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Hayes Family Wines Stone Well Estate Shiraz 2024
Sourced from a blend of estate Shiraz blocks across the certified organic Hayes Family Wines Stone Well vineyard and matured for 24 months in a mix of new and seasoned French oak, this is a beautifully rounded and approachable expression. Generous blackberry fruit and dense plums provide plenty of flavour, while ripples of savoury complexity, think beef stock, soy, liquorice and earthy nuances, build layers of interest. Dark chocolate and chocolate brownie notes add richness without overwhelming the fruit. Softer, rounded edges make it immediately appealing, yet there's still a fine, sleek line running through the palate that keeps everything in balance. Give it some air and it opens beautifully, revealing greater harmony and depth. Delicious now, but it possesses all the hallmarks of a Barossa Shiraz that will continue to evolve gracefully with further bottle age. 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here
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Ross Hill Pinnacle Cabernet Franc 2024
Often blended away and playing a reliable wingman role, Cabernet Franc doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Wines like this from Ross Hill make a compelling case to seek it out. Pretty dried purple petals lift from the glass before classic varietal notes of red capsicum and fresh spearmint emerge, balanced by blackberries, blackcurrants and a gentle touch of chocolate. It starts out a little reserved, so give it some time to breathe and the aromas and flavours become far more expressive and inviting. There's a lovely savoury thread running throughout, making it feel composed, elegant and unmistakably Cabernet Franc. This is a wine that will reward patience rather than demanding attention. Better still, pour it alongside a slow-roasted lamb shoulder on a Sunday evening and you'll be in a happy place. 93/100 Region: Orange RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Ross Hill Pinnacle Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Initially tense and coiled, some patience pays dividends as this Ross Hill Pinnacle Cabernet Sauvignon slowly unfurls in the glass. Classic varietal notes of blackberries, blackcurrants and plums emerge, joined by tobacco and a subtle hint of mocha that adds another layer of appeal. There's a touch of leafiness and vine tendrils early on, but given time to breathe, the wine finds a more harmonious rhythm with the savoury elements folding neatly into the fruit. It's not a Cabernet in a hurry, but those prepared to let it open will be rewarded with a balanced, satisfying expression that stays true to the variety. In all, it's a solid cool climate Cabernet. 92/100 Region: Orange RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Ross Hill Pinnacle Shiraz 2024
From Orange, NSW, this Ross Hill Pinnacle Shiraz delivers a generous basket of dark berries and ripe plums that drive the palate. Wrapped in dark chocolate, caramel and cedar, there is a nostalgic hint of Kingston biscuits adding an indulgent twist. There's plenty of fruit and purpose here, yet it never feels cumbersome. Instead, it carries impressive drive from the get-go. A lift of peppery spice builds the tempo through the back half, keeping everything in check. Well composed with plenty of flavour and persistence, this is an honest and satisfying Shiraz. 92/100 Region: Orange RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Byrne Farm Chardonnay 2025
There are plenty of great Chardonnays around the country, but few marry quality and value as convincingly as this release from Byrne Farm 2025. It's an excellent drink that overdelivers in every sense. Take my money. From a vineyard sitting 900 metres above sea level, on what was once an apple and cherry orchard, it captures the purity and tension that Orange does so well. Juicy white-fleshed nectarine, cut apple, lemon sherbet and yellow grapefruit burst from the glass, creating an energetic fruit profile that sizzles. Fine cashew, almond and custard powder notes build texture and complexity, while the faintest flicker of biscuit and ginger spice quietly emerge with time in the glass. It's delicately handled and allows the fruit to shine bright. The acidity is a standout, precise and focused, driving effortlessly through a long finish. There's polish, composure and terrific drinkability from start to finish. Boom! If you're on the hunt for a benchmark Chardonnay that deli
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Vin Sol Fortis Shiraz 2024
Fortis means strength, and this Vin Sol Fortis Shiraz lives up to its name from the get-go. Dark cherries and ripe plums form a powerful fruit core, layered with smoked meats, mocha and an unmistakable pepper steak savoury drive. Cracked black pepper and meat rub spices surge through the palate, adding comforting warmth and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. A firm sheet of drying, powdery tannins anchors everything in place, driving through to a persistent finish. Bold and robust, it strides out confidently. It's a Shiraz that embraces its savoury side while still offering plenty of generous McLaren Vale fruit. Throw a thick-cut steak on the coals and you'll soon discover this wine's purpose. 93/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 2017
