Clandestine Vineyards Shiraz 2021

 

If you like your Shiraz rich and generous, head on over this way. 

Dr Plonk The Good Doctor's Antidote Montepulciano 2021

 

The entry-level FU Manchu Montepulciano is a dangerously slurpable beast, but this Good Doctor's Antidote from Dr Plonk just takes things to another level. Is it the best Australian Montepulciano I've tasted? All signs point to yes!

FU Manchu Montepulciano 2022

 

If Montepulciano translates to "yummo" then the crew at FU Manchu and Dr Plonk have nailed the brief. Yikes! This is a great slurp. 

FU Manchu Mourvedre 2022

 

Dry and mouth-sapping, waves of spices wash through effortlessly. One thing you can't miss is the layers of interest that seem never-ending.

Dr Plonk The Good Doctor's Tonic 2014

 

The Good Doctor knows best. A muscular wine busting out with Tannat leading the charge, there is an elegance about its carry that I find irresistible. I loved the 2012 release and my sentiments haven't changed with this 2014.

FU Manchu Mourvedre Rosato 2022

 

Savoury, skinsy and lip-smackingly dry, this is a great starting point if you'd like to step into the world of natural wines.

FU Manchu Cabernet 2021

Cabernet bliss 101. You can't go wrong here, be it now or stashed away for a few years.

Dr Plonk The Good Doctor's Cure Mataro Shiraz 2019

 

Mataro and Shiraz are a killer combo when done well! Silky with some muscle, gimme it all!

FU Manchu Carignan 2022

 

I taste this and my mind goes back to a McLaren Vale trip in 2020. I learnt that unique parcels of Carignan are all over the district, but most of the fruit is blended away. When allowed to stand tall on its own (which is rare), it's a great drink - just like Exhibit A here.

FU Manchu Mourvedre Rosé 2022

 

These FU Manchu wines are fun and interesting. Loaded with personality, there is satisfaction and joy around every corner. This Rosé hits that mark once more. 

Oliver's Taranga Vine Dried Cabernet 2021

 

A very herby and savoury Cabernet that gains terrific momentum with time in the glass. Made in the Amarone style, the fruit was rack dried to intensify the flavours.

Brash Higgins Ripple 2022

 

We're in peak barbecue season people and a bottle of this Brash Higgins Ripple under your wing is a recipe for sheer happiness. What a beauty! It's joyous. It's juicy. It's a riot of fun.

Oliver's Taranga Corrina's Shiraz Cabernet 2021

 

A big McLaren Vale red. A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, this calls for Sunday night roasts. 

Common Molly McLaren Vale Grenache 2022

 

Light and vibey, this is an easy-drinking Grenache with its dancing shoes on. 

Oliver's Taranga Brioni's Blend 2022

 

Your face lights up immediately when you meet Brioni. Her infectious smile brightens the room and this wine, much like her, brightens the mood big time. Vibrant and energetic, it's a blend of Mataro, Touriga and Shiraz. Loaded with juicy fruit, it's all party shoes on and let's get dancing. More like this please - it is an absolute beauty.

Chapel Hill Abacus Shiraz 2021

 

This is a great Shiraz for the budget conscious. It's dense and generous - get your claws into kinda stuff.

Chapel Hill Abacus Mourvedre Rosé 2022

 

Straight up and down, there's not a lot of excitement or get up and go with this Mourvedre Rosé. 

Chapel Hill Organic Small Batch Shiraz 2021

  

The organic wine market continues to surge and this small batch Shiraz from Chapel Hill is their red wine contribution. Good gear, it flows with ease. 

Brash Higgins Smart Vineyard Grenache 2021

 

Brad Hickey has moved into the Grenache game. Usually producing a Grenache Mataro blend, he's stepped things up and sourced some fruit from the 70 year old vines in the Smart Vineyard. What an excellent and delicately handled debut this is!

Oliver's Taranga Tempranillo 2022

 

Brisket on steamed buns with a glass or two of this. Yes please! Tempranillo is made for food so load up a plate and fill your glass.