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news2026-07-07
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)0 views
30-402595ptsmclaren-valemencia
news2026-07-06
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)0 views
30-402590-94ptsrutherglenshiraz
news2026-06-28
Ballandean Estate Chardonnay 2024
  Sitting on the richer side of the Chardonnay spectrum, this release from Ballandean Estate possesses charming appeal and is ready for a cool, wet evening with a roast chook in the oven. Barbecued peach, lemon balm, old school lemonade and Danish pastry aromas flow with ease to an expressive and generous palate. Nougat, vanilla slice, almonds and roasted cashews add some savoury appeal. Bickford's lemon cordial finds its moment to pounce, and time in oak is evident, delivering threads of creaminess that fold into the frame with ease. Fine ginger-like spice tap away on a lengthy finish. The longer I peruse, the more I want in, such is the balance and considered length.  I have seen many Chardonnays with a similar frame and shape for $50+, so I was mightily impressed when I discovered that this chases a humble $36. Terrific drinking. Bravo! 93/100 Region:  Granite Belt RRP:  $36 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views
30-402490-94ptschardonnaygranite-belt
news2026-06-25
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)2 views
30-402590-94ptsgrenache-grismclaren-vale
news2026-06-25
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)2 views
30-402590-94ptsfianogranite-belt
news2026-06-25
Cael's Gate Semillon 2026
  A new producer to me, in comes this Hunter Valley Semillon from Cael's Gate. Fresh green apple and lemongrass aromas spill from the glass offering a welcome invitation. The longer it sits, mind you, some bruised red apple aromas appear. A fine phenolic grip glues itself to the palate, with those aromas flowing onto it. Curiously, that bruised red apple trait builds momentum through the mouth and arrests attention. A whip crack of lemon-like acidity on close cleanses the palate, but I suspect this will go better with food. 86/100 Region:  Hunter Valley RRP:  $38 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-402685-89ptshunter-valleysemillon
news2026-06-25
Cael's Gate Verdelho 2026
  From the Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter comes this Cael's Gate Verdelho. A Portuguese variety known for its tropical fruit and lift, I see it speckled with esters. Green apple and banana aromas take flight. Crisp to taste, it's a Verdelho that plants itself on that green apple spectrum, which is not entirely varietal. The lemon-like acidity has a pinch and the palate is clipped and doesn't flow through as much as hoped. I'd prefer others. 84/100 Region:  Hunter Valley RRP:  $38 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view
30-4026hunter-valleyverdelho
news2026-06-22
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-402490-94ptscabernet-francmargaret-river
news2026-06-22
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-402485-89ptsblackwood-valleymerlot
news2026-06-21
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views
30-402485-89ptspinot-noirtumbarumba
news2026-06-20
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)2 views
30-402590-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale
news2026-06-20
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 , 
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-402490-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz
news2026-06-20
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-402485-89ptscabernet-sauvignonmclaren-vale
news2026-06-18
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 views
30-402590-94ptschardonnaymargaret-river
news2026-06-09
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 views
30-402590-94ptschardonnaymacedon-ranges
news2026-06-06
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)2 views
30-402590-94ptspinot-noir
news2026-06-06
Geoff Merrill G&W Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
  Released with eight years of ageing already done for you, this Geoff Merrill Cabernet quietly improved over the few days it was open.  A blend of Coonawarra and McLaren Vale fruit, like its Jacko's Shiraz sibling, it's rich, ripe and bold. Loaded with black fruits, plum pudding and dark chocolate, it's puckering and saps all moisture from the mouth. Cigar box, dried mint and eucalypt nuances add interest with powdery tannins draped across a lengthy and sustained finish. Top value for $30, if you like 'em big with a dash of charisma, shuffle over this way. 92/100 Region:  Coonawarra & McLaren Vale RRP:  $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-401890-94ptscabernet-sauvignoncoonawarramclaren-vale
news2026-06-06
Geoff Merrill Jacko's Shiraz 2018
