What wine do I pick prior to fasting for a colonoscopy? Well I want something that is;

This one ticks, ticks and ticks all of those wants.

Grown in the Angaston foothills of the Barossa Valley,

 has made a beautiful sexy wine that is truely an expression of how these grapes are given the upmost respect.

 JC’s Own Angaston Foothills Grenache Rating: B+ Price: $50

 in the Barossa. Both regional blends from some serious top tier addresses in the region, Stonewell, Ebenezer, and Moppa to name a few. Can’t wait to get stuck into these! Cold weather = Big, bold, Barossa Shiraz and these ought to do the job nicely! -

 New arrivals from @pirathonwines  in the Barossa. Both

Expectations exceed, considerably! Curtis Family Vineyard’s Martins Vineyard Shiraz 2016 is a beaut... serious quality on show here. -

Blackberries and plums, hints of blueberry combined with anise and a touch of vanilla. Fresh, definitely in no way dense or jammy, there’s a real elegance here. The body is full, palate rich, texture perfect, and the fruit shines. Blackberry, plums, dark chocolate richness that’s silky and smooth. There’s oak, American, but it’s extremely well integrated giving the slightest vanilla notes, more complexity than expected, and super velvety tannins. What a ripper!

 Expectations exceed, considerably! Curtis Family Vineyard’s

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

I’ve tried some stunning Chardonnays this year; By Farr Three Oaks, Bass Philip Premium, Toolangi Block F, and recently Rochford Premier that are all exceptional in my book. Does it really get better? -

 Is this Australia’s best Chardonnay? - I’ve tried some

What’s your go-to red for under $30? This might just be my newest addition.... Pikes Eastside Shiraz from the Clare Valley, more specifically from Polish Hill River, is such an easy wine to drink. Plums and black cherry aromas, verging on blueberries after time in the glass. The medium bodied palate shows layers of black cherry and plum, with earthy undertones adding a savoury edge and structure. It’s a really well put together wine at a great price-point. The perfect cellar staple!

 What’s your go-to red for under $30? This might just be my

If you’re like me and haven’t had the greatest experience then I can highly recommend Campbell’s The Barkley… this is a totally different proposition! It feels like a proper wine, if that makes sense at all. Super expressive nose of dark fruits and savoury spice, big but not “wow here comes a headache” big. On the palate it is rich, opulent, and elegant with a velvety texture. Plenty of ripe dark fruits, blackberries and black cherry, followed by graphite-like, leathery, liquorice savoury layers. One for the cellar, but also very fun now!

 What’re your thoughts on Durif? If you’re like me and

. 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! 🙌

Hands down my favourite shiraz producer in Australia, and a Greenock Shiraz of supreme class. Inky, meaty, spicy, and savoury with incredible depth and length. Laced with stunning tannin and purity of Shiraz fruit it’s a total pleasure to drink. Enjoyed over 4 hours and every sip showed something new. Magic in a bottle! -

 Hands down my favourite shiraz producer in Australia, and a

. Classic Barossa, intense colour, full bodied and fruit forward. Less oak than I was expecting, but the power and concentration more than suffice. Blackberry, spices, chard meats and a feint fennel edge, balanced brilliantly with crisp acidity and grainy tannin. Quality find! If you see it grab a couple, it’s bloody good 🍷🙌

 Magical Moppa Hill by @laughingjackwines . Classic Barossa

If you’ve ever thought Durif just isn’t for you, give Scion Fortrose a go, it’s bloody great and incredibly smashable especially with this cheeky little Sicilian Pasta dish. It’s easily the best Durif I’ve had to date and from a producer who’s one of my best finds of the year. If you’ve not tasted any Scion Wines, you really should 🍷🙌🙏

 If you’ve ever thought Durif just isn’t for you, give Scion

*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

Paradise IV Chaumont 2013, one of my all-time favourite producers and blends here in Australia. If there’s one wine or producer you should try this year, Paradise IV would be my suggestion. I’m going to put my phone down (momentarily), sit back, and enjoy this. It’s a stunner 🍷

 Paradise IV Chaumont 2013, one of my all-time favourite

My Italian odyssey continues with Biondi-Santi 'Greppo' Brunello Di Montalcino 2012. Another icon of Italian wine renowned for longevity, elegance and power added to the collection. 100% Sangiovese and considered by many to be the purest and most profound iteration of the Tuscan grape. Might pencil this on in for my 50th! ⁣

 My Italian odyssey continues with Biondi-Santi 'Greppo'

​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

I’ve waxed lyrically over the past few months about Aussie Rizza so bear with me for one more post! It’s a bargain variety here!

Vickery produce some serious Riesling, and despite being the entry into their range this Eden Valley example is about as classic as it gets. Pale straw in the glass with fresh limes and lemon rind on the nose. Intense citrus fruit on the palate, very concentrated and crisp, with lively acidity bringing it all together nicely. It’s light, dry, sweet and sour, refreshing and moreish. A candidate for the cellar and who can argue with the price, cheap as chips!

