Somerled Wines Reserve Fumé Blanc 2011
A funky little number this. So much so I tended to think some wild fermentation took place. Not so, and not something you'd expect fro...
Qwine
February 03, 2013
Thomas Wines Motel Block 2009
I have been privileged in the last few months to have a good look at some top wines from the Hunter Valley. When I came across this wine I...
Qwine
January 30, 2013
Robert Oatley Vineyards Signature Riesling 2012
The thing that struck me about this wine was the softness delivered. Some Rieslings possess too much of an acid bite or crunch. Certainly ...
Qwine
January 29, 2013
Richard Hamilton Marsanne 2012
This wine is a great alternative when feeling a little parched from the heat. Perfect as an aperitif, it would also match lighter foods ni...
Qwine
January 26, 2013
David Hook Old Vines Pothana Shiraz 2011
Hunter Valley wines kicked on well during 2011, although much of the country experienced the complete opposite. This David Hook premium ...
Qwine
January 24, 2013
d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2009
Oh I liked this. A lot! The vineyards for this Grenache, as the names suggests, were in a pretty bad way. Nurtured back to life they hav...
Qwine
January 24, 2013
Tobin Wines Isabella Semillon 2007
When I was handed this sample by Adrian Tobin, in his usual enthusiastic manner, he assured me that the wine was rated better than the McW...
Qwine
January 23, 2013
Tower Estate Panorama Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010
Much has been said about the Panorama Vineyard in Tasmania, and after having a look at this wine, it is easy to see why. Very smart indeed...
Qwine
January 23, 2013
Rusty Mutt Shiraz 2010
This is the second release since the debut vintage Rusty Mutt 2006 . Two very different wines reflecting two different vintages. Admittedl...
Qwine
January 22, 2013
Richard Hamilton Slate Quarry Riesling 2012
Slate by name, slate by nature. Named after the nearby slate quarry, the vineyard was planted in 1975. Without fail, slate and mineral c...
Qwine
January 18, 2013
De Bortoli Bella Riva Sangiovese Merlot 2011
Another very easy drinking wine from this De Bortoli range of wines. Once again, a field blend which possesses soft fruit flavours and l...
Qwine
January 18, 2013
d'Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2010
The first vintage of this wine was in 2001. Like many d'Arenberg wines this one was packed with punch. But on the second day I looke...
Qwine
January 17, 2013
Richard Hamilton Colton's GSM 2011
A classic mid-week drop. I had this with tortellini and a creamy tomato, bacon and mushroom sauce. Initially there was a little heat fro...
Qwine
January 17, 2013
De Bortoli Bella Riva Pinot Grigio Vermentino 2012
As the back label says, a field blend which is hand picked. What is a field blend you say? The fruit is grown together as well as harveste...
Qwine
January 16, 2013
Berand Estate Shiraz 2006
I came across this wine when dining at Emma's of Lovedale and I was very happy with what I saw. I had the Bavarian Pan which was fant...
Qwine
January 16, 2013
Somerled Steeplechase Chardonnay 2011
Coming from an Adelaide Hills producer, I really liked what I saw here. A very tidy sniff of honey and nutty characters. Aged in Hungari...
Qwine
January 14, 2013
d'Arenberg The Sticks and Stones 2009
If this wine were an athlete, it would be a UFC fighter as there is plenty of punch and kick to it. A unique blend of Tempranillo, Grena...
Qwine
January 11, 2013
Brokenwood Cricket Pitch 2011
Brokenwood's entry level white. Some skillful blending has played its part here with the fruit coming from a multitude of vineyards. ...
Qwine
January 11, 2013
Thomas Wines Sweetwater Shiraz 2010
Oh how sweet it is! Bright fruit, the aromas are indulgent. Earthy, clove, slight leather and black olive. Plenty of dark fruit on the...
Qwine
January 11, 2013
Sevenhill St Ignatius 2009
If you are ever in the Clare Valley, be sure to pop in here. A winery draped in history with immaculate grounds, but the most impressive f...
Qwine
January 11, 2013
Casa Freschi La Signorina 2009
Far from a common blend, but damn it works. I tasted this blind and was gob smacked when the blends were revealed. Initially, I thought ...
Qwine
January 10, 2013
d'Arenberg The Broken Fishplate Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Every d'Arenberg label has a story behind it. This one is more about the harvest than crockery, but you'll have to read the label ...
Qwine
January 10, 2013
Voyager Estate Chenin Blanc 2012
I sat down with a good friend The Wine Punter and lined up ten wines in a blind tasting. This wine was Wine #8 and it shone like a beacon...
Qwine
January 08, 2013
T'Gallant Cape Schanck Pinot Grigio 2012
Pinot Grigio is a variety that hasn't really set the world on fire in Australia. There are often debates about whether a Grigio or mor...
Qwine
January 07, 2013
Ridgemill Estate Pedigree Chardonnay 2009
I was rubbing my hands together when I opened this recently. Having had it a couple of years ago I knew what I was in for. And good news f...
Qwine
January 07, 2013
McLeish Estate Semillon 2012
The wines at McLeish are made by Andrew Thomas and his craftsmanship is evident here once more. Previous vintages of Semillon have been ge...
Qwine
January 05, 2013
Warramate Pinot Noir 2010
I've usually been impressed by the wines from Warramate, their Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz is super! But this time in I was left scratc...
Qwine
January 05, 2013
Drayton's Limited Release William Shiraz 2007
There are three wines in the Limited Release range at Drayton's. The Susanne Semillon , the William Shiraz and the Joseph Shiraz. Wh...
Qwine
January 04, 2013
Pepper Tree Limited Release Chardonnay 2012
A fresh style of Chardonnay with plenty of fruit kicking around. The fruit comes from the Mt View vineyard in the Hunter Valley, hand pic...
Qwine
January 03, 2013
McLeish Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010
A good value Cabernet Merlot blend. Both varieties not hugely successful in the Hunter but work well here. Plenty of dark and black frui...
Qwine
January 03, 2013