Rich, generous and unmistakably Geoff Merrill in style, it embraces old school generosity and wears its heart on its sleeve. Dense plums and blackberries flood the palate, joined by dark chocolate, soy, beef stock and an indulgent caramel slice note that adds another layer of richness. Thirty months in American and French oak leaves a firm imprint, but there's more than enough fruit concentration to carry it through. Cloves and exotic spices linger long, while dusty, drying tannins provide good shape through to a persistent finish. A full-blooded, uncompromising Shiraz with real presence, lovers of bold, traditionally styled reds will find plenty to admire, particularly with a hearty meal and several years of bottle age already under its belt. Well played. 93/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $65 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Holm Oak Hotshot Pinot Noir 2022
A captivating, complex and alluring Pinot Noir, this Hotshot is Holm Oak's flagship and it is more than worthy of that title. Built around a large portion of clone 777, complemented by D4V2 and MV6 (45/36/18), with the use of whole bunches and 14 months in French oak, it delivers remarkable delicacy and poise. Tea tree and pine needles introduce an alluring savoury edge before red and dark cherries and ripe strawberries glide across the palate. Subtle dark chocolate notes add depth, while fine spices quietly mingle with the fruit. There's a beautiful sense of restrained tension here, creating a platform for effortless drinkability before carrying the wine into a long, sustained finish. Every sip reveals another layer, balancing elegance, purity and composure with ease. A beautifully handled Pinot Noir that leaves a lasting impression without ever raising its voice. 95/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $130 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine he
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Holm Oak Fearless Pinot Noir 2025
No new oak and no whole bunches in the ferment are the keys to success with this glorious Fearless Pinot Noir from Holm Oak. Expressive red and purple florals rise up effortlessly from the glass before a savoury undercurrent of cured meat, pine needles and mushroom compost adds wonderful complexity. Blueberries and ripe red plums provide a vibrant fruit core, beautifully framed by fine texture and silky tannins that glide across the palate with ease. A gentle dusting of spice lingers in the background, never interrupting the wine's graceful flow. Everything feels harmonious, elegant and wonderfully composed, balancing perfume, fruit and savoury detail in equal measure. It's the sort of Pinot that quietly captivates rather than shouts for attention - yes! Big love. 94/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $65 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Byrne Farm Glenidle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024
A Pinot of purity, poise and quiet confidence, this Byrne Farm Glenidle Vineyard showcases exactly why the cool climes of Orange continue to demand more attention. Don't let the 12.8% alcohol fool you because this Pinot Noir punches well above its weight. Grown at 900 metres above sea level, the region's long, slow ripening season shines through, delivering remarkable flavour intensity while preserving its trademark elegance. A blend of five clones, it's sleek and refined from the outset, gliding effortlessly across the palate, highlighted by dark cherries, strawberries, blueberries and rhubarb. With a black tea-like texture, fine woodsy tannins and a gentle weave of spice create a beautifully composed frame. The finish dries out slowly, almost teasing you into the next sip, revealing more detail each time. There's no mistaking the elegance here, yet it never feels slight or underdone. Go here. It's a thoroughly charming wine that Pinot lovers will adore. 94/100 Region: Or
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Holm Oak The Wizard Chardonnay 2025
Composed and classy, I love this Chardonnay's swagger as it confidently strides out. The Wizard is Holm Oak's flagship white and it nails the brief. White-fleshed stonefruit leads supported by cashew and nougat notes that immediately add complexity. Lemon juice, canned pineapple and brioche weave effortlessly through the palate, while vanilla cream and caramel drops contribute a creamy richness without tipping the balance. The influence of malolactic fermentation (65%) and French oak (65% new) is thoughtfully handled, adding texture and depth rather than dominating the fruit. Rather than chasing the chiselled, high-acid style of many modern Chardonnays, this builds a beautifully rounded palate shape that feels complete and oozes satisfaction. A grapefruit tang on the finish elevates the finish, keeping everything fresh and focused. 95/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $65 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram ,&
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Hayes Family Wines Block 1 Shiraz 2024
From the Hayes Family Wines certified organic vineyard in Stone Well, planted in the 1940s and rooted deep into sandstone and clay, this is a gloriously generous Barossa expression that never loses its composure. Blackberries, dense plums and liquorice bullets drive the fruit profile, while Chinese five spice, cloves and cedar add layers of savoury intrigue. It frolics across the palate like a big ball of deliciousness, carrying impressive concentration without becoming weighty. Baked raspberries and dark cherries emerge late, joined by a crack of black pepper that elevates the finish. Long and sustained, this is a Shiraz built for the long haul, it will evolve gracefully over the next decade or more. 93/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $70 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Holm Oak Pinot Noir 2025
When you see this Holm Oak Pinot Noir on the shelf, you know you won't lose. Such a reliable and soothing bottle of delish, it's a neat cuddle for the insides. Dark cherry and strawberry fruit skips about joyously with a lick of charcuterie board, tilled earth and black tea as woodsy and earthy spices mop up the tail. It glides about effortlessly and draws out to a sustained finish with well-handled acidity keeping things in check. Share this with your love, pour and chat. You'll be emptying it in no time. Quality cool climate Pinot. 92/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Yelland & Papps Limited Cuvée Grenache 2025
