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Yelland & Papps Single Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2025
One of those wines I'd rather drink than review, what a sheer delight this Yelland & Papps Single Vineyard Grenache is! From a low-yielding site in the Barossa sub-region of Vine Vale, the vines were planted in 1956. Only 6% whole bunches were used this time, with 18% new French oak for 10 months. Quite the opening awaits with scents of lavender, violets and grape bubblegum. Alive and vibrant through the palate, raspberry rope, squishy blueberries and ripe raspberries build an attractive flavour profile with a severe magnetism that is hard to resist. Devilishly medium-bodied, flecks of orange peel make themselves known, adding further appeal. Dangerously silky, the tannins are fine with a slight silty presence. An easy recommendation. Excellent stuff! 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $54 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)11 views50-1502595ptsbarossagrenache - news
Nannup Estate Phillip Stanley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
After tasting through 14 wines from Western Australia's Blackwood Valley region, this Nannup Estate Phillip Stanley Cabernet Sauvignon was my top pick. Seeing French oak for 18 months, I was absorbed by its elegance and poise. Opening with the savoury tones of black olive, Bay leaf, rosemary sprig and a subtle thread of menthol, these herby characters weave through a core of ripe blackberries and plums. Seductive hints of dark chocolate add depth and warmth, bringing further cause to lean in. Delicate through the palate, dark fruits unfurl with ease. Ripples of spice add structure and complexity with fine yet assertive tannins as a feature. Reminiscent of brick dust, they provide grip and a structural backbone, carrying the wine to a composed finish. Excellent stuff from a region that doesn't get the plaudits of its coastal neighbour, this is a Cabernet worth seeking out and is a standout example of the Blackwood Valley's potential. 95/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RR
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views50-1502195ptsblackwood-valleycabernet-sauvignon - news
St Johns Wine The Terraces Optimus Shiraz 2021
Signalling power and poise, this flagship Optimus Shiraz from St Johns Wine has some regal appeal. Full-bodied, it sees time in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak. Rich and indulgent scents of caramel and rum 'n' raisin emerge and are interwoven with dense dark fruit. Ripe plums and blackberries dominate with a thread of licorice adding detail. The oak influence is clear with cedar still protruding, yet there is enough fruit weight to maintain balance. Despite its formidible 15% alcohol, it manages to avoid any sense of being overripe or weighty. Instead, there is a composure and restraint. Powdery tannins provide tension and grip with an impressive length that clings on for what seems like days. Beginning to show signs of development with a brownish hue creeping in, the core remains vibrant, suggesting many years ahead. For those who enjoy richer styles of Shiraz, this will impress. 95/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $51 Source: Sample Winer
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)18 views50-1502195ptsblackwood-valleyshiraz - news
Tim Smith Old Vine Grenache 2025
It would be uncouth to bathe in this, but I'd do it anyway. Svelte, silky, elegant, this is another superb Grenache from Tim Smith. Like the Mataro 2025 , this release has had a facelift with Old Vine Grenache now across the label. Insanely delicious, it slides down with gracious ease. Waves of blueberries, mulberries, cherries and red currants keep the fruit profile buoyant. Attractive aromas of purple and red petals flow through to the palate, adding a delightful mouth perfume. A shimmer of cured meats, orange peel and dried herbs adds precision and savoury interest. Superfine tannins are delicate and pliable, folding into every crevice of the mouth. This is a beauty in every sense. Hands down, it's an enthusiastic recommendation. 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $45 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)13 views40-502595ptsbarossagrenache - news
Tim Smith Old Vine Mataro 2025
Plentiful, gracious, delicate and silky describe this excellent Tim Smith Mataro best. Incredible value for $45, it comes from 130+ year old vines. The label has taken on a little facelift, too, and is now known as the Old Vine Mataro. Mulberries, blackberries, and blueberries are pinned to the core with an array of savoury pleasures moving and swaying throughout. Pretty scents of dried purple flowers and berry pie aromas slide into the flavour profile. Earthy nuances, dried herbs, cured meats and pan juices join forces in a seamless waltz. Soft woodsy spices reach long, leading to a persistent finish. Oh, this is a peach. Go here! 95/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $45 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)14 views40-502595ptsbarossamataro - news
Nannup Estate Phillip Stanley Chardonnay 2021
Nannup Estate's flagship Chardonnay rises to the occasion, delivering a wine of depth, character and one to cellar with confidence should you have the patience to do so. The fruit was machine-harvested and pressed to barrel where it remained for ten months. The best barrels were selected for this wine before blending. Generous yellow stonefruit sits at the core, partnered by an array of interest. Think lemon zest, key lime pie, pineapple husk and dehydrated mango with ribbons of pastry creaminess flowing through with ease. Roasted cashews and nougat rise up with time in the glass finishing with oak spices, cinnamon spiced pears and a tense acidity. Quality stuff, particularly for those who enjoy richer, oaky styles of Chardonnay. 93/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $51 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)21 views50-1502195ptsblackwood-valleychardonnay - news
Kilikanoon Baudinet GSM 2024
Stand and applaud. That's the only reaction required with this excellent GSM from Kilikanoon. A treat for the senses and taste buds, I never wanted it to end. Each component (61/25/14) is fermented separately, then sees French oak for 15 months (10% new). Juicy raspberries, squishy blueberries and berry pie aromas make it impossible to escape its grasp. Dark chocolate, dusty earth, dried herbs and the faintest lick of orange peel add layers of interest that fold into one another with sublime ease. Each component pulls its weight yet comes together in precise unison. A ripple of fine spices reaches throughout as silky tannins have the last word and elevate the moreishness. An excellent wine and a superb example of the Grenache Shiraz Mataro blend. 95/100 Region: Clare Valley RRP: $60 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)19 views50-1502495ptsblendsclare-valleygrenache - news
Wild Game The Duke Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Quite the pocket dynamo, these Wild Game The Duke Cabernets walk with a gracious humility, and you can't help but lean in that little bit closer. And do I need to mention value? This was $40 over a decade ago, and yet the quality continues to elevate, but the price does not. Winning! Already with six years young, this is excellent buying for the asking price. Coonawarra Cabernet is superb when in the zone and this is a perfect example. I suspect it would be twice the price (at least) from a more 'trendy' region... Composed, silky and lacy, dried thyme, sage, green olives, salt bush and dried petals diffuse in unison, delivering a wine of moreishness and immense satisfaction. Dark chocolate and dried mint leaves flank a core of blackberries and blackcurrants. It's a wine that reveals itself slowly yet carries a proud confidence without being exuberant. An excellent Cabernet, it's well worth getting on your radar. 95/100 Region: Coonawarra RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winer
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)16 views40-502095ptscabernet-sauvignoncoonawarra