Kilikanoon Prodigal Grenache 2022

 



Vibrant and attractive, this is a dance party for your mouth. Cool vibes and silky feels, that juicy fruit keeps the beat pumping. What a delight!

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Reserve Riesling 2024

 

Don't be put off by the fact that it doesn't present in a traditional Riesling bottle, this Tamburlaine Organic Reserve Riesling is an absolute cracker!

Parish Vineyards Riesling 2024

 

From little-known Sorell, 13km east of Tasmania's Coal River home of Richmond, comes this precise and delicious Riesling courtesy of Parish Vineyards.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Point 65 Gewurztraminer 2024

 

The Point 65 label is named after the fact that for every 100m elevation, the air temperature drops by 0.65. There's your science stat for the day covered, not to mention that this is a delicious drink.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Reserve Verdelho 2024

 

Verdelho is the battler's prince of sorts. It keeps fighting the good fight but doesn't really go that next step. This Tamburlaine Organic Wines Reserve Verdelho goes alright without beating the door down.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines Fumé Blanc 2023

 

Tropical aromas roll out the welcome mat for this Tamburlaine Organic Wines Fumé Blanc.

Parish Vineyards Pinot Gris 2024

 

A ripping Tassie Pinot Gris, this release from Parish Vineyards is ideal Friday afternoon drinking that will take the heat out of your long work week.

Parish Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2024

 

My regular readers would know that Sauvignon Blanc is not my go-to but I could happily handle a glass or two of this Parish Vineyard from Tasmania. There is a tropical fruit, herby and minerally thing going on that calls you back for more.

Kilikanoon Mort’s 1973 Single Vineyard Riesling 2024

 


This Mort's 1973 Single Vineyard from Kilikanoon will elevate Riesling lovers to their happy place. What a joyous and vibrant expression this is.

Kilikanoon Mort’s Block Watervale Riesling 2024

 

Tasted beside the Killerman's Run Riesling, this Kilikanoon Mort's Block levels things up. What a beautiful expression of Watervale Riesling this is.

Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Riesling 2024

 


Australian Riesling is such a great buy with so many great bargains to snare. This Kilikanoon Killerman's Run fits that mould with ease.

Stockman's Ridge Rider Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

This Cabernet from Stockman's Ridge is an interesting wine. It ebbs and flows doing its best to hook you in.

Willow Bridge Estate Solana Tempranillo 2022

 

A plunge into a pool of dense plummy fruit is the order of the day with this Willow Bridge Solana Tempranillo. Ready to partner with a diverse range of dishes, there is much to unravel here.

Vickery The Reserve Watervale Riesling 2021


Keeda Zilm is the keeper of the flame maintaining the late John Vickery's legacy and she's nailed this Reserve Watervale Riesling. What a masterclass this is in capturing the freshness and vibrance of Riesling all the while keeping in mind this has three years already under its belt. Whoa!

Vickery The Reserve Eden Valley Riesling 2021

 Released with three years of bottle age, this Vickery Reserve Eden Valley Riesling is already turning the corner ever so slightly into the aging phase showing some toast characters.

Strawhouse Wines Chardonnay 2022

 

A Chardonnay that kept growing on me, this is a wonderful cool climate expression from Orange's Strawhouse Wines.

Strawhouse Wines Naked Pig 2022

 

This Strawhouse Naked Pig Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend (64/36) has some presence and carries some weight which is a neat take on the usual clean and fresh style you'd expect with these two bedfellows.

Willow Bridge Estate G1-10 Chardonnay 2023

 


A Chardonnay with presence and drive, this Willow Bridge G1-10 has plenty to offer.

Strawhouse The Fizz Pig NV

 


Made with 100% Chardonnay, The Fizz Pig from Strawhouse Wines draws plenty of crowd-pleasing appeal. I love the complexity that it delivers. 

Strawhouse Wines Black Pig 2022

 

Like its WPK Shiraz sibling, I'm finding that these Strawhouse Wines are better with some air under their wings. A very good expression of cool climate Shiraz, give this a decant and it will sing. 

Willow Bridge Estate GSM 2023

 

Busting out with hyperactivity, this GSM from Willow Bridge either needs to be medicated or you just need to apply some patience. I did the latter and it showed much better on day two of tasting.

Strawhouse Wines WPK Shiraz 2022

 

A wine that deserves some time to show its best, once it cooled its heels on day two of tasting this Strawhouse WPK Shiraz came to the party.

Brand and Sons Fire and Ice Shiraz 2021

 


Here is some cool night comfort courtesy of Coonawarra's Brand & Sons. This Fire & Ice Shiraz is generous and throws out a long and persistent trail to cling onto.

Stockman's Ridge Signature Range Cabernet Franc 2022

 


A softly spiced Cabernet Franc from Stockman's Ridge that unfurled nicely the longer it was open. Give it the time it deserves and you'll be smitten.

Soumah Hexham Vineyard Nebbiolo 2021

 


The Yarra Valley has found a comfortable home for Nebbiolo and this release from Soumah captures its mood wonderfully. Soft, rustic and lengthy with that fabulous tannin structure it is known for, this is a very good drink.

Pizzini Pietra Rossa Sangiovese 2022

 

Pizzini and Sangiovese, what can possibly go wrong? Another ripping wine from their expansive range that is sure to impress.

Soumah d'Soumah Nebbiolo Barbera 2023

 

A lovely wine to enjoy with a casual meal, Soumah has done a great job fusing Nebbiolo and Barbera together from the Yarra Valley and King Valley.

Soumah Single Vineyard Marzemino 2023

 


A cousin of Shiraz, Marzemino hails from Trentino in Italy's far north. A late-ripening variety, this release from Soumah is a juicy and silky number.

