The Best of 2025

 

Another year and another reason to raise a glass! In my 15th year, I still pinch myself at how far things have progressed. Qwine Reviews has now amassed over 8000 reviews and 2025 is my biggest year with 761 reviews posted! Coupled with more than 2 million website hits, the momentum continues to blow me away.

But it's not the numbers that drive me - it's the people and experiences. During the course of the year, I judged at two wine shows - the Orange Wine Show and the RASQ Mediterranean Wine Show. Contributions were also made to some publications and I even had the luxury of tasting my way around the Geographe region (Western Australia) from the comfort of my tasting bench after several dozen wines landed on my doorstep. What a great initiative this was by the Geographe region! But one of my absolute highlights was taking the mic to MC the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup race day back in January hosting 730 guests in the VIP marquee. A most unforgettable day!

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Flametree SRS Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2024

 

Closing out 2025 with review number 761 (my biggest year yet!) and what a way to finish! This Flametree SRS Wallcliffe Chardonnay is nothing short of exceptional, welcome it with open arms.

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O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz 2023

 

Although this O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz 2023 doesn't reach the glorious heights of the 2022, it is still a super expression of Clare Valley Shiraz and great buying for 40 bucks!

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Paulmara Estate Xinomavro 2025

 

Aromatically stunning, this Xinomavro is nothing short of impressive. It's the second most planted red variety in Greece, and the Barossa's Paulmara Estate is the only producer in Australia to have it in the ground. A rare and distinctive variety such as this deserves your attention.

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Holm Oak Arneis 2025

 

A wine with captivating interest, this Tassie Arneis from Holm Oak takes me back to my time in Piedmont six months ago. It's an excellent drink.

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Renzaglia Wambuul Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

 

Silky with an impressive flow, this Wambuul Cabernet Sauvignon from Renzaglia completes a mighty fine suite of three wines in this range.

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Holm Oak Pinot Gris 2025

 

Delicious drinking and an ideal sundowner, this Holm Oak Pinot Gris hits the spot with ease.

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Holm Oak Protégé Pinot Noir 2025

 


Enticing bright red fruits get you in the mood with this Holm Oak Protégé Pinot Noir. Deliberately made to be expressive in its youth, the attractive varietal savoury nuances play a respectable role.

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Parker Estate Scarlett Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

A really tidy expression of Cabernet from Parker Estate, the fruit comes from a section of their acclaimed Abbey Vineyard. 

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Chapel Hill The MV Gorge Block Chardonnay 2024

 

This Chapel Hill MV Gorge Block Chardonnay leans into refinement without the theatrics.

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Chapel Hill The Vinedresser Chardonnay 2025

 

There's an approachable simplicity about this Vinedresser Chardonnay from Chapel Hill.

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Paulmara Estates Sangiovese Rosé 2025

 

This Paulmara Estates Sangiovese Rosé speaks loudly for tapas, pizza or a handful of Burger Rings.

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Parker Estate Mill Block Chardonnay 2025

 

A rich style of Chardonnay from Parker Estate that is not weighty or concentrated but ready to smash the roast chook test.

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First Ridge Fiano 2025

 

Super Fiano! What a beauty we have here from Mudgee producer First Ridge. Waltz into the room with this and you'll win a horde of friends.

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Heggies Estate Eden Valley Chardonnay 2024

 

An impressive Eden Valley Chardonnay with a cool tone and swagger, this Heggies Estate is the best release I have seen of this wine to date.

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Chapel Hill Small Batch Vermentino 2025

 

The maritime climate of McLaren Vale has its fingerprints all over this Chapel Hill Small Batch Vermentino. Seafood and sunshining days won't stand a chance with a hefty pour of this in your glass.

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Renzaglia Wambuul Chardonnay 2024

 

An edgy style of Chardonnay, yet this Wambuul from Renzaglia offers a calm and composed sophistication. Great stuff!

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Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2024

 

A brilliantly structured and complex Riesling, if you adore the variety and all the treasures that it delivers, you'll be in heaven with this Pegasus Bay Bel Canto.

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Renzaglia Wambuul Shiraz 2024

 

This is a really cool wine. I love its genuine personality. It's not polished within an inch of its life, nor is it trying to be a Shiraz like every other. Credit to its maker, Sam Renzaglia.

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Chapel Hill The Parson Fiano 2025

 

I really enjoyed the consistency that this Chapel Hill Fiano delivered. Like its Verdelho sibling, find this on the shelf and you can be assured that you will enjoy each glass you reach for.
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Flametree Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2025

 

Clean and crisp, this excellent Flametree Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is wonderfully refreshing. Sunshining days are calling.

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Biscay Road Riesling 2025

 


This is my second look at this Biscay Road Riesling with its first arrival coming hot off the bottling line. A few more months in bottle have helped it settle into a neat groove.

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Chapel Hill The Parson Verdelho 2025

 

It's been a while since I've seen a Verdelho. Welcome back! This is from McLaren Vale's Chapel Hill and plays a straight bat with solid technique. A bit Steve Smith-esque you could say.

