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Colmar Estate Block 4 Syrah 2024
A brand new wine in the Colmar Estate stable, owner Bill Schrapnel has always been obsessed with Mosel, Alsace and Burgundy, but Côte-Rôtie has always made him curious. So here we are, his take on Syrah from his little patch in Orange. An early ripening clone was tracked down, so the R6WV28 landed, and these are the first Syrah/Shiraz vines of the sort to call Orange home. Uplifting aromas of red petals, cherries, plums, blackberries and red apple skin get the juices flowing. Its shape and presence ooze cool-climate Syrah. Noticeably youthful given the tension and firmish presence initially through the palate, it doesn't reach out on the palate as much as hoped. Mind you, I can't help but ponder where this is going, particularly as the vines mature in time. Earthy notes, Dutch cocoa, black pepper, and black tea build further appeal with sooty tannins and fine warming spices adding a comfort factor. Black book this Syrah. Those vines will pay grand dividends in time. 91/100 Regio
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views50-1502490-94ptsorangeshirazsyrah - news
Camino Wine Co Grenache Blanc de Noir 2025
Jason Barrette has a knack for trying a few things. I've seen him push some boundaries with some wines in his care, and this Grenache Blanc de Noir under his own label tugs at your curiosity and soothes the taste buds with charismatic ease. Made from the red grape Grenache and handpicked from vines planted in 1912, the fruit was whole bunch pressed with no skin contact to ensure no impact on the colour. The result is a wine that is almost water clear. Attractive aromas of white peach, pears, red apple and strawberries pique my interest, and they flow through to the flavour profile with absolute ease. The mid-palate is filled with a thrilling and most engaging tonic-like texture. Fine ginger and cinnamon spice linger, upping the moreish factor. Slide this into a blind tasting and I doubt many would pick it as a red grape. An exciting take on Grenache with a point of difference sure to raise a few eyebrows around the table, big love. 93/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $35 Sou
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)20 views30-402590-94ptsbarossagrenache - news
St John's Road Blood & Courage Shiraz 2023
In the slot, this St John's Road Blood & Courage Shiraz is a reliable expression of Barossa Shiraz that won't blow you away, but will present a solid argument. It tastes of plums, dark cherries and blackberries with a charcoal cameo. Mulberries step up once it sees some more air. I'm unsure where the fruit is sourced from, be it a single site or multiple, but the quality is evident. Roasted meats carve a course through the mid-palate with fine, brickdust tannins adding a moreish finish that dries out slowly. It's nicely done. 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)22 views20-302390-94ptsbarossashiraz - news
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Launching with an expressive bouquet of dark fruits, led by blackberries and blackcurrants, this Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich and inviting aromatic profile. Add savoury delight via grilled capsicum and green olives, it's a wine with a touch of rustic charm. Black tea, sage and dried herbs, plus some earthiness, add further intrigue. Firm, dusty tannins frame a palate with a drying, textural presence. In all, it's a neatly balanced and composed wine that provides respectable potential for medium-term aging. All this for a most reasonable $25RRP. It's a big tick from me. 92/100 Region: Clare Valley RRP: $25 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views20-302390-94ptscabernet-sauvignonclare-valley - news
Sunnyhurst Winery Cabernet Merlot 2023
An intriguing Cabernet Merlot blend from Blackwood Valley producer Sunnyhurst Winery, a splash of Petit Verdot works its way into the mix (50/40/10). Curiously, the website states 20% Petit Verdot, but the label says 10%... Each component was fermented separately and matured for 15 months in French oak before blending. On the nose, the aromas are tightly wound, pointing to a long future ahead. With air, it reveals a core of black fruits and berries and is layered with savoury notes of black olive, cloves and a touch of dark chocolate. The palate is firm and dry with assertive tannins that take charge for now, but these should settle with time. The concentrated fruit profile echoes the aromas. Those notes of spice and chocolate add depth and intrigue. The tension calls for time in the decanter if it were to be enjoyed now, but some more bottle age will see things unfurl and harmonise. 91/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $32 Source: Sample Winery Website S
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views30-402390-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendscabernet-sauvignon - news
St Johns Wine Round Puzzle Cabernet Malbec Merlot 2022
Bold and unapologetically rustic, this Bordeaux-style blend offers power and savoury depth in equal doses. Opening with a rush of drunken plums, ripe blackberries and evocative Black Forest cake, savoury notes of charred wood, barbecue smoke and crushed granite build anticipation. Firm and muscular to taste, the dense fruit is wrapped in a sheet of tense, dusty tannins. Structured rather than plush, layers of black pepper spice and charcoal peer through the mid-palate. Some granite-like minerality adds detail, offering tension and focus that carries through to a dry, gripping finish. Sit this beside a slab of protein and you're winning. It's nicely done. 91/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views40-502290-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendscabernet-sauvignon - news
