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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)16 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)19 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)33 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)18 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)22 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)22 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)18 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)16 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)19 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)17 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)32 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)18 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)17 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)16 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)18 views30-402590-94ptschardonnaymargaret-river - news
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)17 views30-402590-94ptsfume-blancmargaret-riversauvignon-blanc - news
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)25 views30-402590-94ptsgreat-southernpinot-noir - news
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)28 views30-402490-94ptschardonnaymargaret-river - news
Yeah Wines Viognier 2024
Giving off a golden glow in the glass, this is a neat Viognier from Western Australia's Blackwood Valley region. Sitting on the richer side of the Viognier spectrum, it's not an oily type, and the fruit is able to express its freshness. Alive with peaches and cream, barbecued peaches, canned apricots and apricot nectar, barrel fermentation has imparted vanilla custard and vanilla oak nuances. A wine best enjoyed with food, this is a pretty tidy piece of work. 90/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views30-402490-94ptsblackwood-valleyviognier - news
Camino Wine Co Gamay 2025
Dang! Dangerously slurpable and eminently smashable, this is a silky delight that will take pride of place on a lazy Susan and take down a Chinese banquet effortlessly. What a joy it was to review this Camino Wine Co Gamay. Sourced from the Adelaide Hills, it was made with 25% whole bunches before being pressed to seasoned French oak. Elegant and seductive, fine ripples of earthiness and delicate spices ride on the coattails of blueberry and mulberry fruit. It firms up late on the palate, which pulls it back a peg, but those creases should be ironed out with more bottle age in the next couple of years. Excellent drinking, no less, and guaranteed to swiftly evaporate from your glass, it's a great addition to the ever-expanding Camino Wine Co range. 93/100 Region: Adelaide Hills RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)30 views30-402590-94ptsadelaide-hillsgamay - news
Yelland & Papps Single Vineyard Greenock Shiraz 2024
From a Greenock vineyard planted in 1988, this Yelland & Papps Single Vineyard Shiraz comes from a site that has been farmed by four generations. The twentieth consecutive release of this wine, it was wild yeast fermented and sees large format French oak for 22 months (22% new). With more muscle and bulk than its Syrah sibling , this is quite a different release from the incredible Single Vineyard Greenock Shiraz 2023 . What caught my attention this time was the increased spice and tension, not to mention the oak that protrudes a touch more than hoped, with cedar and coconut husk featuring large. Softer scents of violets are present, but not as lifted. Mulberries, black cherries and plums build a neat frame and sit at the core with delightful berry tart nuances. Dark chocolate, dark soy and peanuts dipped in chocolate add to the savoury drive. The acid shows life and is still quite energetic, even after a couple of days open. I suspect this will be better with more bot
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)14 views50-1502490-94ptsbarossashiraz - news
Turkey Flat Grenache 2023
When you think of Barossa Valley Grenache, Turkey Flat is never far away from the conversation. What a joy it was to take a look at this 2023 and the brand new 2024 alongside one another. Raspberries, strawberries, red currants, orange peel and apricot kernel light up the stage with a hint of cola for good measure. A flicker of eucalyptus piques my interest, but that can't be seen on day two when this nestles into a neat groove. It's a wine with more structure and body compared to the pretty, silky, elegant thing that is the 2024 . Fine tannins are pliable with the length highlighted by fruit bun spices. Grenache lovers who appreciate a little more oomph, this is right in your wheelhouse. 94/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)23 views40-502390-94ptsbarossagrenache - news
Yeah Wine Single Vineyard Grenache 2025
My first look at a Yeah Wine from Western Australia and I'm fixated with the uber cool, beer-bottle-like label. Brilliant! From a single vineyard site in Karridale, Margaret River, a small portion of whole bunches was used. Opening with aromas of smoke, cured meats, dark cherry and berry pie, there is a delightful presence and drinkability here. Tense through the mid-palate, firm woodsy and earthy spices add interest and build complexity along with some orange peel. Medium bodied, a common thread of meatiness draws out long and has me thinking about burgers, pizzas and pasta night with a side of Friday night footy on the tele. Great 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)16 views30-402590-94ptsgrenachemargaret-river - news
Camino Wine Co Chardonnay 2024
When I hear the suggestion that white wines don't need decanting, I don't entirely subscribe to it. Some whites would absolutely benefit from the opportunity to open up, and this Camino Wine Co Chardonnay is a perfect example. Sourced from two Adelaide Hills vineyards, the fruit was whole bunch pressed and sent to barrel where it underwent wild yeast fermentation before spending eight months in seasoned French oak. The shift on day two of tasting was significant due to being open that bit more. It was tense with some curious aromas initially, but time gave life to yellow grapefruit, lemon meringue, and lemon curd. Nougat creaminess and almond nuttiness play a shy hand with some old school lemonade acidity for good measure, leaving a sherbety tang to muse over. Mind you, I'd recommend having this with food to handle that energetic acidity. Think temupra prawns or even a classic Schnity. 90/100 Region: Adelaide Hills RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views50-1502490-94ptsadelaide-hillschardonnay