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First Ridge Vermentino 2025

 

A starburst of fresh, vibrant aromas lifts from the glass with ease. This First Ridge Vermentino is perfect for summer-time drinking.

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Parker Estate Rocky Block Shiraz 2023

 

I can't help but think of Rocky Balboa when I see the word Rocky. A bit of a rebrand, this is new to the Parker range. The fruit is sourced from the very north of the Coonawarra region, the Rocky Block.

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Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay 2021

 

A concentrated and flirtatious delight. If rich styles of Chardonnay make you weak at the knees, you should make a beeline in this direction.

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Wrights Vineyard Fortified Chardonnay 2024

 

Fortified Chardonnay - two words I have not uttered for what seems like aeons, but what a welcome surprise it was to see this Wrights Vineyard 2024 land on the doorstep.

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3 Rings Shiraz 2023

 

Reviewed back in February, a revisit on the tasting bench has shown that another ten months in bottle has helped elevate things.

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Paringa Shiraz 2023

 

The 2022 release of this Paringa Shiraz was a killer bargain for $16, but this new 2023 brings some warmth and generosity from riper fruit.

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Smith & Hooper Pinot Grigio 2025

 


An easy-going Pinot Grigio made for uncomplicated pleasure and drink now appeal.

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O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

 

A rock-solid Clare Valley Cabernet from O'Leary Walker. Although it possesses a firm touch now, this will age a treat.

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Flametree SRS Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

 

A bit of Vanessa Williams factor here with her song, "Save the best til last." One of the best Cabernets I have tasted this year, what a great way to see out 2025.

Tasted with a brace of Cabernets of similar vintage, the hallmarks of Margaret River proudly leap from the glass. Another excellent Flametree SRS Cabernet release.

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Purple Hands Montepulciano 2024

 

You won't die wondering with a generous dollop of fruit to consider courtesy of this Purple Hands Montepulciano.

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Purple Hands Aglianico 2024

 

Tannin is a big player with this Purple Hands Aglianico and the fruit is at its mercy.

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Jim Brand The Pursuit Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

 

The last time the Jim Brand Pursuit Cabernet hit the Qwine tasting bench was a few years ago in the form of the 2020 vintage. Things have definitely stepped up in that time - this 2023 is a graceful beauty to behold.

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Tim Smith Eden Valley Viognier 2025

 

Another excellent Viognier from Tim Smith, the $30 asking price does not reflect the quality that is in the glass. But as the consumer, you win!

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Colours of the South Rosso 2023

A blend of Montepulciano, Aglianico and Negroamaro, this rustic, medium-bodied blend from the Barossa is armed and ready to take down any ragu, pizza or burger that you throw at it.

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Berton Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

Cool mint and dark chocolate seemingly glide from the glass, luring me closer to this Berton Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Coonawarra.

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Pegasus Bay Estate Riesling 2024

 

The words cleansing and purity describe this off-dry, Germanic take on Riesling from New Zealand's Pegasus Bay.

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Purple Hands Deep Purple Hands Shiraz 2024

Tasted beside its Barossa Valley Shiraz sibling, this Deep Purple Hands certainly gets in deep with grippy tannins that seem never-ending.

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Purple Hands Shiraz 2024

 

A generous and rich Barossa Shiraz, you can really get your claws into this release from Purple Hands.

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Gundog Estate Off-Dry Semillon 2025

 

For those seeking a wine that's low in alcohol, this Off-Dry Semillon from Gundog Estate carries itself with pride.

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Pegasus Bay Estate Chardonnay 2022

 

Concentrated, generous, fleshy and textured, there is an ocean of delight awaiting those who enjoy richer styles of Chardonnay.

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Flametree SRS Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2023

 

I was to be sent the pre-release SRS Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2024 for review, but it looks like the work experience kid in the warehouse got involved. Alas, this 2023 is exceptional in its own right.

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O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz 2022

Boom! I reviewed this Shiraz eighteen months ago and it blew my mind. With the opportunity to revisit, this is incredible value. Hunt it down with gusto.

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La Maschera Prosecco NV

 

Quite the excitement machine, tropical and floral aromas cascade from the glass to usher in your welcome.
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Gundog Estate Hunter's Shiraz 2024

 

The consistency of these Gundog Estate wines is impressive. An expansive range with fruit sourced from a variety of regions apart from their Hunter Valley base, this medium-bodied Hunter's Shiraz hits the right notes.

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Gundog Estate The Chase Semillon 2025

 

Summer in a glass, this Gundog Estate The Chase Semillon is screaming for sunshine, beach days and fresh seafood. Bliss.

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Raidis Estate The Trip 2018

 

A wine with great bones, the best barrels make it into Raidis Estate's flagship Cabernet.

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Berton Vineyard The Bonsai Shiraz 2021

 

The Eden Valley's cooler climate verve is on full display with this Bonsai Shiraz from Berton Vineyard.

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