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Bethany Blue Quarry Contours Vineyard Grenache 2024
Sleek, sexy and carrying a little more depth than first impressions suggest, this Bethany Blue Quarry Contours Vineyard Grenache is immediately engaging. Coming from 50+ year-old vines, much younger than its Manse Vineyard sibling, I couldn't get enough of this. Softly spiced dark cherries reign supreme, while expressive raspberries bring a pretty, juicy lift that keeps everything bright and energetic. There’s an attractive savoury-sweet interplay at work too, with a flash of dark chocolate and even a suggestion of Cherry Ripe tucked amongst the fruit. It’s a wine that feels slinky and curvaceous, flowing effortlessly across the palate without ever sacrificing flavour intensity. The real highlight is the length. The fruit extends with confidence, and there’s no denying the juicy factor that makes each sip so inviting. Faint silty tannins provide just enough structure to frame the generosity without interrupting the wine’s natural charm. This is one of those Grenaches
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)20 views50-1502495ptsbarossagrenache - news
Bethany Blue Quarry Manse Vineyard Grenache 2024
Not as expensive as its Contours Vineyard stablemate, this Manse Vineyard Grenache offers a fuller, weightier expression from the outset. From 1924 planted vines that dig their feet into clay soils, darker fruits and berries lift from the glass wth scents of dried red petals, earthy nuances and a dusting of dark chocolate. The palate follows suit, bringing dark cherry and plum fruit with an earthy drive that keeps everything grounded. There is more heft here compared to more delicate expressions of Grenache with the fruit carrying good concentration and drive. Neat and composed, it comes together comfortably rather than spectacularly with the fruit and savoury elements working in unison. A solid, enjoyable Grenache that goes about its work with little fuss and drinks well. 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)24 views50-1502490-94ptsbarossagrenache - news
Usher Tinkler Tinkemans Shiraz 2023
Off the back of the Royal Queensland Wine Show, I was known for some of my interesting (and perhaps entertaining) tasting notes. A wine of detail and complexity, this Usher Tinkler Shiraz offers plenty of interest to explore. What I see here is what I experienced in some trendy, whole bunch wines that I termed Fitzroy piss. You know the type. They're the wines that those uber-cool bars and restaurants in Melbourne's Fitzroy and Brunswick would eat up, deluxe. It's the use of whole bunches that makes the difference. This is all savoury, meaty and utterly smashable. Baked cherries and plum strudel, pan juices, cured meats, it's a wine with character and presence. But that presence doesn't steal the spotlight, it causes you to lean in and discuss. It brings curiosity with a hint of swagger and charm. Torn jeans, unshaven yet moving with grace to its own beat. That's this Shiraz. Mind you, light the fire and embrace the cool of night with the added bonus of some steaks sizzling over golden
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views50-1502390-94ptshunter-valleyshiraz - news
Ballandean Estate Saperavi 2023
What makes Saperavi unique is its red flesh. One of the first to plant the variety in Australia (2008), Ballandean Estate continues to be a high performer. Black plums, blackberries and squishy blueberries lead the charge, delivering plenty of flavour and a more densely packed expression than recent vintages. There’s power here, no question, but some of the charm that has elevated this Saperavi in years gone by feels reserved. The lifted notes of dried purple flowers and violets that have often defined the wine are notably subdued. In their place sits a savoury edge of meatiness and pan juices, wrapped around a core of dark fruit. A streak of granite-like minerality keeps things honest, providing shape and direction through the palate. The tannins close dusty and furry, bringing grip and structure that suggest this will continue to evolve with bottle age. It remains a thoroughly enjoyable drink, but having seen this wine reach some lofty heights before, this release sits a touch
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views50-1502390-94ptsgranite-beltsaperavi - news
Vinteloper Rogue Pinot Noir 2024
This is an uber cool Pinot that evokes wine bar beats with the lights turned down low. Some wines seek analytics and scores, yet others, like this, seek companionship, cosy corners and echoes of laughter. Splash this around liberally and you'll know what I mean. David Bowley has been sourcing fruit from this vineyard for some time, but these barrels showed some 'pixie dust', so he says. From the Kuipto district of the Adelaide Hills, it sees French oak for ten months (35% new). Dark cherries, blackberry leaf, orange peel, cured meats and bacon hock make a mighty first impression. Waves of savoury nuances follow and cascade effortlessly in the form of dried leaves, twigs, tilled earth, a faint hint of pine needle and mushroom compost. Delicate spices wrap themselves around the frame and drive long. Although a touch linear on the palate, the use of whole bunches is evident with that savoury thumbprint. Perhaps the best way to consider this wine in three words is savoury, effortles