I've had a lot of Grenache in my time, and I must say, this Yelland & Papps Limited Cuvée sits on top of the pile. Wow! What an incredible, precise and insatiably delicate release this is. There's a wonderful sense of Pinosity here, reinforcing the old saying that Grenache is everything Pinot wants to be. Sourced from dry-grown 1956 Vine Vale vines rooted in sandy soils and matured for 11 months in French oak (32% new), it's an effortlessly elegant expression. Juicy blueberries, blueberry coulis, mulberries and red cherries glide across the palate, with a fine smear of squishy raspberries bringing irresistible charm. The superfine tannin profile is utterly seductive, allowing the fruit to float gracefully through the mouth before subtle cola notes emerge with air. Delicate spices wrap themselves around the fruit and linger across a finish that is both persistent and calming. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this evolve over several days, confirming it has plenty of life a
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Byrne Farm Limited Release Shiraz Pinot Noir 2025
I do love how the Hunter Valley alumni have spread their wings across the Australian wine landscape and given the old Hunter River Burgundy blend some serious reach. Cool climate regions seem to be thriving with it at present, with the Yarra Valley a hot spot, and now Jeff Byrne has entered the fray with this superb Shiraz Pinot Noir from his patch in Orange. It's not Byrne's first rodeo, with previous vintages clearing the fence with a home run. Cool, composed and considered, much like its maker, this is a wine well worth seeking out. Silky, vibrant and dangerously moreish, it glides effortlessly across the palate with an elegance that's hard to resist. A purple flower and violet perfume skips from the glass before pristine blue and purple fruits flood the palate, delivering purity and freshness in equal measure. A subtle dusting of spice adds just enough intrigue without interrupting the flow. It absolutely oozes cool climate character, balancing energy with poise and finesse.
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Byrne Farm Single Barrel Chardonnay 2025
Ooft! This is the sort of Chardonnay that proves Orange deserves far more attention than it gets. Sourced from a single 2500L barrel, it's a beautifully composed wine that balances flavour, texture and finesse with ease. White fleshed nectarine, yellow grapefruit and subtle licks of pineapple are joined by a splash of Bickford's lemon cordial. Cashews, nougat and wafer biscuit notes add complexity, while delicate vanilla cream and custard powder bring a gentle, creamy edge. Fine ginger spice threads its way through the palate, complementing the superb textural detail at its core. There's impressive length and drive, yet it all feels effortless, measured and harmonious. This is Orange Chardonnay firing on all cylinders, and if the region isn't already on your radar, wines like this are exactly why it should be. Excellent. 96/100 Region: Orange RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and&
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Hayes Family Wines Hillside Shiraz 2024
If you're chasing an old school Barossa Shiraz with no shortage of flavour, this Hayes Family Wines Hillside Shiraz delivers in spades. From the certified organic Hayes Hillside Block in Stone Well, it's dense, rich and wonderfully concentrated from the outset. An intriguing touch of apricot kernel brings almost Roussanne-like vibes before dark plums, rich cherries and black fruits take command. Layers of caramel, dark chocolate and cloves build depth, with hints of caramel slice adding an indulgent twist. Woodsy and earthy spices weave confidently through the palate, while the finish seems to go on forever, driven by remarkable persistence and moreish appeal. This is a wine that stands tall, embracing the generous, full-flavoured Barossa style without apology. Lovers of bigger, richer Shiraz will feel right at home here. *Due for release October 2026 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $125 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Insta
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Hayes Family Wines Block 2 Grenache 2025
Big love for this excellent Hayes Family Wines Block 2 Grenache made under the keen eye of winemaker Andrew Seppelt. Juicy and vibrant, it pops and slaps. Absolutely delicious! From Hayes Family Wines' certified organic 1948 plantings, this tiny two barrel release is a stunning expression of Barossa Grenache after yields were slashed by 85%. Bursting with energy, raspberries, raspberry rope, redcurrants and red apple skin race across the palate, with a crunchy red apple acidity keeping everything lively. Give it a swirl and blueberries emerge, adding another layer of intrigue. Super fine tannins provide a delicate grip without interrupting the flow, leaving the wine sleek, pliable and effortlessly drinkable. It's packed with interest yet dances with freshness, making each sip even more compelling than the last. Delicious and ridiculously moreish, go here. 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&n
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Hayes Family Wines Estate Mataro 2025
