Pretty decent line up for a Monday night! Thanks

Ochota Barrels Fugazi 09, 10 years young and still shining... just. Gorgeous deep plummy, stewed fruity, reduced balsamic goodness. If you still have some drink up!

Spring Vale Pinot 17, a stunner from Tassie. Stems and complexity in buckets. Herbal, spicy characteristics everywhere even a slight gunpowder note. 30 mins open and it was singing!!

Serrat Shiraz Viognier 17, a young one, but a star in the making. Orange blossom, white pepper, lifted florals. It’s about as addictive a nose as I’ve experienced. Insane acidity, structure and grippy tannins. This will be epic in 5-10 years!

 Pretty decent line up for a Monday night! Thanks

This is an interesting little number from Purple Hands Wines. ​Montepulciano from the Barossa Valley? You heard right! Not an Aussie varietal I'm that familiar with to be honest and I'm pretty impressed. Sweet black fruits introduce themselves up front before the herbal savoury notes come to the fore. The tannins are firm, the acidity is bang on giving it good length. For me, it's definitely worth looking out for next time you're searching the bottle shop.⁠

 This is an interesting little number from Purple Hands

. Sunday arvos don’t get much better than this! Not one, but two stunning Standish Wine Co wines from 2016. The Standish and Relic are mind-blowingly good… maybe the best Shiraz I’ve had this year. Is there a better producer of Shiraz? If so, please let me know!

 Oops… #thishappened . Sunday arvos don’t get much better

This International Grenache Day is looking awesome! 🙌

 Produce some of my favourite Grenache out there from some of the oldest vines in the Barossa. The Tri-Centenary vines are a mind blowing 130 years old! Epic. Now, where do I start!! -

 This International Grenache Day is looking awesome! 🙌

*MAGNUM ALERT* Rockford Basket Press 2012. 1.5Ls of iconic, truly Barossan goodness. Now... there are a lot of producers in the Barossa making stunner Syrah style wines which I love, LOVE, but there's always a place in my heart for a traditional blockbuster Barossa Shiraz. ⁠

The Rockford wineworks and apparatus on Krondorf Road at Tanunda date back to the 1850s. Parcels of the best dry grown old vine Shiraz, some of which were planted in the nineteenth century, from a select cabal of growers, operating vineyards in the Barossa, Kalimna and Ebenezer, Moppa Springs and the Eden Valley, are treated to an ancient basket press followed by vinfication in old fashioned open fermentation vessels.⁠

The batches are matured in a selection of mostly well-seasoned French and American oak barrels, before a rigorous selection to determine the final assemblage. Deeply coloured wine. A dense bouquet of aromatic dark fruits and berries with a twist of spice efore the most engaging palate of reductions, power and richness over⁠

 *MAGNUM ALERT* Rockford Basket Press 2012. 1.5Ls of iconic

​I’m having American tonight, what’s in your glass?  This is my first foray into the New World wines of America and kicking off with a banger! (So I’m told) The blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot traditionally delivers superb full body wines. Structured, velvety  tannins with a long and intense finish. Sounds bloody great!⁠

The Ridge history begins in 1886, high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the initial plantings of the Monte Bello estate vineyard were set out, and winery construction begun. The first vintage from the young vines followed in 1892. During Prohibition (1920-1933), the vineyard was not fully maintained; some vines survived into the late 30’s,⁠ but by the 1940s they were effectively abandoned. Eight acres of cabernet sauvignon were replanted in 1949. These were the source of the first Ridge Monte Bello (1962). Since then, the historic vineyards on the ridge have gradually been replanted.⁠ Fantastic history! -⁠

 ​I’m having American tonight, what’s in your glass?  This

Domain A Pinot Noir 2005 from the Cool River Valley in southern Tasmania...