Camino Wine Co Centenary Vines Grenache 2024
Devilishly rounded and curvaceous on the second day of tasting, give this Camino Wine Co Grenache a decant before diving in. Give it that grace and you'll be in heaven. Sourced from a 1912 planted Lyndoch vineyard in the Barossa's south, Jason Barrette has access to some excellent parcels. This 2024 carries on from where the 2023 left off. I was quite impressed by that release, and we come back for much of the same joy and the delish factor. It kicks off like a working-class Grenache of sorts with a rustic edge, yet it waltzes with royalty with some air under its wings. Be sure to give it that time. Made with 25% whole bunches, dive into a pool of raspberries, mulberries, cherries, raspberry rope, and cola with flecks of orange peel skimming the surface. Some pan juices and charcoal add some savoury appeal as woodsy spices curl around the palate, driving the moreishness. Firmish, cocoa tannins have the last word, but all I want is to dive back in. Clever stuff. Big love. 9
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views50-1502490-94ptsbarossagrenache - news
Lyons Will Greenways Hill Gamay 2025
The debut commercial release of the Greenways Hill Gamay comes from a new estate vineyard that is planted on the next ridge over from the winery. I must say, it's a glorious vista looking out to that vineyard from the cellar door. I don't have an up-to-date copy of the bottle pic, which has Greenways Hill across the front in large font, but you get the idea... Planted 510 metres above in 2021 to eight Gamay clones to bring diversity and fill the palate, this is a juicy, slurpable thing that does show its youth. Having said that, strap in for a thrilling ride, because if this is the start of the journey, brace for where things are headed. Fine, with a greeny tinge on opening as a result of its youth, I can see this bringing the hype as the vines mature. Awash with purple fruits and blueberries, there is a delicate lick of Campari that oozes appeal. The mouthfeel is lacey which heightens its approachability, and particularly on the second and third day of tasting, those gree
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)15 views40-502590-94ptsgamaymacedon-ranges - news
St Johns Wine Tweed River Shiraz 2023
A super buy for 20 bucks, this St Johns Wine Tweed River Shiraz struts with a cool climate-like Shiraz swagger. Brooding and tightly wound on first pour, it opens with an array of dark fruits. Think blackberries, dark cherries and plums that gradually reveal a gentle cola lift with some air. The palate shifts confidently into savoury territory, where notes of meat jus and cured meats add depth and intrigue. Layers of dark chocolate and finely handled oak frame the fruit, while a subtle granite-like minerality lends precision. A dusting of black pepper spice carries through the finish, enhancing the wine’s complexity. Structurally, it is firm and composed, with tightly knit tannins and a line of persistent acidity that keeps the profile fresh and energetic. Still youthful, it has the balance and concentration to evolve gracefully, rewarding cellaring over the next 5 to 8 years. A big tick from me. 91/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $20 Source: Sample Winery We
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)22 views15-202390-94ptsbargainblackwood-valleyshiraz - news
Bridgetown Winery Redtale 2024
This Bridgetown Winery Redtale is a great drink that screams for yiros, burgers and anything in between. Give it some time to breathe and the attractive aromatic lift will whisk you away. A blend of Barbera, Tempranillo and Shiraz (40/40/20), all parcels were co-fermented. I love the vibrancy of the red and purple berries and the structure the Shiraz brings to tie it together. Some cola, dark chocolate, puffs of earthiness and pan juices all put their shoulder to the wheel. Woodsy spices, a touch of five spice and some fruit bun spices elevate its appeal on close. It's a terrific drink and one that I would enthusiastically recommend. 92/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views30-402490-94ptsbarberablackwood-valleyblends - news
Sunnyhurst Winery Viognier 2025
Delightful, attractive and most approachable, this is a fruit-driven Viognier sure to please. It's my first look at a wine from the Blackwood Valley's Sunnyhurst Winery, and it has made a most positive impression. Scents of yellow flowers, yellow-fleshed stonefruit and gingernut biscuit spices get you in the mood. Mazipan, fresh apricots and yellow-fleshed nectarines plant themselves on the palate, framed by those spices that cling to the finish. Armed for long lunches or soaking up the weekend sunshine, the length rolls on with the acidity bringing the mouth the water. A most pleasant drink indeed. 90/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views20-302590-94ptsblackwood-valleyviognier - news
Nannup Estate Firetower SMT 2022