Quality Mataro here from Hayes Family Wines. Lovers of the variety will find plenty to embrace, especially if they're prepared to give it a little time to open up. From sustainably farmed and certified organic survivor vines (70 years+) planted in the 1940s, this wine used to be known as the Block 3 single vineyard, however, the 2025 sees a little of Block 4 (directly behind running perpendicular to Block 3) blended in, hence the renaming to simply the Estate. Mulberries, blueberry paste and blackcurrants provide a dense fruit core, while cured meats, liquorice and gentle puffs of earth bring the savoury complexity the variety does so well. Medium to full-bodied, the fruit shows a little more concentration and a slightly stewed edge than previous vintages, reflecting the conditions of the season rather than the winemaking. Even so, the wine carries itself with confidence, delivering impressive length and persistence. Give it plenty of air and it begins to relax, reve
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Gilberts Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
A fabulous Cabernet from Western Australia's Mount Barker region, this Gilberts Reserve absolutely hums with a good decant. At first it's tightly wound and firm, but give it some air and it begins to reveal its true persona. Blackberries, blackcurrants and black jubes form a generous fruit core, while passata and charred capsicum bring an unmistakably savoury edge. Dusty tannins provide plenty of grip, finishing with a drying, puckering feel that builds moreishness. As it opens with time, the fruit becomes more expressive and the savoury notes settle. Thoroughly enjoyable, this one deserves an occasion. Better still, make the occasion with this front and centre. 94/100 Region: Mount Barker RRP: $75 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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Gilberts Reserve Shiraz 2023
Made for long, contemplative nights by the fire, check this Gilberts Reserve Shiraz. Dark chocolate torte, charred steak, charcoal and cracked black pepper set a deep savoury tone, while the medium to full-bodied palate carries impressive authority. The fruit has a generous, almost stewed character, though it doesn't feel tired or overdone. Instead, it reinforces the wine's richness and warmth. An array of exotic spices threads confidently through the palate, adding intrigue and complexity. Of note, it's the length, drive and persistence that leave the biggest impression, with those flavours refusing to let go long on a persistent finish. A very tidy Shiraz that embraces generosity without losing its composure, pour a glass, kick back and settle into the evening one sip at a time. 92/100 Region: Mount Barker RRP: $45 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
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First Drop The Cream Shiraz 2021
This flagship wine from First Drop, The Cream Shiraz, certainly lives up to its name. Drawn from the best barrels of their single vineyard parcels across Ebenezer (35%), Greenock (25%) and Seppeltsfield (40%), it's a rich, ripe and unapologetically old-school Barossa. Mocha, coffee grounds and hazelnut open the account before a core of dense dark fruit and dark chocolate unfolds, wrapped in liquorice, cloves, cedar and a sweep of exotic spice. Despite the power and concentration, there's a surprisingly lacey quality that carries the wine with poise rather than weight alone. Twenty months in French oak (50% new and 50% one year old) adds polish without overshadowing the fruit. For lovers of generous Barossa Shiraz with a glossy sheen, this is an absolute beauty. Built for today if you must (be sure to decant), but with the structure and depth, it will reward 15 years+ in the cellar. 96/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $200 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe t
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First Drop Fat of the Land Seppeltsfield Shiraz 2021
Leaning into its rich pedigree, this Seppeltsfield Shiraz was my preferred of the Fat of the Land Single Vineyard Barossa wines from First Drop. From a site to the north of Seppeltsfield ~285 metres above sea level on clay over limestone soils, this is the largest contributor (40%) to the brand's flagship The Cream . It opens with coffee grounds, mocha, Caramello Koala, liquorice, dark chocolate and Christmas cake in a deeply expressive bouquet. Cloves and cedar add another layer before dense fruit rolls across the palate, planting itself firmly through the middle. An array of exotic and woodsy spices lingers long, framed by quality oak after 20 months in French barriques (50% new and 50% one year old). Built on impressive fruit concentration and structure, this is a cellar-worthy Shiraz that should continue to evolve comfortably over the next 15 years+ 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $150 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&nbs
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First Drop Fat of the Land Greenock Shiraz 2021
If you're chasing an old-school Barossa Shiraz, this First Drop Wines Fat of the Land Greenock release is right in the sweet spot. It sees 20 months in French oak (50% new and 50% one year old). Proudly showcasing the generosity the subregion is renowned for, it delivers wave after wave of dense plums and blueberries wrapped in rich Old Gold dark chocolate notes. Brick dust tannins provide plenty of grip, while the voluptuous, chewy tannins give the wine real presence and staying power. Bush spices and exotic spices weave confidently through the palate, adding savoury intrigue to all that ripe fruit. It's bold, rich and unapologetically Barossan, never pretending to be anything else. This absolutely nails the style, and those who love generous, full-throttle Shiraz will be in raptures. Bravo! Drink to 15 years+ 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $150 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and&nb