The latest released from this super limited winery.

Light, more pinot in flavour. You can taste that this is made their own unique way

 Ochota Barrels The Green Room Grenache Rating: B Price: $40

 Love it? Anyone know what wine it is? Up coming

19 years old. The last bottle of an original case from

After some reminiscing, I realised that this bottle of wine had been through a lot. Actually 17 years of my life. I think I bought it around 2004. Living side by side. Sure I forgot about it and didn’t treat it as best I could.

I’m sure for the first few years it stayed in the original cardboard box, while in living 1 bedroom flat (when did flats become units and units become apartments? anyway back to the wine)

It was only a toddler when it moved to an actual wine rack under the stairs of a townhouse. During its preteens, it was placed in a very basic wine fridge. It was a bit like your first car. It worked (sometimes) and wasn’t that good but it saved a lot of wine during those

A couple of moves in between and during its mid teens it moved to a climate controlled walk in cellar. Now that was living, 5 Star all the way. A constant 14 degrees.

A couple of years ago, it made its last move. Lets call it a downsize and ended up in 160 bottle

I honestly though this was well past its drinking, so without any fanfare I cracked it open.

I don’t think this wine was originally made for be callared for 19 years and I didn’t plan to keep it for 19 years, but when you collect anything, things become sentimental. Instant memories. Just one of those I never opened.

The result, vinegar? Lifeless? Old and boring? Heatstroke?

No, it was bloody beautiful. So why was I disappointed? It was my last one…simple…

 Scarborough Wine Co. Shiraz 2002 From the Cellar 19 years

Recommendation: Buy. Blend of Hunter Valley happiness

I usually don't have blend when choosing a Hunter Valley wine. So when I had the opportunity to try a Hunter blend from James Estate I was excited. I have had James Estate's entry level wines and was impressed so now it was time to have the 'good' stuff. This one is a blend of  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and is part of the Reserve range. It definitely holds up to the classification of a Reserve wine. Smell is a touch of vanilla but reminiscent of an old wooden shed. The taste is medium or lighter than a full Hunter red but surprises with some nice dark chocolate, no bitterness or overpowered tannins. I am enjoying it. Long finish and definitely like this combination. Will reward a few years in the cellar. I do enjoy when winemakers experiment with blends or try a different approach to a Hunter red. A rising star...simple...

 James Estate Hunter Valley Reserve The Marque 2017 Rating:

Father’s Day Present 🎁 Option 4️⃣

Saltram No 1 is history in a bottle. Big, bold and beautiful. Just a classic Barossa Shiraz. . .

 Father’s Day Present 🎁 Option 4️⃣ Saltram No. 1 Price: $75+ 🍷

My eldest started High School. Not only did I feel old, I just wondered where the hell has that time gone.

To celebrate, I decided on a Dormilona Clayface Shiraz. Not only as it is a brilliant wine but the label is truely a piece of art.

I’ve reviewed Dormilona wines a few times and by now you should know I love everything they make.

Ochota Barrels The Green Room Grenache Rating: B Price: $40

Love it? Anyone know what wine it is? Up coming

Scarborough Wine Co. Shiraz 2002 From the Cellar 19 years

James Estate Hunter Valley Reserve The Marque 2017 Rating:

Father’s Day Present 🎁 Option 4️⃣ Saltram No. 1 Price: $75+ 🍷

Dormilona Clayface Shiraz Margaret River What a week... My