Patina Wines Jezza 2018

 

Jezza is what winemaker Gerald Naef's nieces and nephews call him. He loves Bordeaux varieties and this brings together his faves. A generous but smooth blend, this will continue to reward over many years in the cellar.

Dreaded Friend Rosé 2022

 

These Dreaded Friend wines are a carousel ride through the amusement park of texture. What a cleverly put together bunch they are. Here you have a Rosé made from Viognier fermented in Petit Verdot skins.

Briar Ridge Limited Release Wrattonbully BDX 2021

 

Named the BDX, you could assume it's a Bordeaux blend but its main player is Barbera. It's not so Bordeaux then is it? But given the appellation law has changed (a law many would be oblivious to), it's a curious name I must admit.

Parker Coonawarra Estate 95 Block 2020

 

Like 'em with a bit of muscle? Check this Cabernet and Petit Verdot (91/9) blend from Parker Coonawarra Estate. It reeks of the region from the get-go and is a smart wine for those with patience.

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.

Driftwood Artifacts Meritage 2020

 

Gee this is a great red blend. Head this way for expressive pleasure.

Geddes Wines Seldom Inn Petit Verdot 2019

 

What a round ball of delish! Get knee-deep here in generous fruit that has a playful side. 

Parker Coonawarra Estate 95 Block 2018

This is a beauty. But let it breathe for a few hours or just put it away and forget about it for a while. A classy release no less. Slide into your jim-jams and just relax on the lounge with a large pour.

De Beaurepaire Le Chevalier 2016

 

This Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot blend loves spice. It eats it.

Ravens Croft Petit Verdot 2019

 

One of those wines which will provide maximum comfort on a chilly night - when we get those back again. A great Petit Verdot from the Granite Belt.

Gerler Petit Verdot 2019

 

I had the opportunity to open this Petit Verdot alongside another from a different producer. Such exercises are excellent to do if you get the chance.

Ravens Croft The Waagee 2018

 

A Bordeaux blend named in honour of Mark Ravenscroft's father who would beam with delight and say, "Waagee, now that is a great wine," to give a fabulous drop his approval. No doubt he would be exclaiming the same about this release.

Juniper Estate Small Batch Cabernet 2018

 

A swirl of the glass and you can immediately see that this is a little more serious than its stablemate the Crossing Cabernet Merlot 2018. 

Juniper Estate Crossing Cabernet Merlot 2018

 

Very much a Bordeaux style in every way given the blend and how it presents itself. 

Pyramids Road Petit Verdot 2019

Winemaker Warren Smith loves Petit Verdot. He's always pretty chuffed with the fruit he is able to source from his grower to the north-west of Stanthorpe.

Geddes Cellar Release Petit Verdot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Rugby's version of a rolling maul in a glass. A couple of big lads combining and causing all sorts of demolition and pleasure at once. Lip smacking good gear.

Indigo Vineyard Black Ink 2018

With a name like Black Ink I'm already picturing a blockbuster. I was pleasantly surprised this was not the case.

Gartelmann Georg Petit Verdot 2016

I really like the Gartelmann label. The iconic Australian magpie sits proudly. There was a stage there where there were a few changes and tweaks but I hope this label is what they've stuck with.

Parker Coonawarra Estate 95 Block 2016

I first had a look at this during the Coonawarra Roadshow event which recently hit every capital city in Australia. There's no better way to check out the region than having a significant number of the region's wineries arriving in your home town. Avail yourself when they swing by next year and taste cracking wines like this.

Deen De Bortoli DEEN Master’s Blend Vat 184 2015

A new blend launched for Father's Day. It's a rich and generous wine made for dads too. I'm thinking steaks or even a good ol' meat pie.