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.

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.

Nightfall Draco Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

Let's start 2023 with a bang! In the words of the great Bruce McAvaney, this Nightfall Draco Cabernet is "something special". I sat with this for some time and returned to it on a second and third day. Just wow! Layers of interest kept peeling off with absolute ease. This is a class act all the way.

Seachange Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

For 20 bucks, this is a very handy Cabernet. From casual barbecues to your campground catch ups, this will have you covered.

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.

Hesketh Regional Selections Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

A fruit-forward Cabernet that sees older oak, this is an easy go-to. In fact, all the Hesketh new releases have been very tidy. They are worth grabbing given the price point too. The approachability is the shining light with this Cabernet. 

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.

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.

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.

Balnaves Chardonnay 2021

 

A good Chardy to throw at a roast chook.

The Blok Riesling 2019

 

The Blok Riesling has always impressed and this 2019 release is no different.

Jim Brand The Remnants Shiraz 2020

 

Oh, this hits the spot. It's smooth, luscious, creates conversation and surges to a seemingly never-ending finish. A ripping Shiraz.

Zema Estate Shiraz 2018

 

A reliable and rock solid Shiraz with generous depth and concentration. It urges you to go deep calling for fire pit chats and camping expeditions.

Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

 

Primo Yalumba Cabernet from one of the sweet spots for the variety in Australia, Coonawarra. This is an excellent wine. I could sit in a corner and sip this all night and not feel guilty that I didn't share a drop. What a glamour!

Zema Estate Cluny Cabernet Merlot 2018

 

Mr Reliable for $25 RRP but the website has it at $20 - that's a sweet deal. That cheeky mid-weeker is looking pretty good. 

Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

A new look for an old friend. A timely facelift for Zema Estate celebrating 40 years in 2022 - congratulations! One of those reliable wines year after year. 

Jim Brand The Pursuit Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

In Pursuit of an impressive Coonawarra Cabernet? Hello Jim Brand. If you like 'em savoury you'll be a big fan of this. It's an excellent wine hands down.

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.

Raidis Estate The Kid Riesling 2022

 

A quick look at the new Riesling release from Raidis Estate at the recent Coonawarra Roadshow tasting. Hello spring! This is a ripper! The last time I reviewed it was back in 2019. Nothing has changed - the quality is still sky high and the price screams extreme value.

Bundalong Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

 

What a find! I tasted this at the Coonawarra Roadshow and was instantly impressed. For $30, it is an insanely delicious Cabernet. Get around it.