I recently received a few wines from the Blackwood Valley's Nannup Estate as I explore the district from the comfort of my east coast abode. Two wines down from this producer and they've delivered two rippers. This Shiraz Malbec Tempranillo nails the brief for great drinking. No information was received about the percentages in the blend, but that almost seems irrelevant when the going is good and the delish factor is high. Crushed purple petals set the tone. It's a wine with a rustic presence but polished with bevelled edges. Plums, mulberries and blueberries offer plenty of interest and depth with black earth and a notable minerally vibe. A faint eucalyptus note raises its hand with a neat dusting of dark chocolate crumb. Tense tannins soften over a couple of days. Built for food, it will take down some robust protein with ease. A terrific blend and rock-solid example of pleasure all for 28 bucks. 92/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)20 views20-302290-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendsmalbec - news
Nannup Estate Rolling Hills Malbec 2022
Smart drinking. A Malbec with great fruit and shape, find me a cozy place on a cold night and a generous glass. Plush plummy fruit leads the way with ripe mulberries and hints of blueberries framing the edges adding lift. Beneath the fruit lies an earthy core threaded with fruit bun spices that cling to a persistent finish. Dusty and cocoa tannins are tense and add some chew. Thoroughly enjoyable, this is great stuff. 92/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $38 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views30-402290-94ptsblackwood-valleymalbec - news
Beulah Wines Shiraz 2023
Singing on the second and third day of tasting, this Blackwood Valley Shiraz from Beulah Wines certainly embraced the opportunity to take a breath and unfurl slowly. Initially quite tense, generous handfuls of plums and blue fruits released their grip. Pan juices, meat rub spices, fruit bun spices and black pepper peel off with ease. It's a wine with a long future ahead, and one I'd love to see in another 5-8 years. Dark chocolate and firm, tightly woven tannins make the last call and cling to a sustained finish. Give it a good decant to drink now or hold with confidence that reward will come. Nicely done and good going for $28. 91/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)35 views2390-94ptsblackwood-valleyshiraz - news
St Johns Wine Round Puzzle SGT 2022
I read "Shiraz Grenache Tempranillo" on the label, and all I can think of is burgers and pizza. Load up. From the Blackwood Valley region, just inland from Western Australia's Margaret River, this is a 57/22/21 blend. Dense fruit and mouth-filling tannins describe this wine best - armed and ready for those casualmeals. Blackberries and plums are plentiful. Tense through the core with puffs of earth, an array of dried herbs and a slight oak influence, puckering tannins leave their mark, adding some chew. Best enjoyed in the medium term, match with food and some footy on the TV for the win. 90/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views40-502290-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendsgrenache - news
First Drop Wines Moderno Barbera 2023
Bright and touch lighter in the glass than some Barberas I've tasted of late, this release from First Drop Wines pushes its case for a cool evening with a hearty meal. Sourced from the Adelaide Hills, juicy red cherries, plums and energetic blackberries build a respectable fruit profile. Tilled earth, olive tapenade, and tree bark add savoury nuances with a fine mist of soft spices coating the palate. Red apple skin rushes late with crunchy red apple acidity on close. Tense tannins cling to a long finish and tease with a moreish factor. A most enjoyable take on this Piedmont delight. 92/100 Region: Adelaide Hills RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)24 views30-402390-94ptsadelaide-hillsbarbera - news
Sorby Adams Gudilly Rosé 2026
My first review from the 2026 vintage, this Gudilly Rosé from Sorby Adams is fun, energetic and a glass full of joy. Made from a blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir (66/34) sourced from the Riverland, a riot of watermelon, the white bit of the watermelon, rhubarb and red currants burst from the glass to appease the taste buds. Devilishly fragrant with dried red petals and strawberries hitting the zone, an unmissable lick of strawberries and cream is partnered by apricot kernel and red apple skin. Well priced and sure to bring a smile to your dial, there is a lot to like about this. 91/100 Region: Riverland RRP: $24 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views20-302690-94ptspinot-gris-grigiopinot-noirriverland - news
Lane's End Chardonnay 2024
This is my first look at a wine from Macedon Ranges producer Lane's End, and I'm in love. This is a modern Chardonnay that offers much to consider and muse over. Winning! From 40-year-old vines grown 580 metres above, the fruit was whole bunch pressed with 50% seeing malolactic fermentation. Left on gross lees for 10 months in French oak (25% new), it was bottled without fining. The fluency and shape are captivating. White-fleshed nectarines, pear juice, green apple skin, pie apple, and lemon juice produce a layered and detailed opening, ensuring there is much to embrace. Lemon meringue and a fine cashew nuttiness ride on their coattails with a delicate tonic-like texture. Ribbons of fine creaminess unfurl, upping the interest factor before waves of soft ginger spices tickle a persistent finish. It's a wine that grows on you, be warned. However, be sure not to serve it too cold so its beauty can be expressed in its entirety. Go here. 94/100 Region: Macedon Ranges RRP: 
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views50-1502490-94ptschardonnaymacedon-ranges - news
Lyons Will Gamay 2025
