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Byrne Farm Chardonnay 2025
There are plenty of great Chardonnays around the country, but few marry quality and value as convincingly as this release from Byrne Farm 2025. It's an excellent drink that overdelivers in every sense. Take my money. From a vineyard sitting 900 metres above sea level, on what was once an apple and cherry orchard, it captures the purity and tension that Orange does so well. Juicy white-fleshed nectarine, cut apple, lemon sherbet and yellow grapefruit burst from the glass, creating an energetic fruit profile that sizzles. Fine cashew, almond and custard powder notes build texture and complexity, while the faintest flicker of biscuit and ginger spice quietly emerge with time in the glass. It's delicately handled and allows the fruit to shine bright. The acidity is a standout, precise and focused, driving effortlessly through a long finish. There's polish, composure and terrific drinkability from start to finish. Boom! If you're on the hunt for a benchmark Chardonnay that deli
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views30-402595ptschardonnayorange - news
Holm Oak Hotshot Pinot Noir 2022
A captivating, complex and alluring Pinot Noir, this Hotshot is Holm Oak's flagship and it is more than worthy of that title. Built around a large portion of clone 777, complemented by D4V2 and MV6 (45/36/18), with the use of whole bunches and 14 months in French oak, it delivers remarkable delicacy and poise. Tea tree and pine needles introduce an alluring savoury edge before red and dark cherries and ripe strawberries glide across the palate. Subtle dark chocolate notes add depth, while fine spices quietly mingle with the fruit. There's a beautiful sense of restrained tension here, creating a platform for effortless drinkability before carrying the wine into a long, sustained finish. Every sip reveals another layer, balancing elegance, purity and composure with ease. A beautifully handled Pinot Noir that leaves a lasting impression without ever raising its voice. 95/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $130 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine he
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views50-1502295ptspinot-noirtasmania - news
Holm Oak The Wizard Chardonnay 2025
Composed and classy, I love this Chardonnay's swagger as it confidently strides out. The Wizard is Holm Oak's flagship white and it nails the brief. White-fleshed stonefruit leads supported by cashew and nougat notes that immediately add complexity. Lemon juice, canned pineapple and brioche weave effortlessly through the palate, while vanilla cream and caramel drops contribute a creamy richness without tipping the balance. The influence of malolactic fermentation (65%) and French oak (65% new) is thoughtfully handled, adding texture and depth rather than dominating the fruit. Rather than chasing the chiselled, high-acid style of many modern Chardonnays, this builds a beautifully rounded palate shape that feels complete and oozes satisfaction. A grapefruit tang on the finish elevates the finish, keeping everything fresh and focused. 95/100 Region: Tasmania RRP: $65 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram ,&
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views50-1502595ptschardonnaytasmania - news
Yelland & Papps Limited Cuvée Grenache 2025
I've had a lot of Grenache in my time, and I must say, this Yelland & Papps Limited Cuvée sits on top of the pile. Wow! What an incredible, precise and insatiably delicate release this is. There's a wonderful sense of Pinosity here, reinforcing the old saying that Grenache is everything Pinot wants to be. Sourced from dry-grown 1956 Vine Vale vines rooted in sandy soils and matured for 11 months in French oak (32% new), it's an effortlessly elegant expression. Juicy blueberries, blueberry coulis, mulberries and red cherries glide across the palate, with a fine smear of squishy raspberries bringing irresistible charm. The superfine tannin profile is utterly seductive, allowing the fruit to float gracefully through the mouth before subtle cola notes emerge with air. Delicate spices wrap themselves around the fruit and linger across a finish that is both persistent and calming. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this evolve over several days, confirming it has plenty of life a
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)20 views50-1502595ptsbarossagrenache - news
Byrne Farm Limited Release Shiraz Pinot Noir 2025
I do love how the Hunter Valley alumni have spread their wings across the Australian wine landscape and given the old Hunter River Burgundy blend some serious reach. Cool climate regions seem to be thriving with it at present, with the Yarra Valley a hot spot, and now Jeff Byrne has entered the fray with this superb Shiraz Pinot Noir from his patch in Orange. It's not Byrne's first rodeo, with previous vintages clearing the fence with a home run. Cool, composed and considered, much like its maker, this is a wine well worth seeking out. Silky, vibrant and dangerously moreish, it glides effortlessly across the palate with an elegance that's hard to resist. A purple flower and violet perfume skips from the glass before pristine blue and purple fruits flood the palate, delivering purity and freshness in equal measure. A subtle dusting of spice adds just enough intrigue without interrupting the flow. It absolutely oozes cool climate character, balancing energy with poise and finesse.
