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First Drop Fat of the Land Ebenezer Shiraz 2021
Ebenezer has long been a source of powerful Barossa Shiraz, and this Fat of the Land release from First Drop Wines proudly flies that flag. Sourced from deep red clay soils at ~290 metres above sea level, it delivers dense, ripe fruit with layers of mulberries and dark plums at its core. A flicker of redcurrant and cola brings welcome lift, while 20 months in French oak, half of it new, contributes rich dark chocolate brownie notes. Dusty tannins provide plenty of structure, finishing with a drying, puckering grip that gives the wine purpose and promises further reward with bottle age. Of the three Fat of the Land Barossa subregional releases, this feels like the all-rounder, balancing generosity, structure and regional character with confidence. A thoroughly satisfying Barossa Shiraz with broad appeal. Drink to 15 years+ 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $150 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn &
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Usher Tinkler Death By Semillon 2024
Forget everything you think you know about Semillon because this Death By Semillon from Usher Tinkler happily tears up the rule book. Funky, confident and packed with swagger, it's the sort of wine you should be asking for in the coolest bars from Fitzroy to Surry Hills and Brisbane's Fortitude Valley. Ginger beer, elderflower and yellow flowers jump from the glass, joined by a delightfully edgey, light cheese note that somehow just works. Green mango, dehydrated pineapple, lemon juice and lemon rind keep things vibrant, while sheets of green tea-like texture bring plenty of intrigue. Don't serve it too cold or you'll miss the layers that make this so compelling. Boundary pushing yet thoughtfully composed, this is an effortlessly trendy Semillon with serious personality. The cool kids will be all over it and for good reason. 93/100 Region: Hunter Valley RRP: $33 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram ,&nb
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Holm Oak Shiraz 2024
Maintaining the high standard of vintages gone before, this Holm Oak Shiraz 2024 is another very good release. It has a savoury heart that beats loud, layering dark cherries with charred steak, cracked black pepper and subtle spice. Fine, grippy tannins provide a slightly firm feel in its youth, though it noticeably softens and opens over a few days of tasting. Medium-bodied, there's good composure throughout, with the balance and structure suggesting it will continue to evolve nicely over the medium term. It's not about blockbuster power, but rather cool climate poise and savoury detail. Another dependable release, it's a big thumbs up from me. 93/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Varney Wines GSM 2023
More herbal than the juicy, fruit-driven style this Varney GSM has become known for, this 2023 slides back a notch or two from those that have come before. It opens with raspberries and blackberries before menthol, dried herbs and a subtle hint of tomato paste take the lead. Chocolate, stripped bark and earthy notes build further complexity, while a blanket of spice settles comfortably over the finish. It's balanced and remains an enjoyable drink, offering plenty of savoury character and interest. That said, it doesn't quite capture the energy, generosity or wow factor of previous releases. In all, it's a solid GSM. 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Jericho Fiano 2026
Fresh and bright, this Jericho Fiano is springtime in a glass. White flowers and cold-pressed green apple leap from the glass before cut pear, lemon juice and lemon rind bring a lively citrus lift. A fine rub of texture glides through the palate, with a riverstone-like minerality adding shape and freshness without stealing the spotlight. There's terrific energy from start to finish, delivering a crisp, vibrant and refreshing wine. Approachable from the outset yet carrying enough texture to keep things interesting, rip the cap off, gather some friends to picnic in the park with this poured generously. 90/100 Region: Adelaide Hills RRP: $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Travellers Keykeg 20L Cabernet Merlot 2025
Some wines don't ask for food, they demand it. This Granite Belt Cabernet Merlot is one of them. These 20L keykegs from Nextgen Wines and are pointed to venues as a cost-effective alternative to bottled wine. Sourced from the Granite Belt, this Cabernet Merlot possesses black fruits that set the tone from the outset, with a leafy edge whispering its varietal persona. Sage and thyme weave through the palate, adding savoury complexity before a lick of red apple peel lingers on the finish. Cocoa-like tannins provide plenty of grip, delivering a drying, puckering structure that cries out for a robust meat dish to soften its edges. Think slow-cooked lamb shoulder, roast beef or a rib eye steak. 88/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $? Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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3 Rings Cabernet Shiraz 2024
