

 

This is Kilikanoon's entry-level Shiraz and for your money you get a very well-made wine with three years already under its belt. Bargain much?

Oliver's Taranga Fiano 2024

 


Back to back brilliance for the Queen of Fiano, Corrina Wright is dancing on the balls of her feet with this variety. And if you know Corrina, she will probably be dancing on her 'carpets of Instagram' somewhere. The 2023 release was elite and here we go again with this 2024.

Arila Gardens Moppa Nero d'Avola 2023

 

From the Barossa's latest picking vintage this millennia, this Arila Gardens Moppa Nero d'Avola 2023 doesn't reach the lofty heights of its predecessor. A good wine in its own right, this speaks more of the vintage.

Ivyburn First Minister Shiraz 2022

 

A big cuddle for the insides, this First Minister McLaren Vale Shiraz from Ivyburn is ripe and rich. For those who enjoy plentiful reds, this is in your wheelhouse.

Ivyburn Regional Series Shiraz 2021

 

Much like its First Minister sibling, this Ivyburn Regional Series Shiraz from the Barossa comes across a little bitsy and needs some time to mesh together.

Flametree Karridale SRS Sauvignon Blanc 2024

 

A Sauv Blanc with texture and interest - that sums up this Flametree Karridale SRS the best.

Larnook Picpoul 2024

 

Putting this Larnook Picpoul in a Riesling bottle was a very good decision because it comes across like one.

Pikes Luccio Sangiovese 2023

 

Bright, expressive and delicious, this Pikes Luccio Sangiovese is a very tidy drink.

Flametree SRS Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2023

 


A wine that continues to perform at a supreme level, the Flametree SRS deserves to be held in the upper echelon of Margaret River Chardonnays.

Vinya Vella Old Bush Vine Grenache 2023

 

He's nailed it again. This is a delicate and expressive Grenache from Dylan Griggs's humble Vinya Vella label.

ND Wines Tempranillo Albarino Rosé 2024

 

Negroni like in appearance, this ND Wines Tempranillo/Albarino Rosé also resembles a reddish smokey sunset.

ND Wines Albarino 2024

 

Welcome to funky town. A skinsy Albarino courtesy of McLaren Vale's ND wines. Its appearance speaks of summertime just as the sunlight warms your skin and the colour reminds me of those old school orange Sunny Boy ice blocks.

Arila Gardens Single Vineyard Grenache 2023

 

Formerly known as the Sand Garden Grenache, a slight tweak to Single Vineyard has been made to better reflect the three tiers produced by Arila Gardens. This Grenache is as excellent as ever.

Ivyburn The Pioneer Shiraz 2021


The lack of detail for this RRP $330 wine is breathtaking. One would safely assume that such a premium wine would be dripping with information and history, but that is certainly not the case. The Pioneer Shiraz from Ivyburn is certainly a very secretive beast.

Ivyburn Aldersey Shiraz 2021

 

Give this Aldersey Shiraz from Ivyburn a sleep. That lie down will do it the world of good. A generous wine with lots of chew, the acid was out of whack and didn't partner with the fruit. But all this changed on the second and third day of tasting.

Larnook Grenache Gris 2024

 

Woah! This is something a bit special! One out of the box, this Grenache Gris is well worth putting on your radar.

Tempus Two Copper Series Ansonica 2024

 

Vibrant, vivacious and engaging - just like its maker Brooke Edson, this Tempus Two Ansonica is an excellent wine to embrace on warm days. Dive in with pike.

Ivyburn First Minister Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

This is my first look at these Ivyburn wines. The website is skinny on detail, particularly with a lack of contact info and no social media. Hmm. Anyway, here we are... A rich and generous McLaren Vale Cabernet lands in your glass. Give it some time to breathe - it needs it.

Kilikanoon Small Batch Cabernet Franc 2023

 


A tidy Cabernet Franc from Kilikanoon, this is a wine that is drinking well now but it will evolve further with ageing over the medium term.

Pikes Traditionale Riesling 2024

 

A bit like Rexona, this Pikes Traditionale Riesling will never let you down. Such a reliable go-to, if you see this on the shelf, don't hesitate. A consistent performer for many years, in fact, this is the 40th release of this wine.

Arila Gardens Moppa Grenache 2023

 


I really enjoyed this Moppa Grenache from Arila Gardens. The longer it was open, the more it settled into a neat groove and revealed its personality. 

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

 

A curious Cabernet, it's a bit like an empty warehouse - business in the front and empty in the back.

Castle Rock Estate A and W Riesling 2024

 

I love this. Fabulously positioned, it's silky and refined. The best in the range, this A&W Riesling is brilliant stuff from Castle Rock Estate.

