Sorby Adams Morticia Sparkling Shiraz NV

 

Sparkling Shiraz is a great drink but sadly it gets pigeonholed as a "Christmas drink". Park that idea and reap the reward when you pop that top off this on any of the other 364 days of the year.

Sorby Adams Jutland GSM 2021

 

From an excellent Barossa vintage comes this delicious blend. GSMs are made for burgers and barbecues, well I think so anyway. The detail and slurp factor presented here demand large pours.

Hayes Family Wines Hoffman DV Shiraz 2021

Boom! The power and the poise. The longevity of this Shiraz will have you punching the air no end. With superb structure and balance, go here. One sip is far from enough for this excellent Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Hayes Family Wines Primrose Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Right in the slot, this is an impressive Cabernet. Sure it's young but brace yourself for what the future holds. I must admit, Barossa Cabernet is not my go-to when I search for the variety, but isn't it just a great thing when you get wines like this that turn those perceptions on their head?

Pikes The Hill Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Touted as one of the best Hill Block releases, time will be the ultimate measure. For now, there is no disputing the excellent quality of this Clare Valley Cabernet from Pikes.

Briar Ridge Briar Hill Chardonnay 2021

 

A single vineyard wine showing all the little things that glisten. Delicacy, depth, balance and length, it's an impressive Hunter Valley Chardonnay.

Hayes Family Wines Nuri Ancestor Vines Shiraz 2021

 

Brett Hayes' ability to gather fruit from unique vineyards is quite impressive. From a vineyard behind the old Penfold's winery in Nuriootpa, these ancestor vines are over 125 years old. An incredible wine, it shines a bright light on what are all things fantastic about Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Semillon 2022

 

Go back to 2013 and this Dairy Hill Semillon was winning every trophy under the sun and deservedly so. With a proven ability to age, it's a wine worth adding to your black book. 

Pikes Il Premio Reserve Sangiovese 2021

 

What a beauty! This Sangiovese is quite charming and ready to embrace a classic Italian dish. Armed with a sip slow moreishness, get comfy and enjoy the ride.

Pikes The EWP Reserve Shiraz 2021

 

Dripping with class - wow. Kick back and embrace an arm armchair ride through the pleasure zone. A glorious Shiraz from the Clare Valley.

Hayes Family Wines Fromm Single Vineyard Shiraz 2021

 

This is a beauty and just gets better and better. I thought it was on fire on day two of tasting but it continued to impress as time went on. Get around this fabulous Single Vineyard Barossa Shiraz.

Hayes Family Wines Primrose Single Vineyard Shiraz 2021

 

If you enjoy richer styles, this Single Vineyard Primrose Shiraz release would be well placed in your cellar. Owner Brett Hayes says this is an intellectual wine. Sit beside a glass for a while and you can see what he means. It will be a late bloomer and time will be its friend.

Whistler Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2021

 

I find wines like this fascinating. Sure they'll live long, but the vibrancy and slurp factor now urge me to dive in with pike. Have one now and save one for later (much later) and you'll know what I mean. The fruit is just bristling at the moment. It's on the dance floor cutting moves and dragging everyone in - you can't help but want more. 

Nightfall Lupus Merlot 2019

Coonawarra Merlot courtesy of the upmarket brand Nightfall Wines. This is good gear and adds a little light to a variety that can often be shrouded in grey.

Hayes Family Wines Marcus Shiraz 2021

 

Brett Hayes threw this pre-release sample at me recently. The bottle was clean and without a label. With a few choice words it was suggested I work out what it was. I did well you'd be pleased to know - Barossa Shiraz 2021 which was confirmed to be correct. Winning! The other thing that was confirmed was how brilliant this wine is.

Nightfall Libra The Balance Dry Red 2019

 

Is The Balance a nice way of saying the dregs? We will never know. What I can tell you is that this Cabernet/Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend stacks up and holds its own very well.

Lambert Wines Nebbiolo 2019

 

Arguably the best Nebbiolo producer in Australia, Luke Lambert has excelled once again with this 2019 release.

Jansz Tasmania Vintage Rosé 2018

 

Some pink fizz to get you in the NYE mood... Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this is smart gear.

South Burnett Distillers Apinya Gin

 

Clovely Estate has embarked on distilling in the wine "off-season" and they have curated a range of gins and vodkas. This Apinya is a Thai inspired gin that really hits the mark.

Nightfall Aquila Cabernet Franc 2019

 

There is an inherent charm and calm about this Cabernet Franc. It slides through with ease and invites you to be whisked away. Yes, take me there. From the outset, it screams class. The packaging and the labeling are off the chart. Get the right light on the bottle and the label glistens like the night sky.