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views50-1502595ptsblendsorangepinot-noir - news
Byrne Farm Single Barrel Chardonnay 2025
Ooft! This is the sort of Chardonnay that proves Orange deserves far more attention than it gets. Sourced from a single 2500L barrel, it's a beautifully composed wine that balances flavour, texture and finesse with ease. White fleshed nectarine, yellow grapefruit and subtle licks of pineapple are joined by a splash of Bickford's lemon cordial. Cashews, nougat and wafer biscuit notes add complexity, while delicate vanilla cream and custard powder bring a gentle, creamy edge. Fine ginger spice threads its way through the palate, complementing the superb textural detail at its core. There's impressive length and drive, yet it all feels effortless, measured and harmonious. This is Orange Chardonnay firing on all cylinders, and if the region isn't already on your radar, wines like this are exactly why it should be. Excellent. 96/100 Region: Orange RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and&
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views50-1502595ptschardonnayorange - news
Hayes Family Wines Hillside Shiraz 2024
If you're chasing an old school Barossa Shiraz with no shortage of flavour, this Hayes Family Wines Hillside Shiraz delivers in spades. From the certified organic Hayes Hillside Block in Stone Well, it's dense, rich and wonderfully concentrated from the outset. An intriguing touch of apricot kernel brings almost Roussanne-like vibes before dark plums, rich cherries and black fruits take command. Layers of caramel, dark chocolate and cloves build depth, with hints of caramel slice adding an indulgent twist. Woodsy and earthy spices weave confidently through the palate, while the finish seems to go on forever, driven by remarkable persistence and moreish appeal. This is a wine that stands tall, embracing the generous, full-flavoured Barossa style without apology. Lovers of bigger, richer Shiraz will feel right at home here. *Due for release October 2026 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $125 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Insta
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views50-1502495ptsbarossashiraz - news
Hayes Family Wines Block 2 Grenache 2025
Big love for this excellent Hayes Family Wines Block 2 Grenache made under the keen eye of winemaker Andrew Seppelt. Juicy and vibrant, it pops and slaps. Absolutely delicious! From Hayes Family Wines' certified organic 1948 plantings, this tiny two barrel release is a stunning expression of Barossa Grenache after yields were slashed by 85%. Bursting with energy, raspberries, raspberry rope, redcurrants and red apple skin race across the palate, with a crunchy red apple acidity keeping everything lively. Give it a swirl and blueberries emerge, adding another layer of intrigue. Super fine tannins provide a delicate grip without interrupting the flow, leaving the wine sleek, pliable and effortlessly drinkable. It's packed with interest yet dances with freshness, making each sip even more compelling than the last. Delicious and ridiculously moreish, go here. 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&n
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views50-1502595ptsbarossagrenache - news
First Drop The Cream Shiraz 2021
This flagship wine from First Drop, The Cream Shiraz, certainly lives up to its name. Drawn from the best barrels of their single vineyard parcels across Ebenezer (35%), Greenock (25%) and Seppeltsfield (40%), it's a rich, ripe and unapologetically old-school Barossa. Mocha, coffee grounds and hazelnut open the account before a core of dense dark fruit and dark chocolate unfolds, wrapped in liquorice, cloves, cedar and a sweep of exotic spice. Despite the power and concentration, there's a surprisingly lacey quality that carries the wine with poise rather than weight alone. Twenty months in French oak (50% new and 50% one year old) adds polish without overshadowing the fruit. For lovers of generous Barossa Shiraz with a glossy sheen, this is an absolute beauty. Built for today if you must (be sure to decant), but with the structure and depth, it will reward 15 years+ in the cellar. 96/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $200 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe t
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views1502195ptsbarossashiraz - news
First Drop Fat of the Land Seppeltsfield Shiraz 2021