A captivating mouth perfume of lavender and violets has me fixated. Silky, slinky and damn slurpable, a glorious introduction awaits from this Lyons Will Gamay. Made with 40% whole bunches and sitting on skins for 3 weeks, it sees nine months in seasoned French oak. Blue and purple fruits cascade with ease. Raspberry rope and orange peel jostle for attention with a fine sprinkle of dried herbs. A lick of eucalyptus emerges after a couple of days and speaks of the landscape from which it was born. Svelte, this is a wine that is incredibly delicate and seductive as superfine tannins move and sway about with ease. The 2024 was magical, but I see this 2025 perched just a notch behind. Still, it's an excellent expression of Gamay in its own right. 94/100 Region: Macedon Ranges RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views50-1502590-94ptsgamaymacedon-ranges - news
Travellers Pinot Grigio 2024
Every so often, you get knocked over by a surprise packet, and this Travellers Pinot Grigio is certainly that. What a beauty! Delicious, layered and moreish, go here. Grown approximately 850 metres above sea level on Queensland's Granite Belt, the fruit was harvested in two lots from the same vineyard. An onion skin and copper-like appearance greet the eye, thanks to some skin contact. I do love a Pinot Grigio/Gris with a blush appearance. Bone dry, crisp and well shaped, the palate is alive with cut pears, poached pears and a dash of nectarine. Pie apple plants itself on the mid-palate, but I keep being drawn back to the attractive white floral aromas. A dash of lemon zest and a fine-textured presence complete a mighty fine mouthfeel. Soft ginger and cinnamon spices linger long and elevate temptation. Mind you, it's hard to resist going back again and again. Great stuff. 93/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $29 Source: Sample Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)22 views20-302490-94ptsgranite-beltpinot-gris-grigio - news
Travellers Shiraz Viognier 2023
Wonderfully medium-bodied, this Travellers Shiraz Viognier is a wine of fluency, lacy shape and severe approachability. Sourced from Queensland's Granite Belt region, the fruit was grown at Ballandean Estate. The Shiraz was partway through fermentation before Viognier (4%) was added to complete the co-fermentation. It saw 80/20 seasoned French and American barrels (3-4 years old) for six months. Pretty scents of red petals, red cherry fruit, red apple skin, apricot kernel and dried sage bring lift, energy and plenty of joy. These flow seamlessly to the palate where the expected Granite Belt minerality raises its hand along with fine sheets of black pepper. Fine brick dust tannins coat the palate on close with a faint lick of meatiness and balsamic upping the moreish factor. A great drink for the asking price, this is an enthusiastic recommendation from me. 92/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $29 Source: Sample Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)35 views20-302390-94ptsblendsgranite-beltshiraz - news
Lyons Will Chardonnay 2025
Considered, layered and detailed, it's an easy task to top up your glass when this Lyons Will Chardonnay is within reach. Careful fruit selection is 70% destemmed, crushed and pressed with the remaining 30% whole bunch pressed. Wild yeast fermentation takes place in barrel (15% new), where it sits for nine months on lees going through 100% malolactic fermentation. Lyons Will wines are never short on interest. This opens with notes of flint and gun smoke, white fleshed stonefruit, custard powder, tonic, pineapple husk and old school lemonade. That detail flows seamlessly to the palate where it is framed by a delightful creaminess - vanilla slice and Greek yoghurt lead the way. A wine that is well structured and flows with seductive ease, a dash of ruby grapefuit adds to the charming acidity, urging you to return for more. Simply, it's a beautiful drink. 93/100 Region: Macedon Ranges RRP: $54 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&nbs
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views50-1502590-94ptschardonnaymacedon-ranges - news
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run GSM 2024
The rustic appeal of this Clare Valley GSM makes it an easy go-to for casual catch-ups and barbecues. Throw it at a cheeseburger and you're set. Expressive and glorious aromas of raspberry coulis, squishy blueberries, mulberries, red apples flow with ease to the flavour profile. Dusty earth, dark chocolate and even a touch of new leather add detail. Barbecue rub spices and fruit bun spices lead to a drying finish highlighted by open weave tannins. But there is no denying its food friendliness and moreishness. Good stuff. 91/100 Region: Clare Valley RRP: $25 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views20-302490-94ptsclare-valleygrenachegsm - news
Travellers Chardonnay 2023
A well-balanced and structured Chardonnay, it delivers freshness and good fruit with immediate appeal. Sourced from two Granite Belt sites (Sirromet and Ballandean Estate), it opens with scents of custard apple and golden apple. Honey tones slide in with time in the glass. Although quite broad through the mouth, the fruit offers respectable vibrance. The touch of minerality speaks of its granite roots with a veil of slippery phenolics. Soft cinnamon spices curl around the palate on close with a bright lemony and grapefruit acidity. It's nicely done. 91/100 Region: Granite Belt RRP: $35 Source: Sample Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)24 views30-402390-94ptschardonnaygranite-belt