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109 results across all types
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Vin Sol Ignis Tempranillo 2024
We've got a smart McLaren Vale Tempranillo here courtesy of Vin Sol. Admittedly, it looked better after it had some time to breathe, so give it that chance to shine. An array of dark berry fruits greets you, but I'm all here for the cola, cured meats and blackberry jubes. Dried herbs add detail with a sheet of fine exotic spices, but you'll see it move into fifth gear beside tomato-based pizza and pasta dishes. A big thumbs up from me. 91/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Yeah Wines Cabernet Franc 2024
Begging to be shared, this Yeah Wine Cabernet Franc is armed and ready for casual gatherings and picnics where laughter is as free-flowing as the pours. Sourced from a Margaret River vineyard, scents of ripe plums, baked blueberries and blackberries get your attention with a suggestion of blackberry jubes. A threat of dried herbs weaves its way through adding detail with fine, dusty tannins building structure. What makes this wine so appealing is the flow between the fruit, generosity and restraint. Unpretentious and charming all at once, splash it liberally in the glasses of those nearby or just snuggle up to a glass or two on a lazy Friday night with Netflix riding shotgun. Clever stuff. 91/100 Region: Margaret River RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Yeah Wines Bringing Sexy Back Merlot 2024
If Merlot is your thing, this Yeah Wines release may just bring sexy back. It's got a bit of get up and go, some swagger, energy and lift. Give it some air and it will pay dividends, coaxing out aromas of purple flowers and blackcurrant paste. A concentrated flavour profile is spearheaded by plums and blackberries with a satisfying core of dark fruit. What elevates its appeal is its honesty, and that is evident on the label where winemaker Andrew Dawson simply adds, "unfined and unfiltered without much mucking about". Notes of fennel and licorice add savoury delight late, but of interest is a noticeable alcohol warmth that pegs this back a notch or two. Perhaps that's just part of the wine's untamed spirit? In all, this will find its people with good company and some backyard barbecue beats to celebrate its appeal. 89/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and&nbs
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Tout Pret Picnic 2025
Named Picnic, it smashes the brief for that purpose. Drink as is or give it a slight chill, you'll need a backup bottle once your friends splash it in their glass, that's for sure. Made with Shiraz sourced from Rutherglen, there is an energy and vibe here that calls for plentiful plates of food, big smiles and groovy tunes. Red currants, cherries, strawberries and a little earthy drive, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a heavy Pinot Noir. Black pepper spices run a neat trail through the core with a little dark chocolate nib for good measure, not to mention a red apple acid crunch and zip. But there is no escaping its upbeat feels. For what it is, it's great stuff! 92/100 Region: Rutherglen RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Kosciuszko Pinot Noir 2024
If an easy-going Pinot Noir with a bit more depth is your thing, wander over this way and check out this Kosciuszko from Tumbarumba. A stand and deliver type - what you see is what you get. Plums, dark cherries and baked strawberries build a respectable fruit profile flanked by twigs, mushroom compost and woodsy spices. There is a composure here which I like, not to mention a persistent finish. It's not trying to be anything it's not, yet it delivers the goods with humility. Good stuff. 89/100 Region: Tumbarumba RRP: $32 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Tout Pret Brunch Fiano 2025
Rutherglen rarely makes an appearance on the Qwine tasting bench, so I was keen to get into a few from Tout Pret (pronounced too-pray rather than lazy Australian tout-prett). Fiano makes up this Brunch wine. Winemaker Lachlan Murray tells me you can drink it before 12 and after 12. Not bad! Clever labels, too, I might add, based on his Murray clan tartans. Yellow flowers, Tasty cheese, yellow peach and lemon curd aromas deliver a curious intro that builds a desire to keep going back for another whiff. There is some complexity and palate weight which ups the interest - yellow stonefruit, lemon curd and lemon juice sit front and centre. A green tea tannin-like texture builds fabulous momentum with a delicate lick of cinnamon spice wrapping it up neatly. It's certainly a wine that needs food by its side to sing, and I'm not game to top the winemaker's Brunch suggestion of a bacon and egg roll. Good stuff. 90/100 Region: Ruherglen RRP: $25 Source: Sample Winery Website S
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Kosciuszko Sauvignon Blanc 2026
