Golden Grove Estate Vermentino 2022

 

Ray Costanzo would have to be Australia's best Vermentino producer. Find me another winemaker that consistently delivers super high-quality wines with this variety. Try something new this summer and embrace delicious whites like this.

Lightning Tree Sassy Lassy NV

 

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

Lightning Tree Verdelho 2021

 

Verdelho has found a happy home in the Queensland wine regions and this release from the South Burnett offers that slice of paradise. 

Lightning Tree Tempranillo 2021

 

From Queensland's South Burnett comes this tasty Tempranillo. Lightning Tree is the product of the district's long-standing viticulturist Peter Stewart and his wife Vikki. Smart gear, pizza, burgers and barbecues are sorted.

Ridgemill Estate WYP Chardonnay 2021

 

A brilliant release from the Granite Belt's Chardonnay boss. Feed this to me via a drip.

Ridgemill Estate WYP Pinot Noir 2021

 

A Pinot Noir that slides through the mouth with ease, this is very much a savoury expression of the variety.

Ridgemill Estate Ellie Blanc de Blanc 2021

 

A Blanc de Blanc calling for Aperitivo hour. Good gear this from the Granite Belt's Ridgemill Estate.

Ridgemill Estate Barrel Fermented Semillon 2018

 

Barrel fermented Semillon. Enjoy the mouth-filling pleasure on offer here. This is very good.

Ridgemill Estate WYP Chardonnay 2021

 

Peter McGlashan bleeds for his Chardonnay. Such is his passion, I must admit I keenly await this release each year. This 2021 can be best described as lean and delicate.

Ridgemill Estate Fumé Blanc 2021

 

Fumé is the only way to make Sauv Blanc I say and this is a beauty. Textured, considered and layered with interest, this is a terrific drink. 

Storm King Wine Co Mataro Graciano 2021

 

Medium-bodied red fruit driven Mataro meets a muscular Graciano in this 80/20 blend. A new label from the Granite Belt, these Storm King Wine Co wines have landed on the scene with a respectable presence. Debuting with three wines in the range (including Vermentino & Shiraz Malbec), considered winemaking with wines such as these continue to raise the profile of the Queensland industry.

Storm King Wine Co Shiraz Malbec 2021

A Shiraz Malbec from the Granite Belt shaking things up. A new label on the scene, clever packaging with some old school techniques courtesy of Ray Costanzo and his wife Jen.

Storm King Wine Co Vermentino 2021

 

Hello Storm King Wine Co! A side project for Ray Costanzo and his wife Jen, these wines are about small batches that are handcrafted using traditional techniques. Here we have a cracking debut Vermentino release that shows vitality, textural interest and wonderful savoury appeal. 

Wilhelm Scream Tempranillo 2019

 

Tempranillo directed by La Petite Mort and filmed on location at Bents Road Winery. I only know this because this is what a very clever back label says. Oh, and this is a very approachable wine that screams (can I say that?) for food. 

Ballandean Estate Fiano 2021

 

Fiano is a white variety hitting its straps around Australia. Ballandean Estate has been producing this variety for several years now and each vintage is as appealing and energetic as the previous. This is a great wine and one worth befriending when in search of an alternative to the main white wines seen on the shelf.

Golden Grove Estate Marnita Muscat NV

Soak your dried fruit in this overnight and then spoon over ice cream. There is a Christmas hack. Or just sip slow. A fab non-vintage Muscat made from Golden Grove Estate's 65-year-old vines - the oldest and the original vines planted on the estate.

Twisted Gum Shiraz 2019

Bright and joyous, this is a tasty number from little Granite Belt producer Twisted Gum.

Twisted Gum Verdelho Semillon 2021

 

Tim and Michelle Coelli run a cute cellar door and rely on their 3 hectare site to supply all their fruit. With testing weather conditions in recent years, they've pushed on resisting to buy in fruit. Here they have combined two white varieties rarely paired with one another. It's a neat summertime drink.

Golden Grove Estate Sangiovese 2021

 

Bright, fresh, crunchy, pizza and pasta night just got a little exciting.

Ridgemill Estate Snigley's Rosé 2021

Red cordial appearance, there is a little weight and booty to this Rosé.