Oxford Landing Regenerate Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

 


Much like its Shiraz sibling, this Oxford Landing Cabernet Sauvignon gets the thumbs up for its clean lines and approachability.

Committed to the environment, these Regenerate wines put the spotlight on the winery's approach to sustainability. The planting of drought-tolerant varieties, 100% recycling of winery waste water, the use of light weight bottles and the focus on a biodiverse vineyard are only a few of the steps taken to fulfil this intent.

Oxford Landing Regenerate Shiraz 2023

 


If you are seeking an inexpensive and approachable Shiraz, this Oxford Landing hits the mark with respect.

Committed to the environment, these Regenerate wines put the spotlight on the winery's approach to sustainability. The planting of drought-tolerant varieties, 100% recycling of winery waste water, the use of light weight bottles and the focus on a biodiverse vineyard are only a few of the steps taken to fulfil this intent.

Penny's Hill The Abstracts Grenache 2024

 

A fresh take on Grenache, this brand new Penny's Hill Abstracts Grenache is made in the Joven style and adds another dimension to the portfolio. The Abstracts are a new collection of wines inspired by McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate. 

Oxford Landing Regenerate Chardonnay 2024

 


A good Chardy that ticks all the boxes from Oxford Landing. Committed to the environment, these Regenerate wines put the spotlight on the winery's approach to sustainability. The planting of drought-tolerant varieties, 100% recycling of winery waste water, the use of light weight bottles and the focus on a biodiverse vineyard are only a few of the steps taken to fulfil this intent.

Penny's Hill The Abstracts Fiano 2024

 


The Abstracts by Penny's Hill is a new collection of wines inspired by McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate. This Fiano makes its debut and possesses a creamy presence that is determined to swoon.

Oxford Landing Regenerate Pinot Grigio 2024

 


For those seeking simplicity and no fuss, this Oxford Landing Regenerate Pinot Grigio is waiting with open arms.

Committed to the environment, these Regenerate wines from Oxford Landing put the spotlight on the winery's approach to sustainability. The planting of drought-tolerant varieties, 100% recycling of winery waste water, the use of light weight bottles and the focus on a biodiverse vineyard are only a few of the steps taken to fulfil this intent.

Crittenden Cri de Coeur Pinot Noir 2022

 

Svelte. Silky and Lacey, this Cri de Coeur is a divine Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir from Crittenden.

Tim Smith Wines Bugalugs Shiraz 2023

 

If this Tim Smith Bugalugs Shiraz was the house pour at your palazzo, damn, you'd be grinning from ear to ear. A quality producer you need to introduce yourself to, this is another cracker from a stable of wines that punch above their weight in the quality and value stakes.

Briar Ridge Ampelus Chardonnay 2024

 


Six months in two brand new French oak puncheons creates the Briar Ridge Ampelus. From their revered Briar Hill site, this is quite something. The handling and precision are show-stopping.

Crittenden Zumma Pinot Noir 2022

 

A Pinot Noir with terrific flow and an attractive autumnal thing going on, this Crittenden Zumma is a great package.

Briar Ridge Limited Release Fiano 2024

 

A beautiful drink, I could soak up these late afternoons very easily with a glass or two. This Briar Ridge Limited Release Fiano hits the spot.

Tim Smith Wines Shiraz 2022

 

This Tim Smith Shiraz is an Easter wine and by that, I mean it rises up after three days. Be patient, tuck this away or give it a good decant and you'll be mightily impressed by its metamorphosis.

Capital Wines Leader of the House Shiraz Viognier 2022

 

A cracking drink, this medium-bodied Shiraz Viognier from Capital Wines is on the money. 

Briar Ridge Limited Release Albarino 2024

 

One whiff and I get the impression it's a fruit platter party. Think rock melon, lychees, honeydew melon and vibrant lemons all spilling from the glass.

Capital Wines The Ambassador Tempranillo 2022

 

Quite an easy go-to, there is plenty of approachability about this Capital Wines Tempranillo. 

Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Semillon 2024

 

A wine with a proven track record, but I can't see the brilliance in this Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Semillon as I have in those of years gone by.

Briar Ridge Briar Hill Chardonnay 2023

 

Oh, I like this. A lot! This is Hunter Valley Chardonnay in the slot from Briar Ridge. This Briar Hill is on the money and then some. Find me nestled in the corner pouring plentiful glasses and savouring every drop.

Tim Smith Wines Mataro 2023

 

Like the Viognier, Tim Smith's delicate touch is evident and his fingerprints are clearly all over this Mataro - and there is a thumbprint on the label for the win. What a brilliant wine this is.

Cooks Lot Allotment 1 Grenache 2021

 

Winemaker Duncan Cook came across a Grenache parcel that he says he couldn't pass up. From the Central Ranges, just below the 600 metres above boundary GI for the Orange region comes this riper, darker fruit spectrum style.

Kosciuszko Pinot Noir 2022

 

This Kosciuszko Pinot Noir is sourced from Tumbarumba. A wine with some density and a blanket of warmth, it's best for a cool night to give your insides a cuddle.

Willunga 100 Grenache Rosé 2024

 


Fabulous lunchtime slings and large pours await with this Willunga 100 Grenache Rosé. A label going places, this and the new Grenache Blanc are two 2024 releases that are absolutely singing.

Briar Ridge Block 7 Chardonnay 2023

 

Sitting beside the Briar Hill Chardonnay, this Block 7 from Briar Ridge was no match. Sourced from Orange whereas the other Chardonnays come from estate plantings in the Hunter Valley, I found this tough to get through.