Oliver's Taranga Vermentino 2023

 

Going on holidays? Pack this in your bag. Lazy days by the water and a glass or two of this will ensure the worries of the world pass you by. Clean, crisp and refreshing, this is a delightful Vermentino from Oliver's Taranga.

Pikes Olga Emmie Riesling 2023

 

I've had the opportunity to taste a handful of off-dry Rieslings of late, and this Pikes Olga Emmie is the best of them. On first inspection, my mind rushes to my childhood with Whizz Fizz lemon sherbet and Pine Lime Splice cutting loose. Yum!

Flametree Pinot Rosé 2023

 

I like this Rosé purely for its simplicity. No fuss, it's cruisy drinking, and sometimes you need wines like that. Give it a run when you're worn down and feeling lazy.

Flametree Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2023

 

An easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend (75/25) that will find favour among those seeking a simple yet tasty white wine.

Wildly Organic Cuvée NV

 

The flavour train has left the station and it appears this fizz didn't jump on board.

Gundog Estate Rosé 2023

 

Canberra Cabernet and Hilltops Shiraz combine to deliver this respectable and very approachable Rosé from Gundog Estate. With a watermelon juice appearance, it's best described as a red apple and strawberry delight.

Pikes Traditionale Riesling 2023

 

A label not foreign to lovers of quality Riesling, this Pikes Traditionale 2023 release keeps the status quo with the quality as high as ever. Brilliant value, this is a riot of lemons and limes. No one loses with this in the glass.

Huntington Estate Rosé 2023

 

Super pale. Super dry. Super tasty. Can we keep the review at that?

Vickery Watervale Riesling 2023

 

Another great Clare Riesling to add to your black book, you can find this around the traps for under 20 bucks. At that price, you have quite the bargain on your hands.

Ox Hardy Upper Tintara Fiano 2023

 

I was walking around the winery with Ox Hardy earlier this year and we had a taste of this out of the tank. It was quite complex then but it's good to see how blending of various portions has delivered a more balanced wine.

Soumah Pinot Grigio 2023

 

With a blush appearance, my eyes are in love from the get-go. It's great to see a little bit of its varietal personality glisten, that's for sure. Above all, this is the best Soumah Pinot Grigio I have tasted to date.

Varney Wines Entrada Vermentino 2023

 

What a starburst of joy and vitality this Vermentino is! Load me up.

Castle Rock Estate Skywalk Riesling 2023

 

Not as expressive as years gone by, but it's still a very good Riesling.

Mayfield Vineyard Sophie's Godmother Sauvignon Blanc 2023

 

Hello to this super refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from Mayfield Vineyard. Top buying for the money, it's a big step up from the 2022 release and will surely bring a horde of new fans with it. 

Matthew Atallah Wines Block 1 Cabernet Franc Rosé 2022

 

A pretty and crunchy thing, this is a very tasty Rosé from Matthew Atallah. A small operator who sources fruit from various vineyards, this Cabernet Franc comes from Canowindra just down the hill from Orange.

Dreaded Friend Rosé 2022

 

These Dreaded Friend wines are a carousel ride through the amusement park of texture. What a cleverly put together bunch they are. Here you have a Rosé made from Viognier fermented in Petit Verdot skins.

Slow Wine Co Gewurztraminer 2021

 

The first stop on my Orange adventure took me to the Slow Wine Co cellar door. A beautiful building in the historic town of Millthorpe, this was a great starting point.

Clandestine Vineyards Pinot Gris 2023

 

Aromas explode from the glass with little field flowers and green apple taking the lead. This is a most enjoyable Pinot Gris from Clandestine Vineyards.

Clandestine Vineyards Prosecco Rosé 2023

 

Have this at a spring time long lunch with those that smile a lot. This is an easygoing fizz where the joy factor is high.

Skimstone Wines Rosé 2023

 

Brand new in the bottle, I was fortunate to be the first to check this out with winemaker Jean Francois prior to its release. Winning! This Rosé from Skimstone is an absolute cracker for 25 bucks. Go here.