The Pike family have produced exceptional Rieslings in their own right from their Clare Valley base, but their partnership with the Joyce family, fifth-generation horticulturalists, marks this foray into Adelaide Hills. Fragrant and zippy, this is a smart release.
A herbaceous Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc from Pike & Joyce.
More refined and precise than the Grand Pappy's Shiraz, this 1847 First Pick Shiraz is an excellent wine, hands down.
A new label to hit the Qwine tasting bench, this organic Rivers Lane Shiraz from J&J Wines in McLaren Vale is a ripe, muscular and bulky number.
A textural play thing of sorts, this unadulterated Tempranillo from Mt Bera has been fermented in amphora with no additions and was bottled without filtering.
If you enjoy bathing in old school Barossa Shiraz, this 1847 Wines Grand Pappy's would be right up your alley. With all the hallmarks you'd expect, the density and concentration are hard to miss.
The even-handedness coupled with its silky flow makes this Head Wines Ancestor Vines Grenache one absolute lip-smacking delight.
Woah! A faceplant into a tray of slow-roasted capsicum sets the scene with this new Abbey Vineyard Cabernet from Parker Estate.
A blend of Barossa and Eden Valley fruit, what a delightful drink. This is not the best Shiraz in the world, but damn, if you need that comforting ear or an embrace for the insides, this Head Wines Red should be your weapon of choice.
This is a really pleasant drink. It comes across more like a lighter bodied Shiraz than a Pinot Noir, but the presence, shape and flow get this Sieger Estate Frederick Pinot Noir a thumbs up.
Chardonnay is absolutely thriving in Orange, and if you can't get your feet on the ground, grab some of this Canobolas 2024 - it's a masterclass from the comfort of your armchair. Focused, measured, layered and pure, this is an excellent example of what the district does best.
Lovers of bigger styles will be in heaven with this fabulous Durif from Tenafeate Creek.
For $23, the Sticks Cabernet Sauvignon offers you a very tidy expression from the Yarra Valley. Black fruits, herby delights and a long finish have the "buy me" lights illuminated brightly.
Hot tip: let this Varney Wines Mencia 2024 breathe. A little bit wound up for now, give it that chance to unfurl and you'll hit the pleasure zone in no time. Gorgeous and then some, this is a silky wine to adore.
Savoury and earthy, this Head Wines Grenache from 70+ year old vines is a classy package and smack bang in the zone.
I really like this Stone Patch Shiraz from Jericho. Those hypnotic aromas of raspberry coulis have me fixated.
A great Riesling from Head Wines, it possesses a cool minerally vibe - much like its maker.
Ripe is the first word that came to mind when tasting this GSM from Tenafeate Creek. A bigger style, it carries a tinge of warmth too.
Let's be honest with one another... Given the choice, Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir isn't something I'd reach for, but gee, I'd buy this Coulter Wines Pinot Noir. What a beauty!
Wonderfully fragrant, this Rockbare Riesling strides out with a neat tempo and flow. Unpretentious with a humble disposition, it oozes approachability.
I haven't seen a Pinot Noir from Wild Games Wines previously. Sourced from Mt Gambier, south of their Coonawarra home, this delivers some pleasing varietal characteristics.
What a great Cabernet Merlot blend from Smith & Hooper! Sleek with great shape and balance, this is a ripping buy for $21.
You won't have any trouble drinking this Rockbare McLaren Vale Shiraz. It's a wine that offers a good hit of fruit, soft spices and a persistent finish.
Much like its Pinot Noir sibling, this Sticks Chardonnay is a good, honest drink without the frills. It's one to stick into your 'reliable' files when the time comes for a quick dash into the bottlo.
It's been a while since I've looked at a Sticks wine so it's good to be back in the frame. Good Pinot doesn't come cheap, but for 25 bucks, gee this gives that theory a shake.
Bursting with fizz, this Soumah Blanc de Blanc is a handy party starter. Plenty of fruit coupled with a drying finish makes this an easy go-to.
A firm and robust Shiraz from Adelaide Hills producer Mt Bera, this is a wine that needs food by its side.
This is a new wine in the Miss Zilm range, and I like what I see. It's from the Skilly Hills in the Clare Valley, and I'm a big fan of the density and medium-bodied shape.
Such an approachable and attractive wine, this Varney Wines GSM is ready for all occasions, be it that dinner party to appease the knowledgeable, a casual barbecue or even a lazy afternoon at suburban footy. Go here.
Just think of this Lyons Will Gamay as a dance party and everyone is invited. What a brilliant slurp of juicy delight we have here. There are a few masters of Australian Gamay and Lyons Will is certainly one of them.
It's been a while since a Coulter wine has appeared on the Qwine tasting bench, and gee, I'm glad it's back. Structured and textured, this Chardonnay is tops.
A Chardonnay with polish and sheen, Levantine Hill winemaker Paul Bridgeman doesn't muck around. The style and weight of this Estate wine is a contrast to some other Yarra Valley producers, but you're destined to embrace each sip.
A juicy and slurpable Grenache, this Limited Release 2024 from Varney Wines is a fabulous wine in its own right, but it hasn't reached the lofty heights of the 2023.
The leafy backbone of Cabernet Franc lurches forward and doesn't hold back with this Limited Release from Wynns Coonawarra Estate.