QWine Reviews : February 2025

Jericho Shiraz S3 Shiraz 2022

A smokey and meaty Shiraz from Jericho Wines, casual weekend barbecues are GO!

Vickery Watervale Riesling 2024

Tasted alongside the Vickery Eden Valley Riesling, given the choice, I would run at this Vickery Watervale 2024. So pretty, so vibrant, shower me with its glory.

Vickery Eden Valley Riesling 2024

It may be the last day of February, but the summer of Riesling is not dead yet. A glass of this Vickery Eden Valley will undoubtedly keep the flame flickering.

Huntington Estate Grand Reserve Shiraz Cabernet 2023

A brilliant expression of the great Australian claret, this Huntington Estate Grand Reserve Shiraz Cabernet is the business. Woah! What a supreme expression this is!!

Curtis Legion Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Swirl the glass and the scents of a solid Cabernet rise up. This is good gear from Curtis Family Vineyards.

Curtis Legion Shiraz 2021

A wine of respectable complexity, this is a generous Shiraz from Curtis Family Vineyards.

Curtis Limited Series Grenache 2021

The first whiff of this Curtis Limited Series Grenache caught my attention but not in a good way.

After Five Wine Co Aglianico 2022

These alternative varieties from Purple Hands are in a supreme sweet spot at the moment. This After Five Wine Co Aglianico is an excellent drink and exhibits everything you'd expect from its original Italian homeland.

Holm Oak Cabernet Franc 2024

Cool climate Cabernet Franc pulling the right moves from Holm Oak.

Curtis Cavaliere Shiraz 2021

Muscular and full-bodied, this is a sturdy McLaren Vale Shiraz from Curtis Family Vineyards.

Curtis Cavaliere GSM 2021

A big framed GSM from Curtis, this Cavaliere made some positive moves early on.

Curtis Small Batch Early Release Grenache 2022

Kicking off with all the attractive things highlighted by silky and juicy fruit, this Curtis Small Batch Early Release Grenache drops its guard on close.

Curtis Small Batch Grenache Shiraz 2021

Ripe and rich, I'm curious as to why this Curtis Small Batch Grenache Shiraz is the current release from the 2021 vintage. Big, voluptuous and robust in its presence, it's a wine that poses more questions than answers.

Curtis Legion Merlot 2022

Ripe and sweet, this is a juicy but confected Merlot from Curtis Family Vineyards.

First Ridge Pinot Grigio 2024

A ripping example of Pinot Grigio, this release from Mudgee's First Ridge is right in the slot. Bright, fresh and crisp, go here.

First Ridge Alira Prosecco 2024

From Mudgee's first Prosecco producer comes this expressive and inviting example. Sealed with a screw cap which may catch a few off guard, this is a festive, energetic and super inviting fizz.

Curtis Small Batch Riesling 2023

McLaren Vale has a lot of things but Riesling is not one of them. This Curtis Small Batch is only the third producer I have come across with a Riesling in their ranks. An easy-going type, this will find its people, particularly those who like to just go with the flow.

Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

What a treat this is from Purple Hands. From ancestor vines grown in the south of the Barossa, let this Planta Circa Cabernet Sauvignon breathe and it will reward in spades.

Oliver's Taranga Sagrantino 2023

A big wine loaded with tannin, this Oliver's Taranga Sagrantino is well placed to slice through rich protein dishes.

Biscay Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

This Biscay Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 lights things up and is a leap forward from the 2022 debut. For $25, this is an excellent buy.

Biscay Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

A really enjoyable Barossa Cabernet, this Biscay Road 2022 has been previously reviewed but was sent to sit alongside the new 2023 release. An extra year in the bottle has certainly improved its shape and appearance.

Biscay Road Shiraz 2023

I had the luxury of tasting this alongside the previous 2022 release and I preferred this Biscay Road 2023 by a fraction. Give it some time to shine and it will reward handsomely.

Biscay Road Shiraz 2022

Previously reviewed, this Biscay Road 2022 has been resent to line up alongside the new 2023. Side-by-side comparisons like this are valuable in many ways. A more balanced wine compared to the new 2023, the extra year of bottle age is telling.

