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Varney Wines Mencia 2025
A thrilling Mencia, this 2025 release from Varney Wines is nothing short of excellent. Said to be for members only, bugger that and bang the door down. Tell Alan I sent you. Sourced from Australia's first Mencia planting at Oliver's Taranga, these 2011 planted vines continue to get better and better. It spent 14 days on skins before being pressed to second use French oak for ten months Give it a chance to breathe and it repays the faith. Gorgeously medium-bodied, bright blueberries and juicy mulberries muse with silky dark cherries. Meat rub spices pack things up in a neat parcel but there is no escaping the supple and elegant fruit that takes control of the midpalate. Varietally true, a red apple crunch seizes its moment, delivering a superb line of acidity. Incredibly moreish, I could get dangerous with this. And perhaps I did. What a super drink. 95/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&nb
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view30-402595ptsmclaren-valemencia - news
Vinteloper Shiraz 2025
The back label is emblazoned with the words "Not the Shiraz your dad drinks", and it wouldn't be. But I reckon you could convert him over to this ripping expression from Vinteloper. What a cracker! Bunchy and savoury notes set the tone and I'm all in. So expressive and moreish, there is a sip-slow vibe about its swagger, but I can't help but lean into the plums, mulberry compote, shards of dark chocolate and fine sheets of spice that are rippled through the palate. There is a fabulous tension between the fruit density and savoury pleasure that drives through to an elongated finish. Above all, it's that complexity that has me fixated. I'd comfortably categorise this as "Fitzroy piss" - those trendy Fitzroy and Brunswick bars and restaurants would smash through bottles of this stuff all in the name of pleasure and delight. Go here. 93/100 Region: Adelaide Hills RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , Li
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view40-502590-94ptsadelaide-hillsshiraz - news
Tout Prêt BBQ Shiraz 2025
Hitting the Qwine tasting bench from Rutherglen, this medium-bodied BBQ Shiraz smashes the brief for an approachable and easy-drinking drop that is armed and ready for casual gatherings. Dark cherries, red currants, red apple peel and plums skip from the glass, offering a melange of bright fruit and a darker, richer edge. Licks of char and charcoal are met by a dusting of black pepper spice. A wine with a respectable presence and length, splash it generously in a glass while indulging in a snag on bread or even minute steak burgers straight off the barbie. Winning! 92/100 Region: Rutherglen RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view30-402590-94ptsrutherglenshiraz - news
Travellers Key Keg 20L Vermentino 2025
Bright and fresh with a neat textural feel, these Travellers 20L Key Kegs are a good on-premise solution to keep wines fresh as well as minimising packaging. A most enjoyable wine, this Vermentino is bursting with lemons, old-school lemonade, sea spray and a dash of saltiness. Made with a splash of Chardonnay and Fiano (2% each), there is a fine veil of minerality which adds further detail and elevates this expression, to mention the respectable length. For a wine that comes in 20L kegs, this is a great get if you see this on premise. 89/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $ ?? Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view2585-89ptsgranite-beltvermentino - news
Gilberts Wines Estate Chardonnay 2025
From Mount Barker comes this barrel-fermented Chardonnay from Gilberts Wines. A curious thing that caught my attention was the scents of wet brown paper and a musty note. Odd... Tinned pineapple, bruised golden apple and firm green tea-like phenolics are the driving forces. The palate is clipped and doesn't reach as much as hoped. I'd prefer others, particularly at this price point. 85/100 Region: Mount Barker RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view40-502585-89ptschardonnaymount-barker - news
Samantha May Chenin Blanc 2025
Another beauty from Samantha May Wines, this Chenin Blanc comes from a place you'd least expect - Gundagai. Fermented in a clay amphora, it sees time in a mix of seasoned Austrian and French oak. Expressive aromas from the outset of beeswax, honeysuckle and yellow peach skin get my attention. There is a curiosity that builds with intrigue as I taste, and I get the sense that it is an enigmatic character of sorts, almost resisting full disclosure. A gentle, rich presence is partnered by a restrained drive with almond meal, pie apple and nougat creaminess building further delight through the palate. It gives off a distinct sense of autumnal appeal with a green apple-esque crunch on close. Not to be outdone, subtle tonic edge extends the textural appeal, reaching long through to a moreish and contemplative finish. And that's precisely it, it's a wine of complexity, interest and contemplation. Beautifully done. 93/100 Region: Gundagai RRP: $42 Source: Sample Winery Websi
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views40-502590-94ptschenin-blancgundagai - news
Grant Nash Grenache Gris 2025
Add this to your springtime lunch list. Fresh, vibrant and crisp, there is much to adore about this Grant Nash Grenache Gris. Perfect for Friday knock-offs as well, it sees some time in seasoned oak which adds a fine veil of texture. White flowers, pink lady apples, white-fleshed nectarine, white cherries and a deft touch of minerality build a strong case for refreshment. The texture can be best described as chalky as it taps away, but it is not drying. A drop of lemon juice ties in late with a faint, stealth-like cinnamon spice reaching out with persistence. Beautiful drinking. Go here. 93/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402590-94ptsgrenache-grismclaren-vale - news
Ballandean Estate Wild Ferment Fiano 2025
