Lou Miranda 1907 Centenarian Old Vine Shiraz 2018

 

From Centenarian vines planted in 1907, this Shiraz from Lou Miranda is in better shape and demonstrates more balance than its sibling, the Centenarian Shiraz Mourvedre 2018.

Lou Miranda Centenarian Old Vine Shiraz Mourvedre 2018

 

Rich and dense, this is a sledgehammer. Loaded with oak, tuck it away for a while and watch it emerge. Its boisterous persona is fit for sipping during a chilly night as the rain taps on the roof.

Mount Pleasant Cellar Aged Semillon 2018

 

The Hunter Valley has no peer when it comes to Semillon. Be it fresh and vibrant new releases or a cellar release with some time under its belt, these wines done well are 'semsational'. This pristine 2018 from Mount Pleasant is proof of that.

Torbreck The Laird 2018

Torbreck winemaker Ian Hongell says The Laird is the easiest wine to sell. Given one bottle is equivalent to a week's rent in a capital city, some may disagree. But then again, when the demand is high and it always sells out, there is obviously a market that laps it up. And fair enough too, it's a brilliant Shiraz.

Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

Coonawarra Cabernet 101. This Yalumba Menzies never seems to miss a beat. Another excellent release that will age gracefully.

Barossa Boy Little Tacker GSM 2018

This is my first look at these Barossa Boy wines and the consistency across the range is what stands out. Well made with plenty of personality, this GSM is a blend that you can faithfully keep going back to time and again. 

Barossa Boy Lifeblood Shiraz 2018

The Boy can do no wrong! I'm getting through a batch of samples from Barossa Boy and what a neat set of wines they are. There is a regal feel with this Lifeblood Shiraz in hand. Big and rich, every drop reaches out with comfort.

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

A pre-release look at this Special Release Cabernet from Huntington Estate. It's a wine that builds momentum the longer it is open. Give it that time and you'll be rewarded.

Yalumba The Caley Cabernet Shiraz 2018

Strap yourself in for a sublime red wine! Here we have the sixth release of Yalumba's The Caley and it is an absolutely refined and elegant Cabernet Shiraz. Just wow! Above all, it's a brilliant example of first-class fruit and astute winemaking. Drop everything and embrace the elegance and purity.

Sorby Adams The Thing Shiraz 2018

Generous and rich, this brilliant wine is sourced from the Sorby Adams Home Vineyard in the Eden Valley that was planted in 1932. Dripping with longevity, it comes in a big, weighty bottle with a cork and wax seal as well as the heft to match. 

River View Shiraz 2018

 

Give it a swirl and scents of Old Gold Rum 'n' Raisin skip about. That dark chocolate is definitely not shy. 

River View Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

Much like its stablemates, this Cabernet starts strong with attractive aromas. Think choc mint, blackcurrants and handfuls of dried herbs. 

River View Chardonnay 2018

 

An easy drinking Chardonnay but it's one of those wines where I found the aromas more enticing and vibrant than the flavour profile.

Jansz Tasmania Vintage Rosé 2018

 

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

Jansz Tasmania Vintage Cuvée 2018

 

Load up your festive cheer with this fabulous vintage Tasmanian sparkling. I'll have another glass pronto, please.

Yalumba The Steeple Shiraz 2018

The Steeple is a biodynamic Shiraz from the Barossa's Light Pass sub-region planted in 1919. 

Heggies Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2018

 

A very tidy Chardonnay that shouldn't be served too cold so you can experience all of its beauty.

Yalumba Paradox Shiraz 2018

 

From one of Yalumba's best vineyards, this Paradox Shiraz is a brooding wine that glides through with ease. 

The Bone Line Iridium 2018

 

From a small winery in New Zealand's North Canterbury region, The Bone Line is dishing up some very smart wines. This blend is another example of that. Give it some air and it's a dangerous drink. Cool evenings with whispy pink clouds in the sky as the sun sets - the perfect match awaits. 

Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

Cabernet in the slot. The Yalumba Cigar has been a reliable wine since its inception and this 2018 doesn't miss a beat.