Juxtaposed Smart Vineyard Grenache 2024

 

Potentially one of the best wines I've tasted from Juxtaposed, this Smart Vineyard Grenache clearly stakes its claim when sitting alongside its stablemates - Wait Vineyard Grenache and Old Vine Grenache.

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Juxtaposed Old Vine Shiraz 2023

 

The detail on these Juxtaposed labels are wine nerd heaven. From an unirrigated site, this Old Vine Shiraz blew my mind as it continued to get better and better over a few days of tasting. It deserves the 95 beside its name.

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Juxtaposed Old Vine Grenache 2023

 

Beautiful drinking, the longer I peruse, the more I adore. For $33, this is terrific Grenache from McLaren Vale's Juxtaposed.

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Mount Majura Ansonica 2025

 

Bright and fresh with a crunchy acidity, this debut release of the Mount Majura Ansonica makes all the right moves.

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Ilios Xynisteri 2025

 

I'm happy to admit that my knowledge of Greek wine varieties is limited, but it's great to see climate appropriate vines like these being planted.

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Patrick of Coonawarra Single Site Joanna Shiraz 2020

 

A generous and indulgent Shiraz from the Wrattonbully region that will be in peak form with the winter months approaching.

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Juxtaposed Wait Vineyard Grenache 2024

 

From one of the highest points in Blewitt Springs, the Wait Vineyard sits at 210 metres above. This Grenache is the perfect souvla wine. Just sit back, sip slow and watch that meat spin over the coals. Yes!

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Yalumba Sanctum Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

 

You could call this a baby Menzies, considering the fruit comes off the same vineyard.

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King's Reach Sunbury Sparkling Brut NV

With Sunbury emblazoned across the label, this Sparkling Brut comes from a region best known as Melbourne Airport's nearest wine region.

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King's Reach King Valley Prosecco NV

The first release of this King's Reach Prosecco is a hit. A delightful and delicious fizz to get your party started. 

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King's Reach Heathcote Shiraz 2025

All I smell is a Sara Lee berry pie, and I just want more! A loveable and delicious Heathcote Shiraz - yes please!

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Mount Majura Mencia 2025

 

If Gamay is your thing because you love those medium-bodied feels, shimmy over this way and give this Mount Majura Mencia a nudge. What a cracker!

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Yalumba Barossa Grenache Rosé 2025

 


This Yalumba Barossa Grenache Rosé is a pretty thing. And then there's the crunchy factor from the bright acidity. A big thumbs up from me.

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Yalumba Barossa Shiraz 2024

 


In the zone, this is a great expression of Shiraz.

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Yalumba Eden Valley Roussanne 2025

 


For a wine with a little extra body, this Yalumba Eden Valley Roussanne is fresh and alive.
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Oakridge Blanc de Blancs 2019

 

This Oakridge Blanc de Blancs is a better drink than so many of those cheap, imported Champagnes that many froth over. 

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Gundog Estate Indomitus Rosa 2025

 

100% Sangiovese Rosé sourced from the Hilltops region, this Indomitus Rosa from Gundog Estate is delightfully textural.

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Gundog Estate Indomitus Rutilus 2024

 

A blend of Shiraz, Tempranillo and Grenache (57/29/14), winemaker Matt Burton says this wine is his first major step toward embracing different varieties driven by consumers moving away from traditional wines such as Shiraz.

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Paulmara Estate Xinomavro Blanc de Noir 2025

 

Off the back of a superb debut Xinomavro 2025 red wine release, this Blanc de Noir has been a neat addition to the range.

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Oakridge Hyde Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

 

A rock-solid expression of Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakridge.

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Ridgemill Estate WYP Special Reserve Tempranillo 2023



Balanced between rustic charm and refined sophistication, this Granite Belt Tempranillo takes you on a journey through layers of complexity.

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King's Reach Pinot Grigio 2025

 

These King's Reach wines are produced by Marnong Estate using selected parcels of fruit from across Victoria. Under the guidance of winemaker Alex Beckett, quality is assured in every glass.

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Yalumba Galway Vintage Shiraz 2023

 

I remember selling this Yalumba Galway back in the day for $6.99 along with its partner in crime Christobels. I still see those classic labels in my mind's eye like it was yesterday. 

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Angullong Fossil Hill Montepulciano 2023

 

Of the six Angullong Fossil Hill wines I've reviewed recently, this Montepulciano stood out from the pack. It's such an attractive wine, and I adored its shape and flow. Find this.

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Angullong Fossil Hill Barbera 2024

 

Love it! This Barbera from Angullong screams for ragu and slow cooked meats. Bring on those cool nights.
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Angullong Fossil Hill Sangiovese 2023

 

Swirling the glass and absorbing the aromas takes me back to San Gimignano, that cosy Tuscan village where life is dialled back and calls for considered, composed wines like this Angullong Fossil Hill Sangiovese.
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Angullong Fossil Hill Tempranillo 2023

 

Bright with a lifted perfume, what a welcome mat this Angullong Fossil Hill throws out. Friday night footy or pizza night is all go with this delicious Tempranillo.

