QWine Reviews : September 2025

Renzaglia Pinot Noir 2024

So very Pinot, this is my first look at one from Renzaglia and I like what I see.

Huntington Estate Nouveau 2024

A blend of Grenache, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, this is all about deliciousness and zero pretentiousness.

Oakridge Hyde Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Quite a different Cabernet to its Barkala sibling, this Hyde Park demonstrates more presence, vibe and lift. A wine with an impressive, rounded and poised shape, this was drinking beautifully over three days of tasting.

Oakridge Barkala Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

I am a fan of Yarra Valley Cabernet. I see it as quite an underrated variety in the region that sits in the shadows of its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir friends. All that said, this Barkala release from Oakridge was a little off the pace from previous vintages I've tasted.

Main Divide Pinot Noir 2023

I poured this Main Divide Pinot Noir at the Pinot Palooza event last year and my challenge to allcomers was simple: find me a better value Pinot in the room. No one could and I doubt you will either.

Holm Oak Rosé 2025

Made from Pinot Noir and spending 36 hours on skins, this Holm Oak Rosé is a little darker in the glass than some with a watermelon juice appearance that tempts the eye.

Huntington Estate Pinot Noir Dry Rosé 2025

Recent releases of this Pinot Noir Rosé from Mudgee's Huntington Estate have hit the mark and this 2025 is no different. Get around it this spring and summer.

Huntington Estate Gewurztraminer 2025

Seductive Gewurztraminer aromas go about their work to draw you closer for an easy summertime slurp.

Hutton Vale Farm Grenache Mataro 2022

A classic match for a Sunday roast, this Hutton Vale Farm Grenache Mataro hits the spot with ease.

Tyrrell's Vat 47 Chardonnay 2023

A licence to thrill. I do adore the Tyrrell's HVD but this Tyrrell's Vat 47 is a killer.

Pegasus Bay Estate Pinot Noir 2023

The Pinot Noirs from Pegasus Bay don't ever seem to skip a beat. This 2023 release is deliciously savoury, and if you are unfamiliar with the brand, it's best you introduce yourself.

Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache 2024

I could bathe in this Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache and be transported to a higher place. A sheer delight, it is expressive, joyous and incredibly delicious.

Hayes Family Wines Prayer Garden 2024

Such a pretty and intriguing wine, this Hayes Family Wines Prayer Garden Grenache dances on the balls of its feet. What a ripper!

Aptitude Gamay 2024

Ablaze with enthusiasm, this Aptitude Gamay is an absolute fun machine and a sheer delight to drink.

Huntington Estate Grenache 2024

It's been a while since the Huntington Estate Grenache came across my tasting bench. The last time was 2021 and a lot has changed since then. The Special Reserve 2023 took out some pretty impressive silverware last year - bravo. Little brother here is still trudging along, though.

Schwarz Wine Co Meta Grenache Blanc 2024

Grenache Blanc I hear you say quizzically? Dive in here. Rush at this springtime white highlighted by its fabulous weight and superb textural drive.

Sutton Grange Estate Syrah 2021

An eye-catching wine from Bendigo, hitch a ride on the pleasure train that is known as the Sutton Grange Estate Syrah. A show stopper, this is my first look at this wine, and whoa, it is in the zone!

Schwarz Wine Co Nitschke Block Shiraz 2021

A Barossa Shiraz with terrific presence and drive, the Schwarz Wine Co Nitschke Block was planted in 1968 in the Bethany sub-region, which is known for its clay soils.

Sutton Grange Fairbank Syrah 2021

Dense and concentrated, this Sutton Grange Fairbank Syrah is simply beautiful stuff. Tremendous value for $35 with already four years of age under its belt, go here.

Tyrrell's Vat 9 Shiraz 2024

At the foot of greatness, be sure to bow at the altar. This Tyrrell's Vat 9 is in supreme order. Buy up and hold. Just hold.

