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.

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.

Limefinger Solace Polish Hill River Riesling 2022

 

Neil Pike has been making Riesling from this vineyard for over 30 years. Planted in 1994, the vineyard surrounds his home. The joyous presence and focused tension of Polish Hill River is shining here in all its magnificent glory. The best new release Riesling I have tasted? Absolutely!

Limefinger The Learnings Watervale Riesling 2022

 

Neil Pike says that after 40+ years of making Watervale Riesling, you learn a thing or two, hence the name The Learnings. Limefinger is his retirement project, and if you love Riesling you ought to race to the front of the queue. This is exceptional.

Mitchell Watervale Riesling 2022

 

Pretty scents of white florals with Jasmine highlights. Zippy and zesty, this is a great drink for the money.

Miss Zilm Shiraz Malbec 2021

 

Keeda Zilm says that every Clare Valley winery should produce a Shiraz Malbec blend. Coming from someone with vast experience in the region, those are words worth noting. An impressive red, it joins an array of whites under the Miss Zilm label.

Hesketh Regional Selections Fiano 2022

 

The delicate textural presence of this Clare Valley Fiano is ticking the boxes big time.

Miss Zilm Riesling 2022

 

2022 is a great year for Riesling and this release from Miss Zilm just sizzles. 

Miss Zilm Pinot Gris 2022

 

From the Clare Valley sub-region of Sevenhill comes this tidy Pinot Gris made by Keeda Zilm. 

O'Leary Walker Gruner Veltliner 2022

 

The last O'Leary Walker Gruner I saw was way back from the 2015 vintage. It has been MIA since but the new winemaking team has brought it back and it's a good thing they did. This Gruner tops. Go here. 

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!

O’Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling 2022

 

Boom! Steely, focused and damn fantastic. A brilliant Riesling, this is the best Polish Hill River release from O'Leary Walker that I have seen to date. Bravo.

O’Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2022

 

Deliciously fragrant, this is a super expression of Watervale Riesling. From a year that mirrored the outstanding 2002, get in the queue for this ripping 2022.

Rockbare Riesling 2021

 

Serious Riesling vibes. Pour me a large glass after mowing the lawn, or any time for that matter. Thank you very much.

Vickery Reserve Watervale Riesling 2019

 

Two blocks, Koerner G1 & G4 Block, were kept separate before blending to deliver this excellent Riesling. Two years of bottle age prior to release and already it is showing some early development with some toast peering through.

Tonic Wines Grenache 2020

 

I love this. It oozes class and deliciousness. Juicy fruit and silky feels reach out and pull you in - and I don't want to let go.

O'Leary Walker Romalo Sparkling Shiraz NV

 

Named in honour of Norman and Hurtle Walker, Nick Walker's respective father and grandfather who spent over 100 years in the wine industry., the Romalo cellars were where they honed their craft. Wrap your lips around this tasty Sparkling Shiraz.

Kilikanoon Prodigal Grenache 2018

 

Most Grenache releases come out a year or two after their vintage so it's good to see the odd example with a little bottle age on its side.

Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling 2021

 

There's a significant flood event happening in Brisbane at the moment. Residents are being told to conserve water due to issues at the treatment plant. Problem solved - drink more Riesling! Splash this in the glass and its energy and vibe consume you.