Since its first release in 2012, this Ballandean Estate Fiano has always been a high performer. For those who seek interest and texture in their white wines, wander over this way. Over the years, this wine has taken several iterations in its making, but that fine sheet of textural delight has always been a feature. Aromas of canned apricot, white-fleshed peaches, Danish pastry, almond blossom and white field flowers make a captivating and engaging entrance. There is a fabulous consistency between the aroma profile and the palate as they flow into one another seamlessly. The fruit washes through with a sense of calm offering detail, width and a superb length. Ready to plough through a cheeseboard, a creamy pasta dish or even roast chicken night, sit back and embrace with a Duchenne smile for the win. 92/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $32 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402590-94ptsfianogranite-belt - 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
Grant Nash Old Mate 128 Grenache 2025
There is an elegant simplicity about this Old Mate 128 Grenache from Grant Nash Wines that has me leaning in a little closer. Closed and not overly expressive aromatically on opening, raspberries and raspberry rope do their best to emerge. Spiced red berries and red currants plant themselves on the mid-palate with poached rhubarb, raspberries and strawberries circling the wagons. Sheets of dusty tannins coat the palate late as fine spices tighten the noose and cling on for dear life. A pre-release sample, I reckon this will show better with some more bottle age. 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $65 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views50-1502590-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - news
Samantha May Nebbiolo 2025
Wines like this from Samantha May are why I love doing what I do. Is it the best Nebbiolo I've ever had? No. But do I want to keep on topping up my glass? Hell yes! Based in Mudgee, Samantha Sutherland is behind her label Samantha May Wines, sourcing fruit from a few regions around New South Wales. This Nebbiolo comes from Gundagai, a region not known for producing Grand Cru wines, and perhaps that's the perception we need to change in this Australian wine landscape. If the soil is right, the climate is good and the making is great, does it matter? Importantly, though, this wine needs a decant. I say that because when I opened it and tasted it immediately after a few swirls, a potato sack and damp type aroma arrested my attention and focus. I was looking at a number of wines at the time, so I parked it for the next day and what a metamorphosis it underwent! Silky, dancy and damn delicious. Woah! Layered with interest, think cherries and cherry pips, red plums, orange peel, black
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views40-502590-94ptsgundagainebbiolo - news
Usher Tinkler Devil's Kitchen Pinot Noir 2025
Quite a different wine to the captivating and utterly delicious 2024 release , this Devil's Kitchen Pinot Noir from Usher Tinkler took me aback on opening. Joyous and juicy were the buzzwords with the 2024, but here I felt it was ripe and stewed on opening. I parked it and returned a day later, only to reveal it had taken quite a turn for the better. Perhaps there was some pent-up tension that needed release? Scents of rose hip and dried red petals skipped out with a plummy and dark cherry frame. Delightfully medium-bodied, some meaty things lurk within too - think pan juices and charcuterie. Finely textured with sandy-like tannins, recline by the fire pit and you're set. 90/100 Region: Hunter Valley RRP: $55 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views50-1502590-94ptshunter-valleypinot-noir - 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
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views40-502590-94ptsmacedon-rangesriesling - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402590-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402590-94ptschardonnaymargaret-river - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views50-1502590-94ptsbarossaroussanne - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views30-402590-94ptschardonnaymacedon-ranges - 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
Curly Flat Williams Crossing Pinot Noir 2025
The Curly Flat Williams Crossing is back! After a brief stint MIA, consulting winemaker Steve Flamsteed ensured the label was back on the front line. Dark cherries and raspberries skip from the glass with an entourage of earthiness, charred oak, pine needles, cured meats, twigs and dried leaves in hot pursuit. The bones of a very good Pinot Noir are here, and it starts with such promise, but I found the palate to be clipped and it didn't flow through as much as hoped. Given the chance to shine over a couple of days, the drive and length I was hoping for just weren't there. Have a glass with food and you may not even know. 91/100 Region: Macedon Ranges RRP: $38 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402590-94ptspinot-noir - news
Juniper Estate Chardonnay 2025
A great expression of Chardonnay that is true to the Margaret River region, check this Juniper Estate 2025 release. Alluring aromas of pineapple husk, white-fleshed stonefruit, flint and gun smoke roll out the welcome mat. These flow with ease to an expressive palate that possesses a fine feathering of texture. Some cashews, a touch of saltiness and a grapefruit acidity enhance its enjoyment factor, with an old school lemonade tang that clings to a persistent finish. It's really well done. 92/100 Region: Margaret River RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402590-94ptschardonnaymargaret-river - news
Higher Plane Led Astray Fumé Blanc 2025
Bursting with tropical fruit, this Fumé Blanc is not my style, but it will find its people. The barrel work is interwoven, but the fruit wrestles away the control. I prefer my Fumé more tempered and balanced. Rushing from the glass is an array of lemons, papaya, green melon, snow peas, lemongrass, pears and fine ginger spices. A whip crack of acidity brings the mouth to water. There is no doubting that it delivers some serious Sunday lunch appeal, just not for this little black duck. 90/100 Region: Margaret River RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402590-94ptsfume-blancmargaret-riversauvignon-blanc