It’s deep, layered, spicy and savoury all at once on the nose. Age has treated this very well. On the palate the primary fruit flavours of dark cherry, plum and rose petals have begun to integrate into the more savoury side with underbrush and dried herbs. Long, long finish to round things up. It’s a very classy wine. I wish I had a few more left! ⁣​

 Domain A Pinot Noir 2005 from the Cool River Valley in

My Tasmanian odyssey continues with this absolute gem from Jonny and Matt Hughes of Mewstone under their Hughes and Hughes label. -

Firstly, the colour is a joke. Screams red fruits, cranberry freshness and twiggy goodness. All but confirmed by an enticing perfume which is barely contained by the glass. It’s as if it wants to escape, amazing really. Enjoyment factor increases with the first sip. There’s a sweet / tart balancing act going on as the red fruited and twiggy herbaceous notes mix with juicy acidity. Reminds me of a sour cherry lolly, just less sour and buckets of deliciousness. Add it to your list of Tassie gems to get your hands on!! ⁠

 My Tasmanian odyssey continues with this absolute gem from

I’m a fan from time to time and this is easily the best Rosé I’ve had in ages. Best’s Great Western Rosé is a blend of shiraz, pinot meunier and pinot noir resulting in all-out gluggability and deliciousness.  Everything from the super perfumed and elegant nose, to the stone fruit, cherry, mineral driven palate entices you to reload. This might just be my go to Rosé from now on, it’s that good! -

 Are you a Rosé fan? Any favourites? - I’m a fan from time

I love finding new producers and quality Pinot Noir to try. Hence trying the 2017 Santolin 'Gruyere' Pinot Noir which, at first impressions, is a very attractive Pinot! It has a nose of fine red berries, black cherry, and raspberries with a whole bunch, slight funk note going on. On the palate, fruit forward flavours of strawberry, raspberry Allen’s frogs and concentrated black cherry adding depth. With medium acidity and super fine tannins it’s very smooth, and incredibly moreish. If you open it, it will get drunk! -

 I love finding new producers and quality Pinot Noir to try

When wines like Grange, Hill of Grace, Runrig and the like costing anywhere from 3 to 8 times the price of the Standish Wines you really have to ask yourself the question.... which would you rather have, 1 Grange or 6 Standish? I’m in the Standish camp, cost/quality ratio is insane. This, 'The Standish' Shiraz 2016 is stunning, in every sense a beautiful wine. Long live the king! 🍷🙌 -

The wine itself, the 'The Standish' Shiraz, is made from fruit farmed by the the Laycock family in the Greenock sub-region of the Barossa Valley. Dan has worked closely with this great vineyard since 2005, with previous releases of  Standish 'Andelmonde’ and ‘Borne Bollene’ coming from this site. I’ve tasted wines from different producer who produce using the same grapes. How he’s able to surpass those other wines is insane. Pure genius! -

 When wines like Grange, Hill of Grace, Runrig and the like

This has accelerated my love for Tasmanian wine, magnums, and Riesling. Insanely addictive acidity, as if your tucking into a perfectly ripe Granny Smith with flinty goodness chucked in for entertainment. It’s concentrated, powerful really. Mixed citrus fusion with a crispy finish. Total banger! Awesome

 This has accelerated my love for Tasmanian wine, magnums

Tasmania is rapidly becoming my go-to region for great Pinot Noir and this Glaetzer Dixon Reveur 2013 is a perfect example of why. After a few years in the cellar it is a rich and complex medley of dark plums, black cherries, and spices on the nose. The palate is a concentrated and beautifully integrated harmony of dark cherries, velvety tannins and oak infused spice. Stunning length and texture make every sip a treat. Pinot Noir magic on a Monday, it doesn’t get any better!

