Topic
#20-30
21 posts tagged with this topic. RSS feed.
- news
Turkey Flat Butcher's Block GSM 2024
We're onto something here. Bring me all those lifted florals and vibrant fruit. This is a super Butcher's Block GSM release that delivers and then some for $27. It opens with a cascade of blueberries, mulberries and strawberries not to mention delightful aromas of violets. With what appears to be a glossy sheen, there is an evocative blueberry paste note along with a fine thread of red currants and a dash of chocolate. Lean into this a little more with its terrific shape and flow, elevating its approachability. Five spice and exotic spices are threaded through the core, completing a GSM that is composed and humble rather than OTT and showy. What a beauty! 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302490-94ptsbarossagrenachegsm - news
Turkey Flat Butcher's Block Shiraz 2024
Generous and plush, this Butcher's Block Shiraz is ripe to the core. Indulgent aromas of berry pie, Dutch cocoa and freshly baked brownie, it walks with broad shoulders to carry that ripe fruit. Woodsy and exotic spices mingle before broad, furry and dusty tannins have the last word. Ideally, I'm looking for some finesse and lift at this price point. So much so, I much preferred its GSM sibling . 88/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302485-89ptsbarossashiraz - news
Sorby Adams Gudilly Pinot Gris 2026
Wines like this will become the house pour during the warmer months across the country. A fresh, inviting and most approachable Pinot Gris from Sorby Adams. There is plenty to engage with here. Think cut white field flowers, green apples, poached pears and canned applse along with a neat lemony zip. A fine textural presence offers a green tea-like tannin feel that heightens its food friendliness. The label suggests fish tacos and sushi and I reckon that is bang on. I'd hate to mess with a winning formula. Top stuff and good buying for $24. 91/100 Region: Riverland RRP: $24 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302690-94ptspinot-gris-grigioriverland - news
Head Wines Riesling 2025
Big love for this Eden Valley Riesling! From 1940s planted vines, it's bright, fresh and utterly smashable. Alive with fresh green apples, lime juice and a fine thread of riverstone minerality, I'm infatuated with the chalky and powdery feels that this leaves in its wake. So moreish indeed. A fine sheet of texture adds detail with a little yellow grapefruit tang for good measure. Elevate your pool days or fish and chips with this in your glass, one splash at a time. 94/100 Region: Eden Valley RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302590-94ptseden-valleyriesling - news
Ballandean Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Spring long lunch in a glass, this fresh, vibrant and super crisp Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from the Granite Belt's Ballandean Estate is an excitement machine. A starburst of lemongrass, pineapple sage, green melon, passionfruit and lime juice explodes from the glass and flows neatly onto the palate. Add a fine sheet of texture to the mid-palate and a clean, crisp lemon sherbet acidity, and you have a very handy wine on your hands. Expressive, alive and delicious, this is a great drink. 92/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $25 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views20-302590-94ptsgranite-beltsauvignon-blancsemillon - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views20-302490-94ptsmclaren-valetempranillo - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views20-302590-94ptsrutherglenshiraz - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views20-302590-94ptsfianorutherglen - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302685-89ptssauvignon-blanctumbarumba - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302690-94ptsbarossariesling - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302590-94ptsfianomclaren-vale - news
St John's Road Blood & Courage Shiraz 2023
In the slot, this St John's Road Blood & Courage Shiraz is a reliable expression of Barossa Shiraz that won't blow you away, but will present a solid argument. It tastes of plums, dark cherries and blackberries with a charcoal cameo. Mulberries step up once it sees some more air. I'm unsure where the fruit is sourced from, be it a single site or multiple, but the quality is evident. Roasted meats carve a course through the mid-palate with fine, brickdust tannins adding a moreish finish that dries out slowly. It's nicely done. 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views20-302390-94ptsbarossashiraz - news
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Launching with an expressive bouquet of dark fruits, led by blackberries and blackcurrants, this Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich and inviting aromatic profile. Add savoury delight via grilled capsicum and green olives, it's a wine with a touch of rustic charm. Black tea, sage and dried herbs, plus some earthiness, add further intrigue. Firm, dusty tannins frame a palate with a drying, textural presence. In all, it's a neatly balanced and composed wine that provides respectable potential for medium-term aging. All this for a most reasonable $25RRP. It's a big tick from me. 92/100 Region: Clare Valley RRP: $25 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views20-302390-94ptscabernet-sauvignonclare-valley - news
Beulah Chardonnay 2023
If a rich, oak-driven style of Chardonnay is your thing, head on over this way. Beulah Wines hail from Western Australia's Blackwood Valley, just inland from Margaret River. Dehydrated peach, peaches and cream, this is definitely on the yellow fruit spectrum. Lemon curd gets amongst the action with cashews and gingerbread adding some savoury interest. Warming and mouthfilling, woodsy spices linger long on a persistent finish. Of note, the acidity creeps up high on the palate and refuses to loosen its grip. It feels quite muscular and aggressive to close, perhaps some more bottle age will do the trick? 88/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views20-302385-89ptsblackwood-valleychardonnay - news
Sunnyhurst Winery Viognier 2025
