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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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views30-402595ptschardonnayorange - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views30-402490-94ptshunter-valleysemillon - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views30-402390-94ptsblendsgrenachemataro - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views30-402690-94ptsgrenachemclaren-valerose - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views30-402690-94ptsmclaren-valerose - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)15 views30-402595ptsmalbecmargaret-river - news
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
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views30-402390-94ptscabernet-francmalbecmargaret-river - news
Head Wines RED GSM 2022
A 60/20/20 GSM blend that leans into the savoury side, this Head Wines RED GSM opens with aromas of black earth, boot polish and chocolate before strawberry and red cherry cameos add a welcome flash of brightness. There’s good shape and presence through the palate, with the wine carrying itself confidently. Just when the savoury notes appear set to take complete control, a burst of juicy fruit arrives on the mid-palate, injecting energy and keeping the wine lively and engaging. What stands out most is the texture. Super fine to taste, it glides effortlessly, backed by dusty tannins that provide enough structure without interrupting the flow. There’s a sense of balance and ease here that makes it particularly appealing. This is the sort of wine that quietly earns a place in the weekly rotation. It asks no questions, causes little fuss, but listens with intention. Honest, satisfying and highly drinkable, it's a mid-week go-to that delivers exactly what is required. 91/100 Re
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views30-402290-94ptsbarossagsm - news
Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Pinot Gris 2025
Grown at 1020 metres above sea level, this Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Pinot Gris brings both freshness and texture to the table. Fermented in seasoned French oak and matured on lees for eight months, there's a little extra complexity woven into what is already a very appealing drink. White lilies provide an elegant aromatic lift before cut pear, poached pear and pie apple take control of the flavour profile. The fruit feels generous without becoming heavy, carrying a lovely sense of balance across the palate. A neat veil of creaminess adds texture, while a gentle phenolic grip brings shape and interest. Together they broaden the wine's appeal at the table, making it an easy match for a wide range of dishes. An intriguing note of underripe green apple lingers, offering something to muse over long after the sip has gone. Scattered cinnamon spice threads its way through a persistent and moreish finish, adding another layer of charm. Textural, flavoursome and immensely drinkabl
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views30-402590-94ptsorangepinot-gris-grigio - news
Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Sauvignon Blanc 2025
From Australia’s first Climate Active certified carbon neutral winery now celebrating ten years of that achievement, Ross Hill Wines has plenty to talk about before the bottle is even opened, right down to the label produced with 30% recycled content. What’s inside the bottle stacks up too. Bright, fresh and energetic, this Sauvignon Blanc leans confidently into the fruit spectrum rather than the grassy, insipid territory the variety can sometimes wander into. Expressive aromas of lemon, lemongrass, passionfruit and green melon burst from the glass, setting the tone for a vibrant and approachable drink. A faint creaminess adds an extra layer of interest, the result of barrel fermentation in seasoned French oak and 10 months on lees. It’s subtle providing texture without dulling the wine’s vitality. Cleansing acidity keeps everything taut and refreshing, carrying the fruit through a lively finish. An easy wine to enjoy and one that will have no trouble finding its people. Tick. 8
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views30-402585-89ptsorangesauvignon-blanc - news
Head Wines RED Grenache 2025
The fusion of four Barossa and Eden Valley sites delivers a Grenache that bowls down the line with reliable line and length. Energetic aromas explode from the glass featuring dried red petals and roses, red berries and sarsaparilla. The fruit is juicy and silky, flowing about with ease. It's a wine that you can reach for time and again given its moreishness that is driven by tense, earthy tannins and finishes dry with a powdery note that whispers, calling you back. If the neighbours call you over for a drink, take two because one will evaporate in no time. 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views30-402590-94ptsbarossagrenache - news
Gilberts Wines Riesling 2025
Cool, fresh and super inviting, this Mount Barker Riesling is all about purity, energy and summertime pleasure. Aromas of white field flowers and cut green apple leap from the glass. An expressive palate of lime zest, Bickford's lime cordial and apple sours lure you closer with a mouthwatering lemon granita tang that keeps everything in check. A moreish and most delicious chalky texture adds shape and draws out the finish. Really clever and super refreshing, this oozes long lunches and good company in the sunshine. 94/100 Region: Mount Barker RRP: $32 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views30-402590-94ptsmount-barkerriesling - news
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)14 views30-402595ptsmclaren-valemencia - 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)21 views30-402590-94ptsrutherglenshiraz - news
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)17 views30-402490-94ptschardonnaygranite-belt - 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)19 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)21 views30-402590-94ptsfianogranite-belt - news
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)17 views30-402685-89ptshunter-valleysemillon - news
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)19 views30-4026hunter-valleyverdelho - news
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)23 views30-402490-94ptscabernet-francmargaret-river - news
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)18 views30-402485-89ptsblackwood-valleymerlot - news
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)28 views30-402485-89ptspinot-noirtumbarumba - 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)15 views30-402590-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - news
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)19 views30-402490-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz