QWine Reviews : 2026

Holm Oak The Wizard Chardonnay 2025

Composed and classy, I love this Chardonnay's swagger as it confidently strides out. The Wizard is Holm Oak's flagship white and it nails the brief.

Hayes Family Wines Block 1 Shiraz 2024

From the Hayes Family Wines certified organic vineyard in Stone Well, planted in the 1940s and rooted deep into sandstone and clay, this is a gloriously generous Barossa expression that never loses its composure.

Holm Oak Pinot Noir 2025

When you see this Holm Oak Pinot Noir on the shelf, you know you won't lose. Such a reliable and soothing bottle of delish, it's a neat cuddle for the insides.

Yelland & Papps Limited Cuvée Grenache 2025

I've had a lot of Grenache in my time, and I must say, this Yelland & Papps Limited Cuvée sits on top of the pile. Wow! What an incredible, precise and insatiably delicate release this is.

Byrne Farm Limited Release Shiraz Pinot Noir 2025

I do love how the Hunter Valley alumni have spread their wings across the Australian wine landscape and given the old Hunter River Burgundy blend some serious reach. Cool climate regions seem to be thriving with it at present, with the Yarra Valley a hot spot, and now Jeff Byrne has entered the fray with this superb Shiraz Pinot Noir from his patch in Orange.

Byrne Farm Single Barrel Chardonnay 2025

Ooft! This is the sort of Chardonnay that proves Orange deserves far more attention than it gets.

Hayes Family Wines Hillside Shiraz 2024

If you're chasing an old school Barossa Shiraz with no shortage of flavour, this Hayes Family Wines Hillside Shiraz delivers in spades.

Hayes Family Wines Block 2 Grenache 2025

Big love for this excellent Hayes Family Wines Block 2 Grenache made under the keen eye of winemaker Andrew Seppelt. Juicy and vibrant, it pops and slaps. Absolutely delicious!

Hayes Family Wines Estate Mataro 2025

Quality Mataro here from Hayes Family Wines. Lovers of the variety will find plenty to embrace, especially if they're prepared to give it a little time to open up.

Gilberts Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

A fabulous Cabernet from Western Australia's Mount Barker region, this Gilberts Reserve absolutely hums with a good decant.

Gilberts Reserve Shiraz 2023

Made for long, contemplative nights by the fire, check this Gilberts Reserve Shiraz.

First Drop The Cream Shiraz 2021

This flagship wine from First Drop, The Cream Shiraz, certainly lives up to its name.

First Drop Fat of the Land Seppeltsfield Shiraz 2021

Leaning into its rich pedigree, this Seppeltsfield Shiraz was my preferred of the Fat of the Land Single Vineyard Barossa wines from First Drop.

First Drop Fat of the Land Greenock Shiraz 2021

If you're chasing an old-school Barossa Shiraz, this First Drop Wines Fat of the Land Greenock release is right in the sweet spot.

First Drop Fat of the Land Ebenezer Shiraz 2021

Ebenezer has long been a source of powerful Barossa Shiraz, and this Fat of the Land release from First Drop Wines proudly flies that flag.

Usher Tinkler Death By Semillon 2024

Forget everything you think you know about Semillon because this Death By Semillon from Usher Tinkler happily tears up the rule book.

Holm Oak Shiraz 2024

Maintaining the high standard of vintages gone before, this Holm Oak Shiraz 2024 is another very good release.

Varney Wines GSM 2023

More herbal than the juicy, fruit-driven style this Varney GSM has become known for, this 2023 slides back a notch or two from those that have come before.

Jericho Fiano 2026

Fresh and bright, this Jericho Fiano is springtime in a glass.

Travellers Keykeg 20L Cabernet Merlot 2025

Some wines don't ask for food, they demand it. This Granite Belt Cabernet Merlot is one of them.

3 Rings Cabernet Shiraz 2024

A 60/40 blend, this 3 Rings Cabernet Shiraz is a great take on the traditional Aussie claret.

3 Rings Shiraz 2024

Quite the excitement machine, you'd be forgiven for thinking this costs far more than its $19 price tag. A quality Shiraz for under $20? That's a win.

3 Rings Shiraz 2023

I've now reviewed this 2023 Shiraz three times in the past 18 months. My first tasting was shortly after bottling, then again ten months later. Those extra months in bottle made a noticeable difference.

Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon 2025

This is the first time I've come across this Paringa Cabernet, despite reviewing the Shiraz on several occasions.

Paringa Shiraz 2025

Like its 2024 sibling, this 2025 is an easy-drinking and approachable Shiraz.

Paringa Shiraz 2024

An easy-going, approachable Shiraz with smooth lines. The bonus is you get change from a lobster - winning!

Kaesler The Fave Grenache 2025

Demanding your attention with every sip, The Fave from Kaesler is nothing short of an excellent example of Barossa Grenache.

Cook & Co Fiano 2026

A Fiano that will certainly brighten your day, check this Cook & Co from the Clare Valley.

Stream & Stone Pinot Noir 2025

A new label from Angoves, this Stream & Stone Pinot Noir comes from Tasmania's Tamar Valley.

Stream & Stone Chardonnay 2025

A new brand under the Angove banner, this Chardonnay comes from Tasmania's Tamar Valley.

Arila Gardens Single Vineyard Shiraz 2024

This is Barossa Shiraz at its most seductive. Dark, plush, and composed, it doesn't bludgeon, it envelops.

Bethany Blue Quarry Bethanien Sth Vineyard Shiraz 2024

This is the kind of Shiraz that quietly wins you over rather than demanding your attention. From vines planted in 1992, the fruit has a lovely polish and sheen, wrapped in a silky, delicate frame.

Bethany Blue Quarry Across The Creek Vineyard Shiraz 2024

Across The Creek Vineyard may not sound like the result of an exhausting naming workshop, but this Shiraz comes from Bethany’s highest vineyard, perched at 300 metres and planted in 1998, and it delivers a refined and rather stylish expression.

Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Chardonnay 2025

This Pinnacle Series Chardonnay from Ross Hill Wines jumps out of the blocks with confidence.

Varney Wines Entrada Grenache Cinsault Rosé 2026

From 70+ year old bush vine Grenache with a splash of young Cinsault (12%), this Rosé from Varney Wines carries itself with confidence. Take this to a picnic and you're set.

Grant Nash Poolside Rosé 2026

Grenache and Graciano are unlikely bedfellows, but they work fabulously here in this Grant Nash Poolside Rosé. Sunny days are no match for this delight.

Juniper Estate Malbec 2025

Oh, this is good. Very, very good. A modern take on Malbec that embraces vibrancy and drinkability without sacrificing depth, this is a wine that deserves your attention.

Higher Plane Two to Tango Cabernet Malbec 2023

Cabernet Malbec can often veer toward the traditional, but this release from Higher Plane feels like a more modern and contemporary take on the blend - winning!

Ballandean Estate Opera Block Shiraz 2024

The Opera Block at Ballandean Estate is just behind the winery and is named as such after the regular Opera in the Vineyards concerts were held on an adjacent stage. Sadly, this event is no more but the Shiraz and Chardonnay from these vines keep belting out the tunes.

Head Wines Heart and Home Shiraz 2023

A blend drawn from four Barossa vineyards, this Head Wines Heart & Home Shiraz carries plenty of regional character.

Head Wines RED GSM 2022

A 60/20/20 GSM blend that leans into the savoury side, this Head Wines RED GSM opens with aromas of black earth, boot polish and chocolate before strawberry and red cherry cameos add a welcome flash of brightness.

Domain Paul Mas Coté Mas Syrah 2024

From the south of France comes this Syrah that delivers stylistic simplicity.

Grant Nash Mourvedre Grenache Shiraz 2022

A slightly different take on the classic GSM, this blend from Grant Nash Wines hands the keys to Mourvèdre and lets its earthy, meaty personality rule the house.

Sorby Adams Gudilly Moscato 2026

Made for fun in the sun, this bright and energetic Moscato brings a slight spritz that will be sure to heighten its enjoyment factor.

Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Pinot Gris 2025

Grown at 1020 metres above sea level, this Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Pinot Gris brings both freshness and texture to the table.

Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Sauvignon Blanc 2025

From Australia’s first Climate Active certified carbon neutral winery now celebrating ten years of that achievement, Ross Hill Wines has plenty to talk about before the bottle is even opened, right down to the label produced with 30% recycled content.