Valentine Chardonnay 2021

 

Dom Valentine knows a thing or two about Chardonnay having spent some time at Oakridge before breaking out to his solo venture. The fruit for this great expression is sourced from the Lone Star Creek vineyard in the Upper Yarra Valley.

Montalto Main Ridge Block Pinot Noir 2021

  

In the words of LL Cool J, "Paradise is very nice." This is everything Pinot Noir should be. Delicate, lacy and precise, the pleasure factor is supreme.

Valentine Sauvignon Blanc 2020

 

Fancy piss. This is the type of Sauv Blanc you'd be slinging in Fitzroy with cool beats in the background. It's good gear.

Alkimi Wild Dreams Pinot Gris 2022

 

A certified organic Pinot Gris from Stu Dudine. The Wild Dreams showcases his inventive hipster side. This is Pinot Gris for those who ride skateboards with their hats on backwards. 

Montalto North One Pinot Noir 2021

 

The Tuerong single vineyard Pinot Noir is normally the boss but not in 2021. North One stakes a strong claim and deservedly so. Formerly known as 'Red Hill', North One is the block that sits beside The Eleven Chardonnay block. This release has levelled up on 2020.

Montalto Merricks Pinot Noir 2021

 

Quite a different wine to the Tuerong, this Merricks Single Vineyard is a beautiful Pinot that just hums along. 

Montalto Tuerong Pinot Noir 2021

 

Quite an intriguing Tuerong, one that is very different to previous releases. A wonderful wine as always, but there are a few shades of contrast that haven't shown themselves prior.

Oakridge Vineyard Series Pinot Gris 2021

 

Some wines are better with food. That's not to say they are dud wines, but wine was made to enjoy with a meal and that will only enhance the experience. This Pinot Gris exemplifies that.

Montalto The Eleven Chardonnay 2021

 

The Eleven. Pat Cummins could be the face of this label, but not so. It's named after the eleven rows first planted back in 1986. Concentrated and alluring, this is just brilliant Chardonnay.

Oakridge 864 Henk Vineyard Aqueduct Block Pinot Noir 2021

 

We are in elite company here. Yarra Valley on high. Sure it's at a premium price but heaven ain't come cheap. 

Oakridge Vineyard Series Hazeldene Pinot Noir 2021

 

Like a Pinot with spice? Go to the Oakridge Willowlake. Love the sleek touch? Go to Hazeldene. What a stunning Pinot Noir this is. 

Oakridge Vineyard Series Henk Pinot Noir 2021

 

Henk is the boss. The more I see the wines from this vineyard the more I play the fanboy. Yarra Valley Pinot Noir in the zone. Yes!

Oakridge Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021

 

Oakridge has the luxury of covering all price points. Slotting in at $30, this Yarra Valley range Pinot Noir is a solid wine. 

Montalto Tuerong Chardonnay 2021

 

One of the wines I look forward to tasting each year and again there is nothing but joy and pleasure in the glass. A wine of serious quality, Simon Black's pursuit of excellence deserves a chorus of support from Chardonnay lovers. 

A vertical tasting of the last decade would be quite something. The detail and precision of the making let alone the quality of the fruit continues to mesmerise.

If you get the chance to share this, don't. It's good to be selfish once in a while.

Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

 

Willowlake doing Willowlake things. A wonderfully weighted Pinot Noir from Oakridge albeit with a little more spice this time. I can't recall a similar release but it's still damn slurpable.

Oakridge Original Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

Guns 'n' Roses could have sung "Lay me down on a bed of Cabernet" and this bottle could have been on the album cover for that matter. It's just glorious. Find a comfy chair and you navigate the rest. 

Seville Estate Old Vine Reserve Shiraz 2020

 

Seville Estate has this air of brilliance about it. Drive in and it's that quaint cellar door but dig deep and it's all focus and sophistication. This Shiraz lights those traits up and then some. 

Oakridge 864 Funder and Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay 2020

 

All that sparkles and glistens. A Chardy party for your insides. Another sublime Oakridge 864 awaits.

Dappled Traditions Cabernets 2020

 

Shaun Crinion, the owner and winemaker of Dappled Wines, sure knows how to slap together a smart wine. A chilled out dude, he is quite considerate about his craft. This Cabernets is a top drink and screams value - as do all of his wines.

Kellybrook Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2020

 

Kellybrook's best Pinot and only 50 dozen were produced. First planted in 1975, this is a blend of their best barrels.