Mount Langhi Ghiran Cliff Edge Cabernet Merlot 2020

 

Silky happiness in a glass courtesy of Mount Langhi Ghiran's Cliff Edge Cabernet Merlot. From a challenging year with small yields, you'll be happy with the quality in the glass.

Mount Langhi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2020

 

I dig this. Cool climate Shiraz hitting the high hats. It's unashamedly generous and layered with interest yet slides down with ease. Winning!

The Parched Crow Limited Release Shiraz 2020

 

From a challenging year, this is a respectable wine. It's a different label to the previous Shiraz releases from The Parched Crow given that the volume was down significantly in 2020 making this 'limited'.

Paisley Silk Shiraz 2020

 

A reliable Barossa Shiraz to sink your teeth into. An avalanche of dense fruit the hero.

Paisley Boombox Shiraz 2020

 

The Boombox Shiraz 2020 is playing some deep beats. Dense and layered just the way winemaker Derek Fitzgerald likes to present his red wines - and mix his tunes when in the DJ box.

Mérite Wines Q Merlot 2020

 

What a difference a clone makes! This is Merlot you want to drink. It's smart gear well worth tracking down. As much as I'd love to say it is named after yours truly, I have nothing to do with the title. Sigh. Named Q after the Q45 clone, it is one that is vastly different to other Merlot clones planted throughout Australia. Sourced for its vibrance and charismatic charm, this is Merlot but not as you know it. 

De Iuliis LDR Shiraz Touriga 2020

 

Sleek. This LDR Shiraz Touriga is a great drink. Cast aside the preconceptions that all Hunter Valley wines from 2020 are written off. Once you get your head around the landscape you can be assured that this goes well. 

De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz 2020

 

From a much-maligned vintage, don't subscribe to all the bad press you read. I was on the ground in the Hunter Valley during 2020 and there are some gems out there, trust me. Much like the wet 2011 vintage, not every wine should be tarnished with that bad brush. 

Alkimi Mistral Series Marsanne 2020

 

Marsanne continues to be a strong performer for Stu Dudine and he says that this 2020 release is his best. If you like your whites with a little bit of shape, stretch your interest levels a little further and give this a crack.

Paisley Wines Turntable GSM 2020

 

GSM is always a good barbecue wine option. This release from Paisley Wines has a meaty profile that asks for it.

Valentine Sauvignon Blanc 2020

 

Fancy piss. This is the type of Sauv Blanc you'd be slinging in Fitzroy with cool beats in the background. It's good gear.

O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz 2020

 

This whisked me away last year and here we go again. Stepping it up a little more, what a fabulous drink this is!

Nightfall Leo Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

This Nightfall Cabernet is the business. From clever packaging to a cracking wine in the glass, winemaker Sam Brand excels once again.

Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Riesling 2020

 

Layered and generous, this is a serious Riesling for serious Riesling lovers. Harvested a little later and fermented dry, it's such an expressive and considered wine. Dive in with pike!

Seville Estate Old Vine Reserve Shiraz 2020

 

Seville Estate has this air of brilliance about it. Drive in and it's that quaint cellar door but dig deep and it's all focus and sophistication. This Shiraz lights those traits up and then some. 

Oakridge 864 Funder and Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay 2020

 

All that sparkles and glistens. A Chardy party for your insides. Another sublime Oakridge 864 awaits.

Dappled Traditions Cabernets 2020

 

Shaun Crinion, the owner and winemaker of Dappled Wines, sure knows how to slap together a smart wine. A chilled out dude, he is quite considerate about his craft. This Cabernets is a top drink and screams value - as do all of his wines.

Kellybrook Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2020

 

Kellybrook's best Pinot and only 50 dozen were produced. First planted in 1975, this is a blend of their best barrels.

Juniper Conerstone Karridale Chardonnay 2020

 

One of Juniper's top Chardonnays, this 2020 is not quite at the great heights of the previous vintage. 

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2020

 

From the Crayères Vineyard in Wrattonbully comes this generous but well-proportioned Cabernet Shiraz. The detail and shape are all class - it's an excellent wine hands down.