A 60/40 blend, this 3 Rings Cabernet Shiraz is a great take on the traditional Aussie claret. Brand new and with no bottle image as yet, the only difference from the image above is that the label is green, not blue. Juicy blackberries and black currants are parcelled up by woodsy and fruit bun spices. The fruit pins itself to the mid-palate and refuses to move with shards of dark chocolate raising their hand. A long and sustained finish follows capping off a clever, budget-friendly wine. A big thumbs up from me. 90/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $19 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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3 Ring Shiraz 2024
Quite the excitement machine, you'd be forgiven for thinking this costs far more than its $19 price tag. A quality Shiraz for under $20? That's a win. Dense, concentrated fruit is the headline act, yet there's an appealing suppleness throughout. Dark plums, blackberries and ripe blueberries deliver a generous core of flavour, while a ripple of spice carries the wine with a respectable length and width to a persistent finish. Rich, satisfying and packed with value, this is an easy recommendation for anyone hunting a red under the $20 mark. 91/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $19 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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3 Rings Shiraz 2023
I've now reviewed this 2023 Shiraz three times in the past 18 months. My first tasting was shortly after bottling, then again ten months later. Those extra months in bottle made a noticeable difference. Curiously, I tasted this wine again this time, wrote up my notes and then referred to my previous reviews. Of note, my thoughts are much the same as they were the last time I tasted it, back in December. Abundant dark fruits lead the way, joined by Christmas cake and raisins dipped in dark chocolate. Cedar mingles with black pepper and a medley of earthy, woodsy spices. The mid-palate is saturated with fruit, yet remains taut and firmly structured. All up, it's good gear and an easy go-to for a night of binge-watching your favourite series. 89/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $19 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon 2025
This is the first time I've come across this Paringa Cabernet, despite reviewing the Shiraz on several occasions. Like its Shiraz sibling, this is an approachable wine. Sitting on the black fruit spectrum, there is a neat dark chocolate, dried herb and earthy presence adding savoury nuances to consider. A shimmer of soft spices chime in late with a tension that seizes up on close. Good drinking and a Cabernet that will tackle a roast or casual barbecue with confidence. 88/100 Region: Murray Darling RRP: $18 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Paringa Shiraz 2025
Like its 2024 sibling, this 2025 is an easy-drinking and approachable Shiraz. Comparing the two, this 2025 comes across a little more forced. There is a distinct tension here too, and that is felt through the mid-palate. The tannins are more forward as well, delivering a drying, brick dust feel. Still, there is no denying the quality of the dark plum and dark berry fruits that cascade with ease. Good gear. 88/100 Region: Murray Darling RRP: $18 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Paringa Shiraz 2024
An easy-going, approachable Shiraz with smooth lines. The bonus is you get change from a lobster - winning! Mind you, most don't use cash as much anymore, so a lobster ($20 note) is probably not the best reference. Alas, good gear this. Respectable palate weight from dark plums and berry fruits, chocolate brownie and soft spices. There is a polish about it too, which aids its smooth, rendered edges, elevating its approachability. Top stuff for the asking price, too. Bang the bargain drum! 90/100 Region: Murray Darling RRP: $18 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Kaesler The Fave Grenache 2025
Demanding your attention with every sip, The Fave from Kaesler is nothing short of an excellent example of Barossa Grenache. From 1930s vines, the fruit was hand-picked and whole-bunch fermented with wild yeast before spending 15 days on skins, it's a wine that balances power and poise with grace. Strawberries, vibrant red cherries and raspberry coulis burst from the glass, wrapped in a fine weave of spice that never overplays its hand. The textural detail is captivating, with a trail of brick dust-like tannins providing shape, persistence and character. There's terrific length and drive, yet it waltzes across the palate with elegance rather than force. An excellent Grenache that captures the variety's charm with confidence, finesse and irresistible moreish appeal. Go here. 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Cook & Co Fiano 2026
