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.

Tenafeate Creek Wines One Tree Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2021

 

Quite a big and robust Cabernet Merlot blend, it softens with time in the glass. Give it a decant to see it at its best or put it away for a little sleep. All up, roast night is looking tops.

Huntington Estate Nouveau 2022

 

A little something fresh and appealing from Huntington Estate - a drink now, think later blend of Grenache, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Who says you can't drink red wine in summer?

Lightning Tree Sassy Lassy NV

 

A blend of Viognier and Verdelho makes up the Sassy Lassy. A neat, uncomplicated wine.

Pegasus Bay Maestro 2019

 

The Maestro represents the best of the Pegasus Bay Bordeaux fruit. I was privileged to receive a pre-release sample and all I can suggest is that you get in the queue. There is a class about its swagger and I just want more.

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.

Yarra Yering No. 1 2015

 

I was fortunate enough to taste this exquisite release from 2015 when I dropped by the cellar door not too long ago. In a re-release of 2015, only 100 bottles were made available. In short, it's a stunning wine.

Huntington Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

Zippy and crispy, good gear this from Huntington Estate. 

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. 

Clandestine Vineyards Break Free Petite Blancs 2022

 

Deadly smooth, this Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer blend slides through like silk. 

Lyons Will Rosé 2022

 

Find a bucket of ice and sip this by the pool when the summer sun demands you drink something cool - what a classy bone dry Rosé we have here.

Levantine Hill Mélange Traditionnel Blanc 2017

 

As the back label says, this is an 'Old world inspired traditional white blend'.

Yarra Yering Dry White No.1 2021

 

So fresh, this Semillon and Chardonnay blend is cleansing with a little crunch on close. Nicely done.

Arila Gardens Gardens of Moppa GSM 2021

 

This is how you GSM! More fruit driven than the 2020 release, it's a damn awesome drink.

Sutton Grange Fairbank Rosé 2021

I was told to have a porchetta roll from Heart Attack and Vine before leaving Melbourne this week. It's a good thing I'm very compliant when it comes to all things porkalicious. I grabbed a glass of this Sutton Grange off the list and what fabulous lunchtime wine it is.

Jim Brand Domain Cabernets 2019

 

One of the very best red wines to have come across the tasting bench this year, this is all about clever blending, great fruit and engaging aromas. Made from the top 1% of fruit produced, quite simply, it's an absolutely superb blend. Stand and applaud.

Zema Estate Saluti Cabernet Shiraz 2016

 

Celebrating 40 years, the Saluti has been released to commemorate the occasion. A 72/28 blend and coming from the best barrels, this is an excellent wine.

Huntington Estate Cabernet Shiraz 2019

 

From a hot and dry year comes this Mudgee Cabernet Shiraz.

Angullong Crossing Reserve Harriet 2019

 

All the Italians swing into action here - Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Montepulciano come together in a blend that I can't help but keep going back for.

Oxford Landing Cabernet Shiraz 2021

 

With The Caley headlining the Yalumba portfolio, this is the Cabernet Shiraz you will find at the other end.