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views50-1502490-94ptsadelaide-hillspinot-noir - news
Burton McMahon D’Aloisio’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2024
Asserting itself with a lean and pristine persona, this D'Aloisio's Chardonnay from Burton McMahon is chiselled, deliberate, focused and bloody delicious. From a vineyard 230 metres above in the Seville district of the Yarra Valley, white-fleshed nectarines and bright grapefruit set the tone with a subtle nuttiness as cashews and nougat are woven effortlessly throughout. Layers of woodsy spices and vanilla cream elevate the flavour profile with flashes of green apple darting about, adding brightness and energy. Balanced and focused, the elegance struts as some depth motions ever so quietly in the background with a Mediterranean tonic texture presence. A striking and compelling Chardonnay that is utterly delicious, there is a strong case here for you to indulge. And so you should, it's excellent. 95/100 Region: Yarra Valley RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views50-1502495ptschardonnayyarra-valley - news
Usher Tinkler Reserve Shiraz 2023
Leading with a savoury and brooding aroma profile, be sure to give this Usher Tinkler Reserve Shiraz a decant before serving. Ground coffee and mocha aromas set the tone with dark berries, ripe plums and the flicker of crunchy red apples. A fine ribbon of dark chocolate moves and sways throughout adding another level of detail. Drying, there is an unmissable rustic presence that has me hooked. Layers of woodsy spices, meat rub spices and a smoky edge build further detail to peel back. That smoky character brings a hock and char note and all I can think of from this point is a night by the fire pit with large steaks sizzling over golden coals. That cool country air, the rustic vibes and the glow of the coals would bring all these elements together in a neat power play. Great stuff. 92/100 Region: Hunter Valley RRP: $75 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views50-1502390-94ptshunter-valleyshiraz - news
Dexter Pinot Noir 2024
This Dexter Pinot Noir is a really cool wine. Actually, it's better than cool. It's brilliant. The more I perused, the more I loved it. As time passed, I drained that bottle with ease. Great fruit, incredible detail and a most respectable pedigree, this is a winner all the way. Silky, seductive and deliciously captivating, you'd be forgiven for not sharing this with anyone. There is a precision and elegance that captivates. Delicate red cherry and strawberry fruit make the first impression before the ripples of savoury delight wash through. Layers of pine needles, mushrooms, dried tea leaves, orange peel, and even the faintest hint of rosemary sprig offer much to ponder, leading to a persistent and perfectly pitched finish. The shape and flow ooze class deluxe. It's quite a seductive Pinot - be warned. 95/100 Region: Mornington Peninsula RRP: $65 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)25 views50-1502495ptsmornington-peninsulapinot-noir - news
Dexter Chardonnay 2024
Bright and fresh with a Chablis-esque disposition, this Dexter Chardonnay is excellent. The wine was matured for 11 months in French oak puncheons (20% new), with 50% undergoing malolactic fermentation. Aromas of white field flowers, lemon juice and old school lemonade get you in the mood with white-fleshed nectarines and a sizzling grapefruit acidity arresting your attention on the palate. With a captivating tension and nougat creaminess, a flirtatious vanilla custard note moves about with ease. The length and balance welcome you back with open arms time and again, yet the energy is uplifting and graceful all at the same time. That length. That shape. What a beauty! 94/100 Region: Mornington Peninsula RRP: $55 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)23 views50-1502490-94ptschardonnaymornington-peninsula - 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)16 views50-1502590-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - news
Burton McMahon Lusatia Park Chardonnay 2024
Woah! Big love right here. From Woori Yallock in the Yarra Valley perched 180 metres above, this Burton McMahon Lusatia Park Chardonnay is an exhibition of fabulous drive, balance and restrained power. The fruit was handpicked, whole bunch pressed and racked to barrel on 95% solids for wild yeast fermentation. Malo was not encouraged and it matured in French oak (30% new) for ten months. It opens with expressive aromas of caramel drops, Golden Rough, dedicated coconut and barbecued peach. There is a neat flow onto the palate with nougat and green apple adding detail. Possessing a delicate texture, there is a flash of lemon granita and yellow grapefruit on close. Oh, how I want more with each sip I take. Glorious. 94/100 Region: Yarra Valley RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views50-1502490-94ptschardonnayyarra-valley - 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)19 views50-1502590-94ptshunter-valleypinot-noir - news