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Angullong Fossil Hill Shiraz 2023

 

These Angullong Fossil Hill wines are wonderfully consistent across the range. The aroma profile of this Shiraz builds intrigue with an engaging pretty factor.

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Angullong Fossil Hill Chardonnay 2023

 

$30 for this Chardonnay?! Here is proof that you don't need to break the bank to experience a wine with serious complexity.

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Mesh Eden Valley Riesling 2025

 

There is something profoundly satisfying about a wine that doesn't shout for attention, but rather, commands it. This Mesh Eden Valley Riesling does exactly that - complexity and interest all at once.

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Parish Vineyards Pinot Gris 2025


 This Tasmanian beauty overdelivers. It's bright, fragrant and is wonderfully expressive. It's the type of wine that stops you mid-conversation, demanding your attention.

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La Maschera Pinot Grigio 2025

 


An approachable, crowd-pleasing Pinot Grigio that can be relied upon for its year to year consistency.

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Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Pinot Noir 2024

 

Of the Oakridge Vineyard Series Pinot Noirs, this Willowlake is my pick. Whoa, this is a wine to cherish.

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Oakridge Vineyard Series Hazeldene Pinot Noir 2024

 

The Oakridge Vineyard Series continues to impress regardless of whether you have the Pinot Noir or the Chardonnay in your glass. This Hazeldene Pinot, from the Upper Yarra, is a beauty.

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Oakridge Vineyard Series Henk Pinot Noir 2024

 

Part of Oakridge's Vineyard Series, this Henk Pinot Noir is seriously good, but it has me convinced that Henk is a better Chardonnay site.

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Willunga 100 Sheer Madness GSM 2024

 

The fruit that contributes to this Willunga 100 Sheer Madness Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro has some serious vine age, planted in 1968, 1936 and 1940 respectively. Let's not gloss over the name either - Sheer Madness. What a cracker! 

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Gundog Estate Indomitus Albus 2025

 

Thoughtful experimentation sums up the Indomitus range of wines from Gundog Estate. This Albus Semillon sits on skins for 175 days and is a blend of sites from the Upper Hunter and around Pokolbin.

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Ridgemill Estate WYP Fumé Riesling 2023

 

Ridgemill Estate winemaker Peter McGlashan is never afraid to give things a crack. His creative mind has no bounds. Fumé Riesling? Sure. Why not? I can't recall coming across one, so here goes...

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Running With Bulls Tempranillo 2024

 

As with the Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache, this Running with Bulls Tempranillo is reliable as ever. I noted that this 2024 offers a bit more of a floral lift.

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Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache 2024

 

I've often referred to this Bushvine Grenache from Yalumba as reliable as old boots. It just keeps fronting up year after year with a determined consistency.

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Ox Hardy 1891 Ancestor Vine Upper Tintara Vineyard Shiraz 2022

 

I walked through this vineyard with Ox Hardy and his son Henry back in January 2025. Such opportunities are valuable and give a sense of place as you experience the contours of the vineyard, the micro-climates, not to mention the dirt and vines. This Ancestor Vine Shiraz from the Upper Tintara Vineyard is exceptional.

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Oakridge The Apex Twin Chardonnay 2023

 

Just when you thought Oakridge couldn't scale any more heights with their incredible range of Chardonnays, along comes The Apex Twin. A single-barrel wine, it's said to not be a limited release, but rather an exclusive release.

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Ox Hardy Slate Shiraz 2023

 

This is a seriously cool wine that is only enhanced by its incredible history. Fermented in the original slate fermenters at the old Upper Tintara winery, history pulsates through every vein of the Ox Hardy Slate Shiraz.

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Ridgemill Estate Vermentino 2025

 

Fresh, crisp and incredibly irresistible, a chilled glass or two of this Ridgemill Estate Vermentino will disappear from your glass in no time.

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Sutton Grange Fairbank Viognier 2024

 

This Viognier is a beauty! With a beguiling freshness, it's a delightful drink with a gentle thread of spice that keeps drawing you back for more.

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Ridgemill Estate Lincoln Shiraz 2023

 

The essence of an impressive medium-bodied Granite Belt Shiraz. Say, "Hello deliciousness," to this Ridgemill Estate Lincoln.

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Parker Estate Kidman Shiraz 2023

 

I reviewed this Parker Estate Kidman Shiraz 2023 12 months ago and the additional bottle age has certainly been its friend.

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Oakridge Hyde Park Shiraz 2024

 

Sleek, delightful and supremely delicious drinking, get aboard this cool climate Oakridge Hyde Park Shiraz pleasure machine.

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Parker Estate 95 Block 2023

 

Let's not beat around the bush... This is the best Parker Estate Block 95 I've seen to date. A consistent performer over many years, as I retrospectively checked my notes, it has been hovering around 93 points. This is the first time I have slapped 95 beside its name. Well played by Ox Hardy and his team.

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Parker Estate SBW Shiraz Mataro 2023

 

A wine built for thick cuts of protein cooked over open flames, this Parker Estate SBW is a rustic and muscular blend of 60-year-old Coonawarra Shiraz and 110-year-old Barossa Mataro.

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