Vinya Vella Grenache Rosé 2024

 


Dylan Grigg is a viticulturalist working in some of the best Barossa vineyards and beyond, but he has his own patch of dirt producing two wines - this Rosé and a Grenache. To be brief, this is a bloody good Rosé.

Nepenthe Apex Chardonnay 2022

 

This set of Nepenthe wines that I've worked through has been quite consistent - well played by the winemaking team. This Apex Chardonnay is a harmonious wine.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Reserve Pinot Noir 2023

 

Supple and mellow sum up this Tamburlaine Reserve Pinot Noir from the Orange region.

Pikes Luccio Fiano 2024

 

This interesting Fiano comes hot off the press from the Pikes Polish Hill River vineyard. The 13th release of this wine gains a wonderful momentum the longer I sit on it.

Nepenthe Apex Pinot Noir 2022

 

This Apex Pinot Noir from Nepenthe has some muscle and density. There's a pleasing presence and flow that builds curiosity.

Nepenthe Pinnacle Barbera 2023

 

A no fuss Barbera from Nepenthe that would partner your mid-week pizza and pasta with ease.

Knappstein Pinot Gris 2024

 


Rocking its new contemporary label, a glorious perfume spills from the glass of this Knappstein Pinot Gris. An easy going drink, it will be sure to please a legion of fans.

Castle Rock Estate Diletti Riesling 2023

 

The use of barrel fermentation and lees contact have made an impact on this textural Riesling. With more body than its fresher-faced siblings, this Castle Rock Estate Diletti shines the light on the variety from a different angle.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Reserve Hunter Valley Syrah 2023

 

A very good expression of the variety, this Tamburlaine Reserve Syrah is medium-bodied as you'd expect from the Hunter Valley. There is a little more weight here than its Reserve Syrah sibling from Orange too. It's well worth checking out.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Reserve Orange Syrah 2023

 

Quite a contrast to its Hunter Valley Reserve Syrah sibling, it was a great exercise to take a look at these two Tamburlaine Organic Reserve wines made the same way from two different regions.

Knappstein Clare Valley Riesling 2024

 

Delicate to taste, this Knappstein Clare Valley Riesling possesses a profound softness. Fashioning a new label to jazz things up a bit, this is an easy summertime go-to.

Gundog Estate Hilltops Riesling 2024

 

A richer style of Riesling, this Gundog Estate from the Hilltops differs from those that have come before.

Gundog Estate Rosé 2024

 

With most Rosés now looking awfully similar in appearance, it's great to see the odd one here and there unashamedly showing some more colour. This Rosé from Gundog Estate is a very tidy drink to boot.

Arila Gardens Gardens of Moppa Saperavi 2023

 

Dense and generous as Saperavi should be, the core of this Arila Gardens release is saturated, but it's not as weighty as its predecessor. 

Kilikanoon Small Batch GMS 2023

 


A lighter Grenache Mourvedre Syrah blend from Kilikanoon's Small Batch range that packs some punch late with a rush of peppery spice.

Nepenthe Pinnacle Albarino 2023

 

One whiff of this Nepenthe Pinnacle Albarino will whisk you away to a tropical paradise. Glace pineapple and pina colada are all the rage early on.

Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir 2019

 

The last time I saw this Pegasus Bay Prima Donna 2019 was in 2022 and an extra couple of years in bottle has certainly been of benefit. It was an exceptional wine back then and it has only elevated its presence furthermore.

Pegasus Bay Estate Pinot Noir 2022

 


From the Donaldson family's sustainably farmed vineyards in North Canterbury comes this superb expression of Pinot Noir and it is easy to see why Pegasus Bay is so highly regarded both in New Zealand and abroad.

Main Divide Pinot Noir 2022

 


Find me a better Pinot Noir for $35. At a competitive price point, this Main Divide Pinot Noir from the team at Pegasus Bay rises to the fore with its generous delivery, silky feels and moreish spicy finish. Find this.

Kilikanoon Baudinet GSM 2021

 


Like its Duke Reserve Grenache stablemate, this Kilikanoon Baudinet GSM needs some time to breathe. Give it that chance and it is absolutely humming.

Castle Rock Estate Riesling 2024

 


Floral, tense and composed, this Castle Rock Estate Riesling walks comfortably in its own skin but I can only assume it's holding itself back a little for now.

Castle Rock Estate RS21 Riesling 2024

 

RS21 stands for 21 grams of residual sugar per litre and this Riesling from Castle Rock Estate straddles the line between sweetness and acid with aplomb. Ideally matched with spicy dishes, this is a very good drink.

Castle Rock Estate Skywalk Riesling 2024

 


Dangerously delicious, call this Skywalk Riesling the entry level of the Castle Rock Estate range at your own peril. Pretty, vibrant and fabulously refreshing summarise it best.