Hobbs Behr Creek Shiraz Montepulciano 2023

Shiraz and Montepulciano are unusual bedfellows but this Behr Creek release from Hobbs works a treat.

Sorby Adams Gudilly Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay NV

For those seeking simplicity, this non-vintage fizz from Sorby Adams is not an overly complex wine.

Varney Wines E.O.I Arinto 2024

Alan Varney has a knack for tinkering with a few things and pulling out a gem. Here we go again with this Arinto. Potentially a one-off and part of the experimental Expressions of Interest range, this is an absolute cracker particularly if you dine out on some textural interest.

Lino Ramble Dot to Dot Arinto 2024

Tasted alongside the Varney Wines E.O.I. Arinto 2024, this Lino Ramble Dot to Dot Arinto is a clean-cut expression made to produce a light, fresh and fruit-driven style - an objective that was certainly achieved. This has a splendid Sunday session appeal.

Hobbs Tin Lids Aria Secca Shiraz 2023

A really impressive Barossa Shiraz from Hobbs. The label says 14.6% alcohol but that certainly doesn't seem the case given the energy and vibrance on show. This is great stuff.

Hobbs Tin Lids Shiraz Cabernet 2023

It was an interesting exercise to taste this alongside the Tin Lids Aria Secca Shiraz with the former showing more vibrance and appeal than this rock-solid example of a Shiraz Cabernet blend.

Auld Family Wines Wilberforce Cabernet Shiraz 2021

A 2021 release for $35 sounds like an enticing deal but I found this Auld Family Wines Wilberforce Cabernet Shiraz a bit so-so. Given every chance to shine over a couple of days of tasting, it didn't want to come and play.

Levantine Hill Levant Pinot Noir 2024

Readily available via a supermarket chain, this Levantine Hill Levant Pinot Noir label has taken a facelift and the new look offers a more contemporary appearance to match the quality inside the bottle.

Holm Oak Fearless Pinot Noir 2023

The back of the label has the words "Nune est bibendum" emblazoned on it meaning "Now is the time to drink". That may be so but just hold on to this Holm Oak Fearless Pinot Noir a touch longer. It's a gorgeous wine that rises up with some time on its side.

Holm Oak Pinot Noir 2024

A classic and ever-reliable expression of Pinot Noir from Holm Oak, grab this purely for its reliability and consistency year to year.

Holm Oak Chardonnay 2024

Yes please! Amped and armed to delight, this lean and pristine Chardonnay from Holm Oak sizzles.

Even Keel Reserve Shiraz 2023

Dense but with rounded edges, this is a great Shiraz from Heathcote and I just want in. This Reserve is a step up from its sibling in the range, and you'd be forgiven for getting very comfortable here.

Holm Oak Arneis 2024

The only Arneis grown in Tasmania, this release from Holm Oak is a ripper. A wine of interest and depth, count me in!

Tapanappa Tiers 1.5m Chardonnay 2024

Wow! This is something. I know many prefer the Tiers Chardonnay, but for the last two years I have leaned towards this 1.5m and I don't apologise for it. Elegance and purity seep through this wine's veins and I want it all.

Levantine Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

This is a lovely drink. Sleek, silky and with fine lines, it highlights just how underrated Yarra Cabernet can be. This is a great Estate Cabernet from Levantine Hill.

Rusty Mutt Original Shiraz 2021

With a dangerously moreish flow, this is the best Rusty Mutt Original Shiraz to come across this tasting bench. The more it opens up, the more I want to dive in.

Holm Oak Protégé Pinot Noir 2024

Deliberately made to be bright and approachable, this easy-going Protégé Pinot Noir from Holm Oak oozes crowd-pleasing appeal.

Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2024

Concentrated and focused, let this Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay breathe for now or give it some bottle age and it will pay you back in spades. A few days of tasting proved that. An excellent wine as ever, but it's tightly wound and I suspect it will be at its best around the five-year mark.