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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 views30-402490-94ptscabernet-francmargaret-river - 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)1 view20-302590-94ptsrutherglenshiraz - 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)1 view20-302590-94ptsfianorutherglen - 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)2 views20-302690-94ptsbarossariesling - 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)2 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)2 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)2 views30-402490-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz - 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)2 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)2 views50-1502390-94ptsbarossashiraz - 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)2 views50-1502590-94ptsbarossaroussanne - 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)2 views50-1502390-94ptsbarossacabernet-sauvignon - news
Arila Gardens Moppa Saperavi 2024
If this Saperavi is posing the question, then a Bistecca steak laid over glowing coals is the answer. Just let the char, heft and primal swagger meet head on as you sit back and indulge. At first, on opening, it needed a little coaxing to come and play. Blueberries emerge alongside purple florals and a dried violet perfume. Give it some time and it unfurls like a silk sheet drawn slowly across a table. A fine thread of spice draws out quietly without raising its voice. Plums and blue fruits do their work in the background with a fine dried herb cameo. Voluptuous tannins add flex with their powdery texture as they dry out ever so gently. In all, it's not as expressive as the debut 2022 Saperavi from Arila Gardens that came across this tasting bench, but it's a most respectable drink and demands attention in its own right. 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $45 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views40-502490-94ptsbarossasaperavi - 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
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)2 views50-15090-94ptsbarossanvshirazsparkling - 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)2 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
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 views30-401890-94ptscabernet-sauvignoncoonawarramclaren-vale - news
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 views30-401890-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz - 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)2 views50-1502390-94ptsbarossashiraz - news
Jericho Bracken Vineyard Grenache 2024
I reckon this Bracken Vineyard Grenache would shine beside food. Irrespective, it's once again a very good expression of the variety from the McLaren Vale sub-region of Blewitt Springs. Made with 25% whole bunches and seeing 12 months seasoned French oak, it opens with dark cherries, strawberries and baked blueberries. Shards of dark chocolate and ripples of raspberry jam give off those classic old-school Wagon Wheel vibes. Puffs of earthiness and undergrowth are parcelled up by an array of woodsy and barbecue meat rub spices that linger. Soft, silty tannins have the last word. Great stuff. 93/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $42 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views40-502490-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - 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)3 views50-1502490-94ptspinot-noiryarra-valley - news
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 views30-402490-94ptsbarossagrenacherose - 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