Leaning into its rich pedigree, this Seppeltsfield Shiraz was my preferred of the Fat of the Land Single Vineyard Barossa wines from First Drop. From a site to the north of Seppeltsfield ~285 metres above sea level on clay over limestone soils, this is the largest contributor (40%) to the brand's flagship The Cream . It opens with coffee grounds, mocha, Caramello Koala, liquorice, dark chocolate and Christmas cake in a deeply expressive bouquet. Cloves and cedar add another layer before dense fruit rolls across the palate, planting itself firmly through the middle. An array of exotic and woodsy spices lingers long, framed by quality oak after 20 months in French barriques (50% new and 50% one year old). Built on impressive fruit concentration and structure, this is a cellar-worthy Shiraz that should continue to evolve comfortably over the next 15 years+ 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $150 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&nbs
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)17 views1502195ptsbarossashiraz - news
First Drop Fat of the Land Greenock Shiraz 2021
If you're chasing an old-school Barossa Shiraz, this First Drop Wines Fat of the Land Greenock release is right in the sweet spot. It sees 20 months in French oak (50% new and 50% one year old). Proudly showcasing the generosity the subregion is renowned for, it delivers wave after wave of dense plums and blueberries wrapped in rich Old Gold dark chocolate notes. Brick dust tannins provide plenty of grip, while the voluptuous, chewy tannins give the wine real presence and staying power. Bush spices and exotic spices weave confidently through the palate, adding savoury intrigue to all that ripe fruit. It's bold, rich and unapologetically Barossan, never pretending to be anything else. This absolutely nails the style, and those who love generous, full-throttle Shiraz will be in raptures. Bravo! Drink to 15 years+ 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $150 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and&nb
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views1502195ptsbarossashiraz - news
Kaesler The Fave Grenache 2025
Demanding your attention with every sip, The Fave from Kaesler is nothing short of an excellent example of Barossa Grenache. From 1930s vines, the fruit was hand-picked and whole-bunch fermented with wild yeast before spending 15 days on skins, it's a wine that balances power and poise with grace. Strawberries, vibrant red cherries and raspberry coulis burst from the glass, wrapped in a fine weave of spice that never overplays its hand. The textural detail is captivating, with a trail of brick dust-like tannins providing shape, persistence and character. There's terrific length and drive, yet it waltzes across the palate with elegance rather than force. An excellent Grenache that captures the variety's charm with confidence, finesse and irresistible moreish appeal. Go here. 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)20 views50-1502595ptsbarossagrenache - news
Arila Gardens Single Vineyard Shiraz 2024
This is Barossa Shiraz at its most seductive. Dark, plush, and composed, it doesn't bludgeon, it envelops. It opens with a generous swell of mulberry compote and ripe blueberries. The dark, glossy fruit brings indulgence and finesse in equal doses. A luxurious undercurrent of dark chocolate coats the palate with decadence, while a flash of clove brings lift and intrigue. Delicately handled spice walks beside the fruit elevating the harmony and joy. Fine sheets of tannin glide through the palate adding further delight and shape to the structure, with the thumbprint of dark fruit planting itself on a long and persistent finish. A compelling expression of Barossa Shiraz from a producer you ought to get to know, this will reward for a decade+. 96/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $90 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views50-1502495ptsbarossashiraz - news
Juniper Estate Malbec 2025
Oh, this is good. Very, very good. A modern take on Malbec that embraces vibrancy and drinkability without sacrificing depth, this is a wine that deserves your attention. Dark plums, blackberries and juicy blueberries surge from the glass, while roasted beetroot brings an earthy savouriness that adds another layer of intrigue. A lift of violet perfume rises up providing a sense of elegance. The palate is fleshy and full of life, carrying plenty of flavour yet never feeling heavy. Delicate spice threads its way through the fruit, while beautifully judged oak sits quietly in the background. Better still, it is fabulously integrated, enhancing rather than overpowering the wine’s vibrant core. There’s a seamless flow from start to finish that makes each sip feel effortless. The balance is spot on, the fruit is expressive and the overall package is immensely satisfying. At around $30, this represents outstanding buying. In all, it's an excellent wine and it's exactly the sort o
