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#90-94pts

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news2026-06-26
Grant Nash Grenache 2024
  With a persona edging on robust with some generosity, this Grant Nash Grenache opens with a warm, spice-laden frame that sets the tone. Inviting aromas of baked raspberries, red currants and ripe red cherries lead the charge, all wrapped up in a neat parcel that echoes Cherry Ripe slice. Of note, it strikes a mean balance between fruit intensity and a savoury intrigue. Exotic spices weave about the palate with ease offering a neat, rustic, earthy edge. Perhaps this is the splash of Mourvedre talking? Some meatiness tucks in beneath, too. In all, it calls for food and I reckon it would smash burger night with ease. 92/100 Region:  McLaren Vale RRP:  $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views
40-502490-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale
news2026-06-25
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)17 views
40-502590-94ptschenin-blancgundagai
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)18 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)21 views
30-402590-94ptsfianogranite-belt
news2026-06-25
Sorby Adams Gudilly Pinot Gris 2026
  Wines like this will become the house pour during the warmer months across the country. A fresh, inviting and most approachable Pinot Gris from Sorby Adams. There is plenty to engage with here. Think cut white field flowers, green apples, poached pears and canned applse along with a neat lemony zip. A fine textural presence offers a green tea-like tannin feel that heightens its food friendliness. The label suggests fish tacos and sushi and I reckon that is bang on. I'd hate to mess with a winning formula. Top stuff and good buying for $24. 91/100 Region:  Riverland RRP:  $24 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views
20-302690-94ptspinot-gris-grigioriverland
news2026-06-25
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)20 views
20-302590-94ptseden-valleyriesling
news2026-06-25
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)17 views
20-302590-94ptsgranite-beltsauvignon-blancsemillon
news2026-06-23
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)24 views
50-1502490-94ptschardonnaymornington-peninsula
news2026-06-23
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)17 views
50-1502590-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale
news2026-06-23
Arila Gardens Moppa GSM 2024
  From the Moppa sub-region of the Barossa comes this Arila Gardens GSM ready to snuggle up to on a winter's night. Grown at 300 metres above sea level on a mix of ironstone and quartz soils, the vine material contributing to this blend is up to 130 years of age. A blend of 64/34/2, the fruit is sourced from two sites. A vivid purple hue greets the eye with a core of mulberries, blueberries and cherry fruit, not to mention a neat raspberry cameo. Silky with a terrific shape, savoury nuances from cola, soy, black tea and puffs of earthiness play respectable supporting roles. Dusty tannins are scattered through a sustained finish - that length is certainly a highlight and demands another sip. Once again, a great release from winemaker Adam Clay. 93/100 Region:  Barossa RRP:  $45 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views
40-502490-94ptsbarossagrenachegsm
news2026-06-22
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)18 views
40-502590-94ptsgundagainebbiolo
news2026-06-22
Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2024
  A blend of three sites with significant age, this is an excellent expression of Barossa Grenache. Sourced from a dry-grown 1940s block in Pewsey Vale with smaller contributions from the 1880s planted Riebke site in Ebenezer and the 1858 planted Stonegarden site in Springton, this is certainly a great exercise in the sum of the parts. Awash with juicy and vibrant red fruit, red currants, raspberries and squishy blueberries make their mark. Time in the glass sees raspberry rope, rhubarb and orange peel emerge. Dangerously silky, a smattering of fine exotic spice reaches long onto a persistent and seductively moreish finish. For 40 bucks, this is a beauty. Bravo! 94/100 Region:  Barossa RRP:  $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views
40-502490-94ptsbarossagrenache
news2026-06-22
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)19 views
50-1502490-94ptschardonnayyarra-valley
news2026-06-22
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 views
50-1502590-94ptshunter-valleypinot-noir
news2026-06-22
Vin Sol Ignis Tempranillo 2024
  We've got a smart McLaren Vale Tempranillo here courtesy of Vin Sol. Admittedly, it looked better after it had some time to breathe, so give it that chance to shine. An array of dark berry fruits greets you, but I'm all here for the cola, cured meats and blackberry jubes. Dried herbs add detail with a sheet of fine exotic spices, but you'll see it move into fifth gear beside tomato-based pizza and pasta dishes. A big thumbs up from me. 91/100 Region:  McLaren Vale RRP:  $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views
20-302490-94ptsmclaren-valetempranillo
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)23 views
30-402490-94ptscabernet-francmargaret-river
news2026-06-21
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)29 views
20-302590-94ptsrutherglenshiraz
news2026-06-21
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)25 views
20-302590-94ptsfianorutherglen
news2026-06-20
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)19 views
20-302690-94ptsbarossariesling
news2026-06-20
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)15 views
40-502590-94ptsmacedon-rangesriesling
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)15 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)18 views
30-402490-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz
news2026-06-18
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)23 views
50-1502490-94ptsbarossashiraz
news2026-06-18
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 views
50-1502390-94ptsbarossashiraz

Grant Nash Grenache 2024

Samantha May Chenin Blanc 2025

Grant Nash Grenache Gris 2025

Ballandean Estate Wild Ferment Fiano 2025

Sorby Adams Gudilly Pinot Gris 2026

Head Wines Riesling 2025

Ballandean Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Dexter Chardonnay 2024

Grant Nash Old Mate 128 Grenache 2025

Arila Gardens Moppa GSM 2024

Samantha May Nebbiolo 2025

Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2024

Burton McMahon Lusatia Park Chardonnay 2024

Usher Tinkler Devil's Kitchen Pinot Noir 2025

Vin Sol Ignis Tempranillo 2024

Yeah Wines Cabernet Franc 2024

Tout Pret Picnic 2025

Tout Pret Brunch Fiano 2025

Biscay Road Riesling 2026

Lyons Will Élevage Riesling 2025

Chapel Hill The MV Bush Vine Grenache 2025

Chapel Hill The MV Shiraz 2024

Turkey Flat Shiraz 2024

Turkey Flat Shiraz 2023