Delightful, attractive and most approachable, this is a fruit-driven Viognier sure to please. It's my first look at a wine from the Blackwood Valley's Sunnyhurst Winery, and it has made a most positive impression. Scents of yellow flowers, yellow-fleshed stonefruit and gingernut biscuit spices get you in the mood. Mazipan, fresh apricots and yellow-fleshed nectarines plant themselves on the palate, framed by those spices that cling to the finish. Armed for long lunches or soaking up the weekend sunshine, the length rolls on with the acidity bringing the mouth the water. A most pleasant drink indeed. 90/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302590-94ptsblackwood-valleyviognier - news
Nannup Estate Firetower SMT 2022
I recently received a few wines from the Blackwood Valley's Nannup Estate as I explore the district from the comfort of my east coast abode. Two wines down from this producer and they've delivered two rippers. This Shiraz Malbec Tempranillo nails the brief for great drinking. No information was received about the percentages in the blend, but that almost seems irrelevant when the going is good and the delish factor is high. Crushed purple petals set the tone. It's a wine with a rustic presence but polished with bevelled edges. Plums, mulberries and blueberries offer plenty of interest and depth with black earth and a notable minerally vibe. A faint eucalyptus note raises its hand with a neat dusting of dark chocolate crumb. Tense tannins soften over a couple of days. Built for food, it will take down some robust protein with ease. A terrific blend and rock-solid example of pleasure all for 28 bucks. 92/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views20-302290-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendsmalbec - news
Sorby Adams Gudilly Rosé 2026
My first review from the 2026 vintage, this Gudilly Rosé from Sorby Adams is fun, energetic and a glass full of joy. Made from a blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir (66/34) sourced from the Riverland, a riot of watermelon, the white bit of the watermelon, rhubarb and red currants burst from the glass to appease the taste buds. Devilishly fragrant with dried red petals and strawberries hitting the zone, an unmissable lick of strawberries and cream is partnered by apricot kernel and red apple skin. Well priced and sure to bring a smile to your dial, there is a lot to like about this. 91/100 Region: Riverland RRP: $24 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views20-302690-94ptspinot-gris-grigiopinot-noirriverland - news
Travellers Pinot Grigio 2024
Every so often, you get knocked over by a surprise packet, and this Travellers Pinot Grigio is certainly that. What a beauty! Delicious, layered and moreish, go here. Grown approximately 850 metres above sea level on Queensland's Granite Belt, the fruit was harvested in two lots from the same vineyard. An onion skin and copper-like appearance greet the eye, thanks to some skin contact. I do love a Pinot Grigio/Gris with a blush appearance. Bone dry, crisp and well shaped, the palate is alive with cut pears, poached pears and a dash of nectarine. Pie apple plants itself on the mid-palate, but I keep being drawn back to the attractive white floral aromas. A dash of lemon zest and a fine-textured presence complete a mighty fine mouthfeel. Soft ginger and cinnamon spices linger long and elevate temptation. Mind you, it's hard to resist going back again and again. Great stuff. 93/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $29 Source: Sample Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views20-302490-94ptsgranite-beltpinot-gris-grigio - news
Travellers Shiraz Viognier 2023
Wonderfully medium-bodied, this Travellers Shiraz Viognier is a wine of fluency, lacy shape and severe approachability. Sourced from Queensland's Granite Belt region, the fruit was grown at Ballandean Estate. The Shiraz was partway through fermentation before Viognier (4%) was added to complete the co-fermentation. It saw 80/20 seasoned French and American barrels (3-4 years old) for six months. Pretty scents of red petals, red cherry fruit, red apple skin, apricot kernel and dried sage bring lift, energy and plenty of joy. These flow seamlessly to the palate where the expected Granite Belt minerality raises its hand along with fine sheets of black pepper. Fine brick dust tannins coat the palate on close with a faint lick of meatiness and balsamic upping the moreish factor. A great drink for the asking price, this is an enthusiastic recommendation from me. 92/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $29 Source: Sample Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views20-302390-94ptsblendsgranite-beltshiraz - news
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run GSM 2024
The rustic appeal of this Clare Valley GSM makes it an easy go-to for casual catch-ups and barbecues. Throw it at a cheeseburger and you're set. Expressive and glorious aromas of raspberry coulis, squishy blueberries, mulberries, red apples flow with ease to the flavour profile. Dusty earth, dark chocolate and even a touch of new leather add detail. Barbecue rub spices and fruit bun spices lead to a drying finish highlighted by open weave tannins. But there is no denying its food friendliness and moreishness. Good stuff. 91/100 Region: Clare Valley RRP: $25 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views20-302490-94ptsclare-valleygrenachegsm - news
Ox Hardy Fiano 2025
A burst of energy makes a statement on opening. It's a wine that presents a charming case both in the glass and on the label - I do love how that pink Ox Hardy font pops off the sky blue label. From the Upper Tintara vineyard, 10% saw time in seasoned French oak. White-fleshed stonefruit is flanked by Mutsu apple, lemon juice, speaspray and herby things. Not to be outdone, some cucumber and almond nuances slide in. The considered textural presence elevates the detail, but there is no mistaking the energy from the fruit that has lift and life. Lively acidity and a green apple crunch make a move on close, seeing out a smart expression. Tasted alongside another McLaren Vale Fiano, I know I'd rather hunt this down in quick time. Tick! 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views20-302590-94ptsfianomclaren-vale