A Fiano that will certainly brighten your day, check this Cook & Co from the Clare Valley. Merlot vines were grafted over to Fiano in 2002 and the result is a wine that bursts from the glass with an aromatic lime hit that immediately throws out Riesling vibes. Lemon, lemon sherbet and lime zest keep the energy high, delivering a fresh, bouncy personality that's impossible not to like. Beneath all that vibrancy sits a wonderfully textured palate, with a minerally thread adding shape and class. There's terrific balance between its zesty citrus drive and fine texture, delivering effortless appeal. This is an upbeat, dancy wine with springtime written all over it. Pour a glass and try not to smile - I dare you. 92/100 Region: Clare Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Stream & Stone Pinot Noir 2025
A new label from Angoves, this Stream & Stone Pinot Noir comes from Tasmania's Tamar Valley. Noticeably savoury from the first swirl, tilled earth, black tea, char and bacon hock set the tone, with burnt chocolate and dried herbs adding further layers of intrigue. The fruit takes a back seat to the earthy, savoury personality, while a bunchy texture brings a firm, grippy structure that shapes the palate. Like its Chardonnay sibling, the finish feels clipped and doesn't quite carry the length you'd hope for. That said, there's more presence and substance here, with complexity and structural grip making it the more compelling of the two. 90/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Stream & Stone Chardonnay 2025
A new brand under the Angove banner, this Chardonnay comes from Tasmania's Tamar Valley. Lemon, lemon sherbet, green apple and tinned pineapple deliver a bright and energetic opening before white-fleshed nectarines and subtle licks of barbecued peach add interest. A vanilla slice note and a slippery pastry-like feel bring a gentle creamy touch, while a saline edge keeps the fruit in check. It's neatly composed, although the fruit is thinly veiled and the palate feels clipped, finishing sooner than hoped. There's enough freshness and balance to make it an enjoyable drink, but it stops short of delivering the depth and persistence that would lift it to the next level. In the end, it goes okay. 89/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Arila Gardens Single Vineyard Shiraz 2024
This is Barossa Shiraz at its most seductive. Dark, plush, and composed, it doesn't bludgeon, it envelops. It opens with a generous swell of mulberry compote and ripe blueberries. The dark, glossy fruit brings indulgence and finesse in equal doses. A luxurious undercurrent of dark chocolate coats the palate with decadence, while a flash of clove brings lift and intrigue. Delicately handled spice walks beside the fruit elevating the harmony and joy. Fine sheets of tannin glide through the palate adding further delight and shape to the structure, with the thumbprint of dark fruit planting itself on a long and persistent finish. A compelling expression of Barossa Shiraz from a producer you ought to get to know, this will reward for a decade+. 96/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $90 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Bethany Blue Quarry Bethanien Sth Vineyard Shiraz 2024
This is the kind of Shiraz that quietly wins you over rather than demanding your attention. From vines planted in 1992, the fruit has a lovely polish and sheen, wrapped in a silky, delicate frame. Perfumed aromas of violet and red roses lift from the glass before char and mocha add a savoury edge. Juicy raspberries, raspberry rope, cherries and dense plums fill out the palate, with subtle earthy nuances providing extra depth. Firm, dusty tannins give shape without overwhelming the fruit, while a long trail of black pepper and woodsy spice stretches out across a persistent finish. Elegant yet flavoursome, this is a beautifully composed Shiraz that balances perfume, fruit and savoury detail with ease. The more you sip, the more it draws you in. 93/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Bethany Blue Quarry Across The Creek Vineyard Shiraz 2024
Across The Creek Vineyard may not sound like the result of an exhausting naming workshop, but this Shiraz comes from Bethany’s highest vineyard, perched at 300 metres and planted in 1998, and it delivers a refined and rather stylish expression. Sleek and silky, it's a Shiraz that favours finesse over power. Dark plums and black fruits lead the charge, with well-integrated oak layering in dark chocolate and savoury woodsy nuances. A fine rub of spice and polished tannins keeps everything in check, while the tightly wound mid-palate hints that there's more to come with a little patience. Dusty tannins stain the palate and cling to a persistent finish, building a moreishness that has you reaching back for another sip. Better still, put this alongside a roast beef dinner and you'll quickly appreciate just how comfortably it settles into its stride. 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instag
