Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021

 

I like this. A lot. It's gun barrel straight. What you see is what you get. Wrap your mouth around this very tidy Cabernet Franc.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2019

 

Xavier Bizot again proves he is the premier wine producer from the Wrattonbully region. This Vineyard Reserve deserves its time in the cellar. Do that and your patience will be rewarded deluxe.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2021

 

A classic Aussie claret that smashes the brief from Terre à Terre. This is the fourth release of this wine with the label stamping its authority at Wrattonbully's premier producer.

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.

Terre à Terre Crayères Sauvignon Blanc 2022

 

From now on, if you ask me what Australia's best Sauvignon Blanc is, this Terre à Terre Crayères will be my bullet-like response. I can guess what some may suggest countering this statement, but find me a better example that is highly consistent, considered, layered, and most of all, damn good drinking.

Terre à Terre Sauvignon Blanc 2012

 

I must admit, I've never had a Sauvignon Blanc that was over ten years old. No one I know keeps them and nor do I. This Terre à Terre sample landed on the doorstep and what a surprise it was.

Briar Ridge Big Bully Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

A members only wine once upon a time, the Big Bully is now out there for all. Made with fruit from Wrattonbully, you can take a guess where its name comes from. Let this breathe and you're in for a treat.

Terre à Terre Down to Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2022

 

If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, dive into this. It's fresh, vibrant and a little textural. Well made, it is considered and sophisticated with a racy persona.

Stonehaven Limited Vineyard Release Wrattonbully Shiraz 2021

 

Like the Robe, it's warm but generous. A cuddly warmth I must clarify, it's not that hot alcohol warmth which is not where you want to be. A solid Shiraz - tick!

Mérite Wines Q Merlot 2020

 

What a difference a clone makes! This is Merlot you want to drink. It's smart gear well worth tracking down. As much as I'd love to say it is named after yours truly, I have nothing to do with the title. Sigh. Named Q after the Q45 clone, it is one that is vastly different to other Merlot clones planted throughout Australia. Sourced for its vibrance and charismatic charm, this is Merlot but not as you know it. 

Terre a Terre Crayeres Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

This is how Sauvignon Blanc should be done. Fresh, dripping with interest and a considered textural appeal, it's an excellent wine.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2020

 

From the Crayères Vineyard in Wrattonbully comes this generous but well-proportioned Cabernet Shiraz. The detail and shape are all class - it's an excellent wine hands down.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2020

 

Wrattonbully Cabernet Franc done well. Very, very well. With a beautiful perfume, I'm hooked from the outset. Given the asking price, this is an excellent buy.

Terre à Terre Down to Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

Partner this with a lazy lunch, an ice bucket and friends who smile a lot. This is Sauvignon Blanc done well.

Briar Ridge Big Bully Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

The Big Bully. What was once a member exclusive is now a wine available to all. And for Cabernet lovers, get in the queue. This is a beauty.

Smith and Hooper Pinot Grigio 2021

A good drink at the price point. Pinot Grigio from South Australia's Wrattonbully region.

Patrick of Coonawarra Joanna Shiraz 2016

 

Sourced from Patrick's Wrattonbully vineyards, this is a big muscular red that is not ready to settle down just yet. I had this open for a couple of hours before getting to it and it didn't seem to budge all that much. Like 'em big? Here's your weapon.

Yalumba FSW Botrytis Viognier 2020

 

Long and luscious, this incredibly silky botrytis Viognier was part of a tasting in preparation for International Viognier Day coming up on 30 April. Rich and generous, this is a kiss from the nectar gods. 

Patrick Coonawarra Two Blocks Riesling 2020

Patrick Coonawarra always produces great Riesling. The only thing that has changed in this case is the new label. A sharp new look to a forever reliable wine.

Patrick Coonawarra Two-Blocks Shiraz 2015

 

Luke Tocaciu is a smart winemaker. His wines mirror his personality: quiet, considerate with a dose of charm. This Shiraz is a beauty and drinking beautifully now and will still reward the patient despite already being a six-year-old release.