 Tasmania is rapidly becoming my go-to region for great

Anyone tried these yet?? North, East, South and the regional Dr Edge 2018 Tassie Pinot Noir. All 777 clone to allow the individual regional personalities shine through, love that. Haven’t tried any yet, only heard great things... This’ll make an epic tasting night! 🍷

 Anyone tried these yet?? North, East, South and the

Don’t let that light colour fool you, this is a flavour monster! Cherries, spices, feint gun smoke and rhubarb on the nose. The palate is full of red cherries and damsons, savoury oak edges, and baking spices. Clean acidity and chewy tannins wrap up proceedings. A gem of a Pinot Noir from Lyons Will in the Macedon Ranges, well played!! -

 Don’t let that light colour fool you, this is a flavour

Clonakilla can do no wrong in my eyes. Their Shiraz Viognier is exceptional. However, perhaps not an everyday wine. This Hiltop’s Shiraz, 2017, on the other hand is a ripper. Everything about this wine from the sight, smell and taste is awesome and for its price it takes an awful lot to beat. Buy! 🍷

 Clonakilla can do no wrong in my eyes. Their Shiraz

It’s hard to beat a quality drop of Barossa Shiraz on a cold wet winter day and it gets even better when the winemaker is of Grant Burge pedigree. All those years crafting some of the Barossa’s most iconic wines have clearly⁠ paid off with this

 Barossa Shiraz. It’s big, but not huge, refined and classic. Rounded blackberries and plums at first, followed lingering earthy and herbal characteristics. It’s a Barossa Shiraz through and through, no surprises just big smiles. Oh, and it’s ridiculously easy to drink!⁠

 It’s hard to beat a quality drop of Barossa Shiraz on a

Small batch Tasmanian Pinot Noir. Five words that are music to my ears.

 Small batch Tasmanian Pinot Noir. Five words that are music

I love finding wines at a price to quality ratio whereby you really feel like you’re getting value, a bargain perhaps. These wines from Best’s, the Great Western Range, fall firmly into the bargain category for me and all have exceed expectations. This Cabernet Sauvignon is full of blackberry, black currants and cassis, with gentle savoury notes of gumtree and blackberry bud. It has a slightly earthy character to it which I find very pleasant. It’s all so nicely packaged, structurally balanced, and enjoyable that it’s fun to drink. A fun wine is a good wine, and a good wine is worth drinking!⁠

 I love finding wines at a price to quality ratio whereby

​Is there anything better than a glass of your favourite wine on a Friday night? Guilt free,total satisfaction without the fear of waking up on a workday feeling dusty headed...⁠

Paradise IV Chaumont 2014, such an interesting and elegant blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and cabernet franc that delivers mulberry, plum and cherry notes which fade into more tertiary leather, earthy, tobacco characteristics. Dusty tannins and barely medium acid profile just about holding this 2014 together. Drink up if you have some! Have a great weekend!⁠

 ​Is there anything better than a glass of your favourite

Socks blown clean off! My white wine of the year, probably the best I’ve had to date. Pungent, masculine, insane focus and balance. Kaleidoscopic citrus fruit, floral gorgeousness and racy acidity. There’s minerality there, it’s not a “I’ve licked a limestone rock” type minerality but it’s doing the job in amongst the ridiculously long and zesty finish. Sadly this is wont be a regular but it’ll be a long time before this leaves my memory!! -

 Socks blown clean off! My white wine of the year, probably

​On the scale of cult and iconic Aussie wines there aren’t many that can beat this in my opinion. It also happens to be pretty bloody good! Name your favorite cult winery, always looking for recommendations! ⁣

 ​On the scale of cult and iconic Aussie wines there aren’t

It’s been a good year so far! Just past the halfway mark and this tabletop is coming together B.E.A.U.tifully! More than a handful of absolute stunners in there. Let me know if you can see any of your favorites!! 🍷

 It’s been a good year so far! Just past the halfway mark

​Sami-Odi Hoffmann Dallwitz 17 ticks every box and tastes even better on a Friday. ​This small batch Syrah project focuses around the Hoffmann’s ‘Dallwitz’ vineyard (below) in the Barossa Valley. The result? A powerful, brooding Syrah, and a bloody big smile! Glad I've got a few of these tucked away!⁠