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)15 views30-402595ptsmalbecmargaret-river - news
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
Varney Wines Mencia 2025
A thrilling Mencia, this 2025 release from Varney Wines is nothing short of excellent. Said to be for members only, bugger that and bang the door down. Tell Alan I sent you. Sourced from Australia's first Mencia planting at Oliver's Taranga, these 2011 planted vines continue to get better and better. It spent 14 days on skins before being pressed to second use French oak for ten months Give it a chance to breathe and it repays the faith. Gorgeously medium-bodied, bright blueberries and juicy mulberries muse with silky dark cherries. Meat rub spices pack things up in a neat parcel but there is no escaping the supple and elegant fruit that takes control of the midpalate. Varietally true, a red apple crunch seizes its moment, delivering a superb line of acidity. Incredibly moreish, I could get dangerous with this. And perhaps I did. What a super drink. 95/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&nb
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)13 views30-402595ptsmclaren-valemencia - 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
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
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
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
Juniper Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
This Juniper Estate Cabernet is outrageously good for a two-year-old! And before you think that it might unleash fury on your bank account, think again. For a measly $35, you are drinking exceptionally well. Boom! Comfortably in the contemporary Cabernet zone, the value that it represents is immense. From one of the original sites planted in 1973, it is organically and dry farmed. Bright, alive and joyous with blackberries, blackcurrants and mulberries, fabulous notes of jubes, licorice, saltbush, cigar box, Bay leaf, parsley stem and rosemary sprig fold into one another with absolute ease. Dried herbs make a late dash, but I'm captivated by the elasticity that the tannins possess. Damn, this is a clever Cabernet that is drinking superbly now but will age gracefully. Go here. 95/100 Region: Margaret River RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)15 views30-402495ptscabernet-sauvignonmargaret-river - 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
Yelland & Papps Single Vineyard Stone Well Syrah 2025
How often would you see a Syrah and Shiraz from the same producer? Yelland & Papps have excelled and delivered two wonderful expressions once again, but I'm all in on this Syrah. Sexy and lacy, the Barossa isn't all muscle and brawn. Sourced from a Stone Well vineyard, not far from Yelland & Papps HQ, this was made with 48% whole bunches and sees 10 months in seasoned French oak. Medium-bodied, I'm hooked from the get-go. Scents of pan juices, cured meats, oyster sauce and roasted meat - the vibe is ace. An ocean of juicy mulberries and blueberries saturates the palate with licks of berry coulis. It's a wine with an attractive flow and presence, and it certainly turns the perception some have of Barossa Shiraz. Savoury delight swoops with dried herbs, charcoal, black peppers and soft spices riding out a long finish. Give me all those lacy feels and sheets of delight. One large pour just doesn't seem sufficient. Excellent stuff. 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $54
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)20 views50-1502595ptsshirazsyrah - news
Turkey Flat Grenache 2024
I have it on good authority that I'm the first to review this new release, Turkey Flat Grenache 2024, and my advice is to bang down the door when it hits the shelves on Friday, 29 May. It's an excellent wine and then some. Vibrant and dancy, this possesses more life and elegance than 2023 . I had the opportunity to taste both the 2023 and 2024 side-by-side, and this was quite the treat. It's worth noting that from 2024, a Burgundy-shaped bottle is the vessel of choice - a change worth noting for those who may habitually look for the former. Silky, lacy and juicy sum it up best. Evocative aromas of dried red and purple flowers roll out the welcome mat before raspberries and some blue fruit skip about with pine needles and mandarin peel. It's fine, svelte presence along with delicately woven spices, a touch of chocolate and a seductive moreishness smash the brief deluxe. Some mouth perfume from those attractive florals adds further polish and ups the desire to dive back in. To dat
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views50-1502495ptsbarossagrenache