Tyrrell’s Vat 63 Chardonnay Semillon 2025

Open the curtains wide enough and you'll see both the Chardonnay and Semillon fruit shine radiantly in the frame. A beautiful drink that is elegant and composed, be sure not to serve this Tyrrell's Vat 63 too cold.

Nautilus Chardonnay 2023

A Chardonnay that grows on you, this Nautilus release is layered and wonderfully moreish. Woah!

Indigo Vineyard Secret Village Shiraz 2021

An excellent cool climate Shiraz from Beechworth, this Indigo Secret Village Shiraz is just ace.

Aptitude Chardonnay 2024

A new project by the clever and very humorous Greg Clack, this Aptitude Chardonnay will make you sit up and take notice.

Renzaglia Riesling 2024

Sip this Renzaglia Riesling by the pool on a stifling hot day. Bliss.

Renzaglia Chardonnay 2024

These Renzaglia wines exhibit an attractive personality and that is a credible trait when a new label hits the ground. It's always easy to roll out clean wines but these have shape, interest and are not straight-laced - respect!

Renzaglia Pinot Gris 2024

Rarely do wines have me sitting on the fence, but I'm a bit Natalie Imbrulia on this one (torn).

Schwarz Wine Co The Grower Chenin Blanc 2024

I don't see all that much Chenin Blanc. I'd be curious to discover how many vineyards have it in the southern and eastern parts of Australia, although I'm aware there are plenty in Western Australia. This Schwarz Wine Co release hails from the Barossa.

Indigo Vineyard Small Batch Shiraz Viognier 2024

Delicate and pretty, this Indigo Vineyard Small Batch Shiraz Viognier is a wine with impressive lift as it glides through with ease.

Sorby Adams The Parish Hall St Boniface Shiraz 2022

A Barossa Shiraz with a great feel and presence, of the three Parish Hall wines from Sorby Adams, this was my preferred.

Sorby Adams The Parish Hall St Hugh's Shiraz 2022

The St Hugh's Parish was established in Angaston, with the fruit for this Shiraz sourced from this sub-region as well as Craneford. The other two wines in the Parish Hall range are the St Aidan's from the southern Barossa and St Boniface from the north.

Sorby Adams The Parish Hall St Aidan's Shiraz 2022

The Parish Hall range from Sorby Adams is a tribute to Simon's great uncle, Keith, who served as the Anglican Parish Minister in the Barossa from 1957 to 1960. During this time, he guided the region’s five Parish Halls in their daily life.

ALOFT Pinot Noir 2025

Twenty bucks for this Aloft Pinot Noir is a mighty fine deal. It's a youthful, inviting and energetic red that will even take a slight chill in warmer months. Cut loose with this free-flowing beauty.

Rameau D'Or Côtes de Provence 2024

From the south of France comes this luscious, creamy and absolutely delicious Rosé.

Coeur des Sages Mācon Villages Chardonnay 2023

Weight, shape and balance get you in the mood with this Chardonnay from southern Burgundy.

Holm Oak Protégé Chardonnay 2025

Fresh and inviting, there is enough detail here to peruse and send me back for another glass.

Coeur des Sages Beaujolais Villages 2023

From the granite-rich soils of Beaujolais comes this dancy and delightful wine that will be sure to please a legion of fans.

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2024

Wonderfully autumnal, this is a Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir with soul, depth and a comforting embrace. It's an excellent wine, hands down.

Tapanappa Definitus Pinot Noir 2022

Class, elegance and dangerously silky, what a superb and precise Pinot Noir from Tapanappa.

Soumah Hexham Chardonnay 2024

I like this. A lot! The polish and attractive sheen get my attention, not to mention the concentration. This Soumah Hexham Vineyard Chardonnay is a clever piece of work.

Soumah Upper Ngumby Chardonnay 2024

I always look forward to the comparison between the two single vineyard Chardonnays that Soumah produce. The Upper Ngumby site is located in Yarra Glen, a short drive from the cellar door. Of the previous 2023 releases, this was the wine I leaned towards, but the concentration of the Hexham won my favour between these 2024 releases.