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Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Chardonnay 2025
This Pinnacle Series Chardonnay from Ross Hill Wines jumps out of the blocks with confidence. A generous opening of caramel drops, brûlée and French pastry aromas offer plenty of early appeal. White fleshed nectarine, barbecued peach and pineapple husk build the fruit profile, with a squeeze of lemon juice and a faint cashew nuttiness adding complexity. Grapefruit and a lemon sherbet tang inject freshness and keep things lively. There's good flavour intensity up front, although the mid-palate loses momentum a little sooner than expected as the acidity takes charge and shifts the spotlight. The bones of a very good Chardonnay are all here, but it just needs a touch more focus and harmony through the middle to bring everything together. Even so, there's much to like and it offers enough promise to suggest even better things are to come. 91/100 Region: Orange RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , Linke
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Varney Wines Entrada Grenache Cinsault Rosé 2026
From 70+ year old bush vine Grenache with a splash of young Cinsault (12%), this Rosé from Varney Wines carries itself with confidence. Take this to a picnic and you're set. A salmon hue with the faintest orange tint sets the scene. Strawberries, cherries and pomegranate burst from the glass before a subtle lick of orange peel adds extra interest. There's a lovely sheet of texture flowing through the mid-palate, aided by a portion of wild yeast fermentation in seasoned French oak, bringing some weight. Delicate spice quietly threads its way through the palate before finishing bone dry. The close is all about a crunchy red apple acidity that keeps everything taut and draws you straight back for another sip. Refreshing yet textural, this is a highly approachable Rosé with plenty of appeal. 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Grant Nash Poolside Rosé 2026
Grenache and Graciano are unlikely bedfellows, but they work fabulously here in this Grant Nash Poolside Rosé. Sunny days are no match for this delight. An attractive onion skin appearance catches the eye. It's a very pretty Rosé with the duck egg blue label and a popping pink font giving it standout shelf appeal. White cherries and white raspberries lead the way before a creamy core emerges, thanks to time in seasoned oak that also delivers a subtle white chocolate nuance. Poached pear, red apple skin and watermelon husk add further intrigue, while a fine veil of white pepper spice quietly builds momentum through the palate. It's that spice coupled with impressive length and freshness that really seals the deal. There's personality, texture and drinkability in equal measure. A cracking Rosé and one you'll happily reach for again and again. Great drinking. Bravo! 93/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Fo
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Juniper Estate Malbec 2025
Oh, this is good. Very, very good. A modern take on Malbec that embraces vibrancy and drinkability without sacrificing depth, this is a wine that deserves your attention. Dark plums, blackberries and juicy blueberries surge from the glass, while roasted beetroot brings an earthy savouriness that adds another layer of intrigue. A lift of violet perfume rises up providing a sense of elegance. The palate is fleshy and full of life, carrying plenty of flavour yet never feeling heavy. Delicate spice threads its way through the fruit, while beautifully judged oak sits quietly in the background. Better still, it is fabulously integrated, enhancing rather than overpowering the wine’s vibrant core. There’s a seamless flow from start to finish that makes each sip feel effortless. The balance is spot on, the fruit is expressive and the overall package is immensely satisfying. At around $30, this represents outstanding buying. In all, it's an excellent wine and it's exactly the sort o
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Higher Plane Two to Tango Cabernet Malbec 2023
Cabernet Malbec can often veer toward the traditional, but this release from Higher Plane feels like a more modern and contemporary take on the blend - winning! Expressive aromas of choc mint and squishy blackberries leap from the glass. The palate follows with plenty of flavour, think blackberry jubes while charred steak characters add a savoury edge and a touch of swagger. There's good flex here too, with the fruit carrying enough confidence to sit front and centre without overwhelming the wine's shape and flow. Firm tannins make their presence known early, though a juicy pulse running through the core keeps the wine engaging. The finish tightens up, turning puckering and drying as the tannins close ranks. It’s a wine that balances generosity with structure very well. Yes! 92/100 Region: Margaret River RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X