 I’ve waxed lyrically over the past few months about Aussie

Ever found a wine you’d forgotten about?! -

I’ve dug up a gem during a late night cellar tidy up! Langmeil Freedom Shiraz 2010, made from the oldest Shiraz vines in the world that’re a mere 176 years young. -

 Ever found a wine you’d forgotten about?! - I’ve dug up a

Curtis Family Vineyards Limited Series 2016 Grenache 94 Points according to Halliday… Now that I’ve covered all that’s on the label, points and all (not a fan), this is a superb Grenache… very, very nice. Stunning nose of cherries, florals, thyme and oregano-like dried herbal notes. Medium to light bodied, fantastic blueberry and raspberry notes, Allen’s frog confectionary before a sweep of savoury spices and dried herbs. Fine tannin, crisp acidity and great length round off what is an unbelievably easy wine to drink.

 Curtis Family Vineyards Limited Series 2016 Grenache 94

Dowie Doole BFG, Big Friendly Grenache perhaps, and big it certainly is. The nose shows the trademark aromas of raspberries, red candies, rich strawberry compote, not overly sweet with a dried herb note to finish. On the palate it’s lush and smooth with a big hit of red berries up front providing great texture and vibrancy. As the fruit fades there are lovely residual notes of earthy minerality coupled with fine tannin providing nice length. Elegant. Great for a Tuesday! -⁠

 Dowie Doole BFG, Big Friendly Grenache perhaps, and big it

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

 range with this 2017 Aglianico from the northern Adelaide Hills. Aglianico, late ripening, spends a few weeks on skins and sees a mixture of older oak and stainless steel. The result? Zippy, cherry, candy-cane on the nose. Slight touch of fresh greenery, yum. Excitable palate as the cherry, sweet sour combo of fruit goodness gets a boost of fine tannins. For a varietal I’m not that across this is a bloody tasty little number! ⠀

 ​Continuing my exploration of the @spinifexwines  range

Week done and bottle in hand... finally! The bottle?

 1961 Block. Quite simply, it’s a sensational Riesling by any standard, home or away... end of! Love it 🍷🔥

 Week done and bottle in hand... finally! The bottle?

By Farr can do almost no wrong in my book and having recently visited the Mornington Peninsular I thought I should pick up a Farr from the region. Philippa Farr’s 2017 Pinot Noir ought to do the trick and with vintages completed at Bellvale, Bouzeron, Domaine Dujac, By Farr and Purple Hen I’m hoping for a great drop. If you’ve tried it let me know what you think. I’ll let you know either way 🤗🍷🙌

 By Farr can do almost no wrong in my book and having

I’ve now found the second hardest label to photograph after Giaconda, Jack West’s Western Barossa Shiraz. The 2017 is a quintessential Barossa Shiraz and all the better for it. Dark fruits and dried herbs on the nose. Medium to full bodied Shiraz character on the palate with plenty of plum, blackberry, spicy and slightly peppery notes going on. It’s a smart drop for the $$$, we’ll worth checking out 🙏👍🏽🍷

 I’ve now found the second hardest label to photograph after

Cracking way to start the week. Cheeky little

 Mataro / Grenache / Shiraz (​54/28/22% blend) providing heaps of pretty fruit and floral notes from the Grenache, deep richness from the Shiraz and a robustness from the Mataro. Loving the berry fruit acidity, supporting those pretty floral notes, raspberry creeping through early and the grippy ⁠tannins providing great texture to the finish. ⁠-

Also, just a little side note... considering the pedigree of the winemakers (ex-Grant Burge) and their experience with some true classic Barossa GMSs it's no surprise that this is a quality drop. You’d be hard pushed to find much better at this price point for sure. Save your time and give this a go it’s a real crowd pleaser!! -

 Cracking way to start the week. Cheeky little

If you could pick one to try, which would it be? Lamella, Relic, Schubert Theorum, or The Standish?

In my opinion these Standish Wine Co wines are amongst the best Australian examples of Shiraz I’ve been lucky enough to stumble across in recent years. With 4 different expressions covering Eden Valley / Marananga / Greenock and a Shiraz Viognier, the only challenge is picking which one to drink!

 If you could pick one to try, which would it be? Lamella

Found a great wine this year? Let me know, I’d love to check it out! -

These little beauties were my Xmas present and they’re one of my favourite finds this year. They’ll get a year or two to chill before they’re opened... if I can find them 😂

 Found a great wine this year? Let me know, I’d love to

Found a great producer this year? I’d love to know who! -

These are two of my favourite producer finds from the last 6 months, Quin wines and Saint Petri (Calabria Family Wines), from the

. Both are producing serious quality and classy wines that I can’t recommend highly enough! If you see them they’re well worth trying!

 Found a great producer this year? I’d love to know who! -

Last post of the year and my Second NYE drop, Rusden Black Guts Shiraz, one of my favourites from the Barossa. All manner of dark fruits and spice on the nose with a cherry cola-esque richness. Powerful and elegant on the palate. Dark berries, violet, fizzy cola sweets backed by roasted coffee, a touch of oak and chewy tannins. It’s bloody great, and it’s only a baby. Give it a few years and it’ll be even better!