This is an uber cool Pinot that evokes wine bar beats with the lights turned down low. Some wines seek analytics and scores, yet others, like this, seek companionship, cosy corners and echoes of laughter. Splash this around liberally and you'll know what I mean.
Asserting itself with a lean and pristine persona, this D'Aloisio's Chardonnay from Burton McMahon is chiselled, deliberate, focused and bloody delicious.
Sitting on the richer side of the Chardonnay spectrum, this release from Ballandean Estate possesses charming appeal and is ready for a cool, wet evening with a roast chook in the oven.
Leading with a savoury and brooding aroma profile, be sure to give this Usher Tinkler Reserve Shiraz a decant before serving.
We're onto something here. Bring me all those lifted florals and vibrant fruit. This is a super Butcher's Block GSM release that delivers and then some for $27.
Generous and plush, this Butcher's Block Shiraz is ripe to the core.
With a persona edging on robust with some generosity, this Grant Nash Grenache opens with a warm, spice-laden frame that sets the tone.
Another beauty from Samantha May Wines, this Chenin Blanc comes from a place you'd least expect - Gundagai.
Since its first release in 2012, this Ballandean Estate Fiano has always been a high performer. For those who seek interest and texture in their white wines, wander over this way.
Big love for this Eden Valley Riesling! From 1940s planted vines, it's bright, fresh and utterly smashable.
Spring long lunch in a glass, this fresh, vibrant and super crisp Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from the Granite Belt's Ballandean Estate is an excitement machine.
A new producer to me, in comes this Hunter Valley Semillon from Cael's Gate.
This Dexter Pinot Noir is a really cool wine. Actually, it's better than cool. It's brilliant. The more I perused, the more I loved it. As time passed, I drained that bottle with ease. Great fruit, incredible detail and a most respectable pedigree, this is a winner all the way.
Bright and fresh with a Chablis-esque disposition, this Dexter Chardonnay is excellent.
There is an elegant simplicity about this Old Mate 128 Grenache from Grant Nash Wines that has me leaning in a little closer.
Wines like this from Samantha May are why I love doing what I do. Is it the best Nebbiolo I've ever had? No. But do I want to keep on topping up my glass? Hell yes!
Woah! Big love right here. From Woori Yallock in the Yarra Valley perched 180 metres above, this Burton McMahon Lusatia Park Chardonnay is an exhibition of fabulous drive, balance and restrained power.
These Hiatus Non Alcohol beers are the business! One of three in the range, this Pale Ale is an excellent alternative to the fully leaded versions in the marketplace. Full-flavoured, it delivers more than its alcohol-free status suggests.
Begging to be shared, this Yeah Wine Cabernet Franc is armed and ready for casual gatherings and picnics where laughter is as free-flowing as the pours.
Rutherglen rarely makes an appearance on the Qwine tasting bench, so I was keen to get into a few from Tout Pret (pronounced too-pray rather than lazy Australian tout-prett). Fiano makes up this Brunch wine. Winemaker Lachlan Murray tells me you can drink it before 12 and after 12. Not bad! Clever labels, too, I might add, based on his Murray clan tartans.
Regulars to this site would know that Sauvignon Blanc is not my favourite friend, particularly those grassy, herby types. I'm pleased to report that this Kosciuszko sits on the tropical fruit spectrum and goes okay.
During my youth, a mulberry tree hung over our back fence. My brothers and I used to jump the fence and scale this tree, yielding buckets upon buckets of plump, juicy mulberries. Our grandmother would then boil them up with some sugar and make a compote. This Grenache takes me back to that yard, that tree and spoonfuls of that absolutely delicious compote. Thank you, Adam Clay, for the vivid flashback because this Grenache oozes those memories.
For a modest, expressive and cleansing Riesling, this Biscay Road from the Barossa ticks the boxes handsomely.
Winemaker Renata Morello suggests that this is "for the Riesling lover as it is all about texture and depth of flavour". She is not wrong either - the interest is captivating.
Just days before Endeavour dropped the bombshell that Chapel Hill's assets will be sold, winemaker Michael Fragos sent me an email to inform me that he had sent some wines for review. As a most respected McLaren Vale winemaker, I feel for him and his staff and the uncertainty they are left with.
Only a few days before Endeavour went public and announced they were selling off the assets from Chapel Hill but only retaining the brand, I received an email from Michael Fragos asking if I could take a look at his wines. A great human, I feel for the staff who have been caught up in the crossfire.
A textural and interesting Chardonnay, the key is to not serve this Higher Plane Jewels of Karridale too cold so it can shine in all its glory.
I must admit, I always look forward to the Yelland & Papps Roussannes. Never short on interest, their expressions across the range pique my interest no end.
Broad shouldered and generous, this Barossa Cabernet from Camino Wine Co possesses an impressive suppleness that carries its weight.
If this Saperavi is posing the question, then a Bistecca steak laid over glowing coals is the answer. Just let the char, heft and primal swagger meet head on as you sit back and indulge.
A Chardonnay with spark and energy, it feels like it's been kissed by the sun and flame in equal measure. It's great to see the Curly Flat Williams Crossing back on the shelves again after a brief hiatus.
Epic autumn appeal, a fireside friend in winter, stunning in spring or an evening poolside treat during summer, sparkling Shiraz is such a versatile drink and deserves more kudos than being seen as a one-trick pony for Christmas lunch.
A great little Fiano! Can I keep the review at that? Armed and ready for long lunches, the presence and interest delivered elevate this Vin Sol Flōrus Fiano.
What's the best non-alcoholic beer I have tasted? This Hiatus Pacific Ale is it. Woah! Like a mango parfait, this is a summertime sunset in a can.
