QWine Reviews : April 2026

First Drop Mother's Ruin Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Approachable, varietal and super tasty, the mid-tier wines from First Drop are solid and reliable. Check this Cabernet or the Mother's Milk Shiraz.

House of Clarence Shiraz 2014

Cold night comfort, a ready partner for a steak or slow-cooked beef, House of Clarence is served exclusively at Brisbane's Clarence Restaurant in the uber cool Fish Lane precinct.

Peter Sawrey has penned the words for The Signature label over the last 32 years. In a poignant and fitting final chapter, this last tribute he wrote was that of his own. An excellent release once again, this Cabernet Shiraz blend from Yalumba never ceases to impress.

Wynns Coonawarra Black Label The Original Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

The Wynns Coonawarra Black Label has built an excellent reputation as a wine cellar staple, and this 2024 release keeps the flame flickering bright.

Wynns Coonawarra O'Deas Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed this Cabernet from Wynns. Over a few days of tasting, it settles into its groove, delivering maximum appeal and seduction.

Soumah Mezzaluna Nebbiolo 2022

Welcome to Mezzaluna - Soumah's debut Reserve Nebbiolo. Made in a similar style to the famed Barolo wines, this is an excellent release.

Wynns Coonawarra V&A Lane Cabernet Shiraz 2024

An excellent take on the classic Australian claret, this Wynns V&A Lane Cabernet Shiraz is complex and delightful to drink.

Wynns Coonawarra V&A Lane Shiraz 2024

We are getting to the top of the Wynns range with the V&A Lane wines, but this Shiraz doesn't have the complexity I'd hope for, particularly at the price point. Sure, it's a good enough drink, but I'd like a little more desire and focus for my $60.

Wynns Coonawarra Black Label Old Vine Shiraz 2024

A Coonawarra classic that nails the brief. Spot the Wynns Coonawarra Black Label out and about, and you can be assured to be in safe hands.

Wynns Coonawarra Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2025

Juicy and lively, this is the second release of the Wynns Coonawarra Limited Release Cabernet Franc.

First Drop Mother's Milk Shiraz 2023

Great label. Great wine. If value matters, get this Mother's Milk Shiraz in your glass.

Barambah First Grid Shiraz 2019

This label refuses to fade quietly into history. Long extinct, the final allocation of Barambah wines was secured by Master of Wine Peter Scudamore-Smith, who sells this and a host of other wines on premise throughout south-east Queensland.

Wynns Coonawarra Messenger Chardonnay 2025

The second release of the Messenger Chardonnay from Wynns, this is fresh with a dancy energy thanks to a lemony and grapefruit drive.

First Drop Real Time Chardonnay 2023

I love the weight and flow of this Chardonnay from First Drop Wines.

Ox Hardy Chardonnay 2025

A very tidy Chardonnay from Ox Hardy. Sourced from the Adelaide Hills, it walks with some Petit Chablis vibes.

Patrick of Coonawarra Block 5 Aged Riesling 2018

Terrific drinking from Patrick of Coonawarra, a label known for delivering premium Riesling, which ages superbly.

Ridgemill Estate Pinot G 2025

Oh, I like this. A lot. Considered and damn delicious, check this Pinot G from Ridgemill Estate - it's a beauty!

First Drop Vivo Arneis 2025

I thoroughly enjoyed this clean, crisp and zippy Arneis from First Drop wines. Radiating sunshine, it's a burst of joy in a glass.

First Drop Minchia Montepulciano 2019

Opening with big, muscular and robust aromas, this Montepulciano from First Drop wines has already seven years under its belt.

First Drop Wines Suave GST 2024

What a cool label that oozes great shelf presence! The bottle pic doesn't do it justice, mind you. Named Suave, this is a blend of Grenache/Shiraz/Touriga from First Drop Wines.

Juxtaposed Fiano 2025

Sourced from the Lacey Vineyard, this Fiano from Juxtaposed wines was picked 10 days earlier than average due to a warm and dry season.

Ox Hardy Fiano 2025

A burst of energy makes a statement on opening. It's a wine that presents a charming case both in the glass and on the label - I do love how that pink Ox Hardy font pops off the sky blue label.

Ridgemill Estate Snigleys Rosé 2025

Sunday session Rosé. Aim this at a meatboard or woodfired pizza and happiness will come your way.

Y Series Lighter Shiraz 2024

For what it is, this is a tidy Shiraz.

Yelland & Papps Vin de Soif Blanc 2025

A clever little blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris with a delightful crispness that has me leaning in a little closer.

Paulmara Estate MARAnanga Shiraz 2023

If you can have muscle cars, you can also have muscle Shiraz - well, I think so anyway. This is a big, bold, old school Barossa Shiraz rolling in.

Patrick of Coonawarra Home Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Pour this Single Vineyard Cabernet in your glass, recline and embrace the glory of what Coonawarra does best.

Yelland & Papps Vin de Soif Shiraz 2025

A most approachable and smashable Shiraz made for immediate drinking.

Y Series Riesling 2025

The Y Series overdelivers with this cracking Riesling. Often a top performer in the range, this 2025 release is ace.

Cook's Lot Allotment 8888 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

With five years already under its belt, this is a well-priced Cabernet from Orange producer Cook's Lot.

Juxtaposed Mataro Rosé 2025

Succumbing to pressure from his partner, winemaker Wes Pearson made a Rosé for her summer drinking. True love.

Smith & Hooper Cabernet Merlot 2023

A better wine than its Merlot sibling, but it's worth noting that expectations begin from a fairly modest base.

Smith & Hooper Merlot 2023

Leafy with a furrowed brow, this is a Limestone Coast Merlot still finding its feet rather than being ready to dazzle.

Yelland & Papps Vin de Soif Rouge 2025

The wine show system needs a category named "Smashable". Juicy, silky and slinky wines such as this Yelland & Papps Vin de Soif Rouge 2025 would make the judging process incredibly enjoyable and, dare I say, indecisive given the deliciousness on offer.

Tapanappa Tiers 1.5m Chardonnay 2025

I do have a soft spot for this Chardonnay. It's not in the same league as the Tiers 1.5m 2024, but it's a very good one, no less.

Y Series Chardonnay 2025

The consistency of these Y Series really is something to admire. This time, it's the Riverland Chardonnay in the spotlight, and once again, you've got a solid and very respectable wine sitting in your glass.

Y Series Pinot Grigio 2025

Swirl the glass and take a sip and you'll find this Y Series Pinot Grigio shows more of a serious side compared to the Lighter Pinot Grigio tasted alongside it. Two different wines, each telling its own story.

Y Series Lighter Pinot Grigio 7% 2025

With only 44 calories per 100mL, this Y Series Lighter Pinot Grigio is marketed to those who are monitoring their alcohol intake. Tasted alongside the 'normal' Y Series Pinot Grigio, this held its own.

Y Series Lighter Cuvée 7% NV

With only 50 calories per 100mL, this Y Series Lighter Cuvée is marketed to those who are monitoring their alcohol intake, and if you are, this is a most respectable option.

Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2025

I love the notes Brian Croser shares about each vintage. He introduces 2025, "as a weak, wobbly Antarctic vortex allowed a pressure system to escape near the Australian continent. The result was the warmest, driest and earliest vintage of my 56-year winemaking career."