Arila Gardens Single Vineyard Grenache 2024
During my youth, a mulberry tree hung over our back fence. My brothers and I used to jump the fence and scale this tree, yielding buckets upon buckets of plump, juicy mulberries. Our grandmother would then boil them up with some sugar and make a compote. This Grenache takes me back to that yard, that tree and spoonfuls of that absolutely delicious compote. Thank you, Adam Clay, for the vivid flashback because this Grenache oozes those memories. Adam and his wife Marie oversee these old Barossa vines at their Moppa home in the Barossa's north. These 1900 planted trunks are old and gnarly, drawing inspiration from deep sandy soil over clay. I walked these vines in awe back in 2020. Mulberries and blueberries are wrapped in a delightful, evocative violet-and-purple petal perfume. The latter flows onto the palate adding a distinguished mouth perfume. The palate is fabulously shaped and balanced with added highlights of cola and sarsaparilla that chime in with fine spices and a delic
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)15 views50-1502495ptsbarossagrenache - news
Turkey Flat Shiraz 2024
Bolder, richer and denser than the 2023 , this Turkey Flat 2024 shows plenty of muscle. It was a great exercise to see this beside its 2023 predecessor. Like the previous vintage, there is some muscle. Spiced plums, mulberries, blackberries add plenty of fruit depth with dark chocolate, Five spice and cardamom on the flank. A wine with drive and purpose, it's furrowed brow and hesitation to flex held it back a fraction. Some more bottle age will be its friend. 93/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $55 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)22 views50-1502490-94ptsbarossashiraz - news
Turkey Flat Shiraz 2023
A thrilling Shiraz from Turkey Flat, this 2023 tenses up and keeps all of its secrets close. Give it a moment and it slowly drops its guard. Plummy fruit is joined by blackberries and concentrated mulberries. Licks of fruit sweetness dial up the interest as firm spices add a clenched fist presence. Interestingly, it possesses that tough guy braun that draws intrigue and forces you to lean in closer, but its softer side whispers beauty and elegance. Fruit bun spices pin themselves to a persistent and moreish finish. Give it some more bottle age to settle and this little gem will continue to repay the faith. 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $55 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)25 views50-1502390-94ptsbarossashiraz - 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)17 views50-1502590-94ptsbarossaroussanne - news
Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024
Effortlessly seductive, this Head Wines Ancestor Vines Grenache 2024 is nothing short of sublime. From vines planted in 1858, graceful and gracious aromas of dried roses, lavender and violets sweep through. The palate is equally expressive and composed, think juicy raspberries, ripe strawberries, baked blueberries and mulberry compote with a playful raspberry rope note. A fine line of delicate spice weaves its way through adding a terrific savoury edge. But what has me punching the air is the lacy, elegant and seductive presence as it glides through the mouth with ease. A dusting of Dutch cocoa with the faintest touch of brick dust tannins leads to a long and memorable finish. What a thing of supreme beauty! Just brilliant. 96/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $99 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views50-1502495ptsbarossagrenache - news
Camino Wine Co Marananga Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Broad shouldered and generous, this Barossa Cabernet from Camino Wine Co possesses an impressive suppleness that carries its weight. Sourced from 80-100 year old vines in Marananga on the district's western ridge, this sees American oak (100% new) for 19 months. Packed with a festive table of delight, think Christmas cake richness wrapped around black fruit, threads of licorice and a slice of caramel slice for good measure. Tucking in behind lay an array of dried herbs that add a neat, savoury edge. Drying to close, the tannins are firm, offering a window to a long future. If big reds with a charming plushness spin your wheels, you'll be loving this offering. 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $120 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)33 views50-1502390-94ptsbarossacabernet-sauvignon - news
Turkey Flat Sparkling Shiraz NV