Regulars to this site would know that Sauvignon Blanc is not my favourite friend, particularly those grassy, herby types. I'm pleased to report that this Kosciuszko sits on the tropical fruit spectrum and goes okay. Almost water clear, it delivers passionfruit, green melon, papaya and lemon juice. Some green apples try to emerge with a green tendril-like trait trying its best to get noticed, but that is shouldered away. Clean and cleansing acidity whips through with a little texture to pursue. What pulls it back is that the palate is clipped and does not reach as far as I hoped. A good drink no less. 88/100 Region: Tumbarumba RRP: $24 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Arila Gardens Single Vineyard Grenache 2024
During my youth, a mulberry tree hung over our back fence. My brothers and I used to jump the fence and scale this tree, yielding buckets upon buckets of plump, juicy mulberries. Our grandmother would then boil them up with some sugar and make a compote. This Grenache takes me back to that yard, that tree and spoonfuls of that absolutely delicious compote. Thank you, Adam Clay, for the vivid flashback because this Grenache oozes those memories. Adam and his wife Marie oversee these old Barossa vines at their Moppa home in the Barossa's north. These 1900 planted trunks are old and gnarly, drawing inspiration from deep sandy soil over clay. I walked these vines in awe back in 2020. Mulberries and blueberries are wrapped in a delightful, evocative violet-and-purple petal perfume. The latter flows onto the palate adding a distinguished mouth perfume. The palate is fabulously shaped and balanced with added highlights of cola and sarsaparilla that chime in with fine spices and a delic
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Biscay Road Riesling 2026
For a modest, expressive and cleansing Riesling, this Biscay Road from the Barossa ticks the boxes handsomely. Pretty white field flowers open the account with green apples, lemon juice and lemon sherbet that fold into one another and glisten with a neat riverstone minerality. A sheet of chalky texture drapes itself on the palate and clings on for dear life with some pie apple trying to emerge. Laze poolside, wash down some fish and chips or snack on some sea salt crisps - all are perfect partners. It's nicely done. 91/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $25 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Lyons Will Élevage Riesling 2025
Winemaker Renata Morello suggests that this is "for the Riesling lover as it is all about texture and depth of flavour". She is not wrong either - the interest is captivating. Wild fermented in seasoned oak and seeing full malo, it spends nine months on lees. My interest is piqued on opening with scents of lemon myrtle, lemon sherbet, concentrated lemon juice and lemon cordial. These flow onto the palate delivering a thought-provoking mouthfeel and a delightful cleansing acidity. Off-dry with 7.6g/L of residual sugar, the balance and poise demonstrate this producer's class. Plonk a bottle on the lazy Susan and this will annihilate the banquet at a Chinese restaurant. 93/100 Region: Macedon Ranges RRP: $45 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Chapel Hill The MV Bush Vine Grenache 2025
The shattering news that the Chapel Hill winery and its assets will be sold off came through a couple of days after winemaker Michael Fragos got in touch and told me a few wines were on their way. I'm devasted for Michael and his team and the uncertainty ahead, not to mention that this historic McLaren Vale brand will only be left as a name. It's worth noting that Michael Fragos sent these wines to me, not the parent body. I'm grateful that he respects my opinion enough for me to get a chance to check them out. Bright and immediately approachable, red currants and blueberries sit at the core, lifted by fresh red apples that add a neat crunch. An energetic type, shards of dark chocolate work their way into the frame. Despite its medium-bodied frame, the tannins are tense. A fine thread of spice runs through adding further appeal, much like its maker, it's honest, easy to approach with a charismatic charm. Throw this at some pizza or a burger and you're winning. 91/100 Regio
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Chapel Hill The MV Shiraz 2024
Just days before Endeavour dropped the bombshell that Chapel Hill's assets will be sold, winemaker Michael Fragos sent me an email to inform me that he had sent some wines for review. As a most respected McLaren Vale winemaker, I feel for him and his staff and the uncertainty they are left with. It's worth noting that Fragos sent these wines to me, not the parent body. I'm grateful that he respects my opinion enough to give me a look. Dense and deeply concentrated, this Shiraz unapologetically strides out with confidence. Ripe plums and cherries are framed by savoury undertones with evocative licks of cured meats and pan juices. With a whisper of char, this calls for a steak on the coals. Drying, waves of spice roll through adding further interest and complexity before a persistent length drives it home and stamps its authority. 90/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $33 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram ,
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Chapel Hill The MV Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Only a few days before Endeavour went public and announced they were selling off the assets from Chapel Hill but only retaining the brand, I received an email from Michael Fragos asking if I could take a look at his wines. A great human, I feel for the staff who have been caught up in the crossfire. Perhaps this could be one of the last Chapel Hill wines that I see? To the wine... McLaren Vale Cabernet. It presents quite leafy, stemmy and firm on opening. Blackberries and blackcurrants aren't far from the action but then the savoury tempo builds and arrests your attention. Dried herbs, mint and green capsicum are the main players. Tensing up on close, this would be best with some protein by its side. I'm thinking of roast lamb or beef. 88/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $33 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Turkey Flat Shiraz 2024
Bolder, richer and denser than the 2023 , this Turkey Flat 2024 shows plenty of muscle. It was a great exercise to see this beside its 2023 predecessor. Like the previous vintage, there is some muscle. Spiced plums, mulberries, blackberries add plenty of fruit depth with dark chocolate, Five spice and cardamom on the flank. A wine with drive and purpose, it's furrowed brow and hesitation to flex held it back a fraction. Some more bottle age will be its friend. 93/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $55 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Turkey Flat Shiraz 2023
A thrilling Shiraz from Turkey Flat, this 2023 tenses up and keeps all of its secrets close. Give it a moment and it slowly drops its guard. Plummy fruit is joined by blackberries and concentrated mulberries. Licks of fruit sweetness dial up the interest as firm spices add a clenched fist presence. Interestingly, it possesses that tough guy braun that draws intrigue and forces you to lean in closer, but its softer side whispers beauty and elegance. Fruit bun spices pin themselves to a persistent and moreish finish. Give it some more bottle age to settle and this little gem will continue to repay the faith. 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $55 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Higher Plane Jewels of Karridale Chardonnay 2025
A textural and interesting Chardonnay, the key is to not serve this Higher Plane Jewels of Karridale too cold so it can shine in all its glory. 100% barrel fermented (15% new) with 9 months in French oak, it is awash with concentrated white-fleshed nectarines and barbecued pineapple. Lemon curd, meringue, fine cashews and grapefruit keep things ticking over nicely. Sheets of vanilla, creamy oak, oak spices and ginger build sophisticated layers of detail. With a persistent length, the concentration lends itself to being best enjoyed with food. Great stuff. 92/100 Region: Margaret River RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Yelland & Papps Single Vineyard Roussanne 2025
I must admit, I always look forward to the Yelland & Papps Roussannes. Never short on interest, their expressions across the range pique my interest no end. Curiously, this 2025 is not as expressive as previous releases, but gee, it's still a very good release in its own right. It opens with scents of lemon tea, honey puffs and cashews - yes! There is a yellow flower mouth perfume that rides on the coattails of yellow peaches and poached pears. Slivers of ginger add a delightful spice with ribbons of creaminess flowing about with ease. Lemon acidity clings to a moreish finish. As always, it's a wine that deserves serious contemplation and will excel with a decant before drinking. It's worth noting that it should not be served too cold. 93/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $54 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024
Effortlessly seductive, this Head Wines Ancestor Vines Grenache 2024 is nothing short of sublime. From vines planted in 1858, graceful and gracious aromas of dried roses, lavender and violets sweep through. The palate is equally expressive and composed, think juicy raspberries, ripe strawberries, baked blueberries and mulberry compote with a playful raspberry rope note. A fine line of delicate spice weaves its way through adding a terrific savoury edge. But what has me punching the air is the lacy, elegant and seductive presence as it glides through the mouth with ease. A dusting of Dutch cocoa with the faintest touch of brick dust tannins leads to a long and memorable finish. What a thing of supreme beauty! Just brilliant. 