​The wine is a compilation of the finest and most regal casks procured from the Hoffmann families two oldest plantings; DW-OLD & ER-27. The gnarled thicket of DW-OLD was sown between 1888 & 1912 with the adjacent ER-27 planted in 1927. ⁠

Label: Hostel details on ‘ODI’ paper; drawn Chiavari, 2001. Rear – Andy’s Pear, printed 2017.⁠

 ​Sami-Odi Hoffmann Dallwitz 17 ticks every box and tastes

From a couple of the most prestigious addresses in the Barossa Valley, Greennock (82%) & Moppa (18%), this Laughing Jack “Jacks” Shiraz has a lot going for it before you even open the bottle. Deep Blackberry in appearance with a magenta rim. Effortless power as the dark black fruits do the business upfront, touches of chocolate and spices on the finish with fine, grippy tannins. Lovey stuff! -

 From a couple of the most prestigious addresses in the

​Absolute stunner! By Farr RP Pinot 2016 is a complete masterpiece. My wine⁣ of the year, by farr. ⁣

⁣🍷 The key to this wine is to resist getting stuck in immediately and letting⁣ it breath for 30 minutes, that’s all. Whole-bunch, vegetal, herbal aromas, dark⁣ fruits, and a saline edge. The structure is phenomenal, complexly is there in⁣ buckets, texture and length exceptional. ⁣

⁣🍷 It’s a trademark Pinot Noir from the By Farr stable and a wine that only⁣ get better with age. It’s hard to believe it could!⁣ ⁣ ​

 ​Absolute stunner! By Farr RP Pinot 2016 is a complete

​Easing my way into the week with a cheeky Pinot Noir by⁣ Tamar Ridge. This 2016 is a rich, complex little number, generous on the nose offering ripe cherry and red fruits with a feint spice and savoury element coming through.⁣

There’s a good balance of red fruits, acidity, and fine⁣ tannins on the palate with a relatively longish finish. Not a blockbuster, but a pretty decent way to start the week! ⁣Happy Monday!

 ​Easing my way into the week with a cheeky Pinot Noir by⁣

 is bloody great! With Tasmania turning out some stunning wines these days this will do nicely!! Do you have a favorite wine from Tassie? Recommendations please! -

 Turns out the wine list @theoakshotel  is bloody great!

This pretty much sums up why I’m not trusted to order the wine anymore 😂 You just can’t beat a bit of old world Pinot Noir from time to time and  Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru Chambertin ticks every box. I won’t enjoy a wine more than this for a while! -

 This pretty much sums up why I’m not trusted to order the

Difficult decisions for a Thursday. Three top drops, two Pinot Noir from Tassie (maybe my favourite region at the moment), and a single vineyard Barossa Grenache. This might be an eeny meenie miney mo situation! -⁠

 Difficult decisions for a Thursday. Three top drops, two

These box fresh Yarra Valley gems from Santolin Wines are looking bloody good to me. Who doesn’t love a Pinot Noir in the warmer months! 🙌🍷🙏

 Best Aussie region for Pinot Noir? - These box fresh Yarra

It's not everyday I add a Burgundy to the collection but today is one of those days and Domaine de la Pousse d'Or Caillerets Clos 60 Ouvrees Volnay Premier Cru 2015 is that wine. I must confess, my knowledge of Burgundy is somewhat limited but I'm familiar with this producer and Volnay. As for a drinking window, I’ve no idea... tips please?!⁠

About Volnay.... Volnay is an appellation in the Côte de Beaune between Meursault on the south side and Pommard on the north side.  The wines are distinctly different from those of Pommard, lighter in colour and more elegant.  They have always been known as delicate, fruity feminine and very fine wines, even a century ago the wines were described as "partridge-eye" pink in colour and the finest of all the wines of the Côte de Beaune.  Whilst often displaying great charm and fruit in their youth the best Volnay often have considerable power too and can be very age worthy.⁠