Epic autumn appeal, a fireside friend in winter, stunning in spring or an evening poolside treat during summer, sparkling Shiraz is such a versatile drink and deserves more kudos than being seen as a one-trick pony for Christmas lunch. Batch 19 of this Turkey Flat is matured using the Solera system, spending up to 36 months in seasoned oak, then another year in bottle before it was released in 2025. Juicy mulberries, blueberry paste and Black Forest cake roll out the welcome mat. Dark cherries frolic about with dense dark chocolate brownie notes. A well-balanced dosage is the key to bringing all elements together. Fruit bun spices run out to a persistent finish - that length! Such a great fizz and party starter, big love! 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)22 views50-15090-94ptsbarossanvshirazsparkling - news
Hiatus Beers Non Alcoholic Lager
These Hiatus non alcoholic beers are well worth exploring. This lager is a most respectable drink. Jules Ryan is at the helm at Hiatus. With some serious brewing knowledge and experience after stints at Stone & Wood, Balter and Little Creatures, he saw a hole in the market that he has filled admirably with his Hiatus beers. Brewed as normal, it then undergoes the process of removing alcohol. Malty with a delicate citrus presence and low in bitterness, this is a clean and crisp lager. It's a beer of good shape with a decent length, but given the choice, I'd run to the Pacific Ale in the range. Curiously, there are a few commercial, large-production non-alcoholic lagers on the market, and I much preferred this to them. Over to you... 90/100 RRP: ~$5, ~$70 (24x 375mL cans) Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views10-or-less50-150beernon-alcoholic - news
Hiatus Beers Non Alcoholic Pacific Ale
What's the best non-alcoholic beer I have tasted? This Hiatus Pacific Ale is it. Woah! Like a mango parfait, this is a summertime sunset in a can. Made with Veloria, Vienna and Munich malt and Galaxy hops, the front label says it's a full-flavoured non-alcoholic beer and it's spot on. Drop this in a lineup of similar style beers and you'd struggle to tell the difference. Jules Ryan is at the helm. With some serious brewing knowledge and experience after stints at Stone & Wood, Balter and Little Creatures, he saw a hole in the market that he has filled admirably with his Hiatus beers. Brewed as normal, it then undergoes the process of removing the alcohol. A starburst of tropical fruit greets you with passionfruit, a dash of pineapple, guava, freeze-dried papaya and this insanely delicious creamy meringue thing that rides on their coattails. Clean, crisp and incredibly refreshing, I wish I had more than one can on hand. The low and non-alcohol beer scene is miles ahead
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views10-or-less50-150beernon-alcoholic - news
Camino Wine Co Paradigm Vineayard Shiraz 2023
If you like big, old school style Barossa Shiraz, wander over this way and check out the Camino Wine Co Paradigm Vineyard 2024. To give some insight, the 80-100 year old vines are for this wine are grown right beside the Torbrek Laird vineyard. Handpicked and destemmed, it was pumped over twice daily before being pressed to American oak for 19 months. The use of 100% American oak is telling, too. There is a lot of it, and the cedar, coconut and caramel notes are abundant. There is a neat touch of Coconut Rough which I thought elevated things just that bit more. The fruit is dense and muscular with dark chocolate and rum 'n' raisin riding on its coattails. Earthy, woodsy and exotic spices mingle before the carpet is rolled out for the big, voluptuous tannins. There is no mistaking the power, and I'd recommend a good decant if it were to be enjoyed now. Rest assured, you can sit on this comfortably for 15 years+. It's worth noting, mind you, the cork was firm, and although not see
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)31 views50-1502390-94ptsbarossashiraz - news
Burton McMahon Lusatia Park Pinot Noir 2024
What a great Pinot! Probably the best I've seen under this Burton McMahon label. Wonderfully savoury on opening, embrace scents of twigs, dried leaves, pine needles and pine mushrooms. Dark cherries and sour cherries pin themselves to the palate, walking in step with the well-balanced acidity. Fine spices tap away on a lengthy and devilishly moreish finish. It's an excellent Pinot ready for now or to hold. You choose. 95/100 Region: Yarra Valley RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views50-1502495ptspinot-noiryarra-valley - news
Burton McMahon Syme Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024
With a clenched-fist tension, this Syme Vineyard Pinot Noir from two mates, Matt Burton and Dylan McMahon, will continue to steadily morph into a delightful wine with more bottle age. Tasted alongside the Lusatia Park Pinot Noir, this was just that bit more coiled. Black cherries, plums and a hint of chocolate, earthiness, twigs and undergrowth muse with a fine dusting of spice. It certainly evolved more the longer it was open over a few days of tasting. 93/100 Region: Yarra Valley RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views50-1502490-94ptspinot-noiryarra-valley