  Eight years young, this is only the early days for this long lifer from Geoff Merrill. A bold and full-throttle delivery is clear from the first swirl. With scents of chocolatey oak, rich vanilla and mocha, it's ripe and dense. Blackberries and blackberry jubes sit at the core with a slightly sweet fruited edge plus lashings of licorice for interest. Unapologetically dense, there is some real heft and muscle here without being top-heavy. A trail of lingering spices and boisterous tannins has the last word. If you like them painted on thick, I reckon you have a new friend here. 92/100 Region:  McLaren Vale RRP:  $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-401890-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz
news2026-06-05
Juniper Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
  This Juniper Estate Cabernet is outrageously good for a two-year-old! And before you think that it might unleash fury on your bank account, think again. For a measly $35, you are drinking exceptionally well. Boom! Comfortably in the contemporary Cabernet zone, the value that it represents is immense. From one of the original sites planted in 1973, it is organically and dry farmed. Bright, alive and joyous with blackberries, blackcurrants and mulberries, fabulous notes of jubes, licorice, saltbush, cigar box, Bay leaf, parsley stem and rosemary sprig fold into one another with absolute ease. Dried herbs make a late dash, but I'm captivated by the elasticity that the tannins possess. Damn, this is a clever Cabernet that is drinking superbly now but will age gracefully. Go here. 95/100 Region:  Margaret River RRP:  $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-402495ptscabernet-sauvignonmargaret-river
news2026-06-04
Camino Wine Co Grenache Rosé 2024
  Some serious vine material goes into this wine that seems to be awfully cheap for what you get. Rosé lovers rejoice with this impressive Camino Wine Co Grenache Rosé 2024. From vines planted in 1912, it's a wine that has serious sessionable appeal. Bone dry with a thrilling creamy drive, the onion skin appearance attracts the eye from the outset. Dried raspberries, rhubarb, red currant, and apricot kernel diffuse from the glass and flow through to a flavour profile that is seductive and moreish in equal doses. It's such a wonderfully balanced Rosé, it's a wine I enthusiastically recommend. 93/100 Region:  Barossa RRP:  $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-402490-94ptsbarossagrenacherose
news2026-06-04
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 views
30-402590-94ptschardonnaymargaret-river
news2026-06-03
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)2 views
30-402590-94ptsfume-blancmargaret-riversauvignon-blanc
news2026-05-30
Yeah Wines Pinot Noir 2025
  Reviewing these Yeah Wines is awfully distracting. The whole time I am tasting and writing them up, I am humming along to Usher's song, Yeah! By the way, this is a great Pinot. Fermented with whole berries and whole bunches, the fruit is sourced from Pemberton in southern Western Australia. What engages me is how it steadily builds interest. You could suggest there is a new vista around every corner - winning! It opens with earthy and twiggy aromas with some wood smoke. Forest berries consume the fruit profile, but I'm hooked on the terrific savoury presence and drive. A delicate sheet of spice draws out to the persistent finish, where you find a fine hint of red apple acidity. I'm all in on the shape and flow. A solid example of Pinot, it's a beautiful drink without the bells and whistles. Yes! 91/100 Region:  Pemberton  RRP:  $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views
30-402590-94ptsgreat-southernpinot-noir
news2026-05-30
Yeah Wines Chardonnay 2024
  What I like about this Yeah Wines Chardonnay is the way it carries itself. It possesses this cool charm and a relaxed swagger.  Whole bunch pressed, barrel fermented (30% new French oak). On first inspection, it gives the impression of a wine of depth from its aroma profile. But to taste, it slides through on an even keel without density or bulk. Concentrated peach lands on the mid-palate with licks of pineapple and mango. Butter cream, wafer biscuits, plus some cashews build layers of interest. A bright lemony acidity and lemony tang have the last word and call me back for more. A well-priced Margaret River Chardonnay, it's a thumbs up from me. 90/100 Region:  Margaret River  RRP:  $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views
30-402490-94ptschardonnaymargaret-river

Varney Wines Mencia 2025

Tout Prêt BBQ Shiraz 2025

Ballandean Estate Chardonnay 2024

Grant Nash Grenache Gris 2025

Ballandean Estate Wild Ferment Fiano 2025

Cael's Gate Semillon 2026

Cael's Gate Verdelho 2026

Yeah Wines Cabernet Franc 2024

Yeah Wines Bringing Sexy Back Merlot 2024

Kosciuszko Pinot Noir 2024

Chapel Hill The MV Bush Vine Grenache 2025

Chapel Hill The MV Shiraz 2024

Chapel Hill The MV Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

Higher Plane Jewels of Karridale Chardonnay 2025

Curly Flat Williams Crossing Chardonnay 2025

Curly Flat Williams Crossing Pinot Noir 2025

Geoff Merrill G&W Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Geoff Merrill Jacko's Shiraz 2018

Juniper Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

Camino Wine Co Grenache Rosé 2024

Juniper Estate Chardonnay 2025

Higher Plane Led Astray Fumé Blanc 2025

Yeah Wines Pinot Noir 2025

Yeah Wines Chardonnay 2024