96/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $99 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Camino Wine Co Marananga Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Broad shouldered and generous, this Barossa Cabernet from Camino Wine Co possesses an impressive suppleness that carries its weight. Sourced from 80-100 year old vines in Marananga on the district's western ridge, this sees American oak (100% new) for 19 months. Packed with a festive table of delight, think Christmas cake richness wrapped around black fruit, threads of licorice and a slice of caramel slice for good measure. Tucking in behind lay an array of dried herbs that add a neat, savoury edge. Drying to close, the tannins are firm, offering a window to a long future. If big reds with a charming plushness spin your wheels, you'll be loving this offering. 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $120 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Arila Gardens Moppa Saperavi 2024
If this Saperavi is posing the question, then a Bistecca steak laid over glowing coals is the answer. Just let the char, heft and primal swagger meet head on as you sit back and indulge. At first, on opening, it needed a little coaxing to come and play. Blueberries emerge alongside purple florals and a dried violet perfume. Give it some time and it unfurls like a silk sheet drawn slowly across a table. A fine thread of spice draws out quietly without raising its voice. Plums and blue fruits do their work in the background with a fine dried herb cameo. Voluptuous tannins add flex with their powdery texture as they dry out ever so gently. In all, it's not as expressive as the debut 2022 Saperavi from Arila Gardens that came across this tasting bench, but it's a most respectable drink and demands attention in its own right. 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $45 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and
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Curly Flat Williams Crossing Chardonnay 2025
A Chardonnay with spark and energy, it feels like it's been kissed by the sun and flame in equal measure. It's great to see the Curly Flat Williams Crossing back on the shelves again after a brief hiatus. The fruit sits in the sweet spot with dehydrated peach mingling with barbecued stonefruit. There is a flicker of flint and a whisper of struck match that cuts through a note of custard powder. You get a sense that it walks the tightrope of richness and indulgence. A twist of ruby grapefruit skims across the palate adding freshness and a skip to its step. But it's hard to miss that textural detail that carries this along. Like an enveloping blanket, the Mediterranean tonic feels hum along bringing a supple, refreshing and complex detail. Above all, it's easy to love and even easier to re-pour. Yes! 93/100 Region: Macedon Ranges RRP: $34 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Turkey Flat Sparkling Shiraz NV
Epic autumn appeal, a fireside friend in winter, stunning in spring or an evening poolside treat during summer, sparkling Shiraz is such a versatile drink and deserves more kudos than being seen as a one-trick pony for Christmas lunch. Batch 19 of this Turkey Flat is matured using the Solera system, spending up to 36 months in seasoned oak, then another year in bottle before it was released in 2025. Juicy mulberries, blueberry paste and Black Forest cake roll out the welcome mat. Dark cherries frolic about with dense dark chocolate brownie notes. A well-balanced dosage is the key to bringing all elements together. Fruit bun spices run out to a persistent finish - that length! Such a great fizz and party starter, big love! 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Hiatus Beers Non Alcoholic Lager
These Hiatus non alcoholic beers are well worth exploring. This lager is a most respectable drink. Jules Ryan is at the helm at Hiatus. With some serious brewing knowledge and experience after stints at Stone & Wood, Balter and Little Creatures, he saw a hole in the market that he has filled admirably with his Hiatus beers. Brewed as normal, it then undergoes the process of removing alcohol. Malty with a delicate citrus presence and low in bitterness, this is a clean and crisp lager. It's a beer of good shape with a decent length, but given the choice, I'd run to the Pacific Ale in the range. Curiously, there are a few commercial, large-production non-alcoholic lagers on the market, and I much preferred this to them. Over to you... 90/100 RRP: ~$5, ~$70 (24x 375mL cans) Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Vin Sol Flōrus Fiano 2025
A great little Fiano! Can I keep the review at that? Armed and ready for long lunches, the presence and interest delivered elevate this Vin Sol Flōrus Fiano. Expected cut pears and poached pears are joined by a sizzling splash of lemon juice. The perfume from little white flowers adds aromatic delight. Almond meal and ginger add savoury nuances, but I'm leaning into the tonic-like texture that plants itself on the mid-palate that seemingly refuses to move. The hum of ginger and cinnamon spices on close builds a terrific moreishness. It's a really smart Fiano that I'd happily recommend. 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X