Gold Digger’s Ghost Pyrenees Shiraz 2017

Recommendation: Strong Buy. A quality wine for $22

This was a complimentary bottle from Luke and Zoe Crouch, who run Ned's Vineyard. They only make one wine and this is it. All their love and passion into one wine. Ned’s Vineyard is nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees Ranges in Victoria and has a long history. Most of the fruit is bought by the more famous Mount Langhi Ghiran, but Luke and Zoe keep a small batch from the top block of the vineyard.  The grapes are carefully handled by wine maker Andrew Davey to produce this quality Shiraz.

The aroma of this wine is truly beautiful. It reminds me of a quality floral perfume and it feels like I'm walking through the fragrance department at David Jones. You get an instant hit of flavour that coats the mouth. Blueberry is at the front but it turns into a sweet spice flavour of star anise, subtle but makes the wine end perfectly. It's an old school licorice allsort. Luke and Zoe only need to make one wine especially if it is this good...simple...

 Ned's Vineyard Gold Digger’s Ghost Pyrenees Shiraz 2017

The Old Dog 🐕 Perfect name for this type of Barossa Valley Shiraz. It’s what I expect. Give it plenty of time to breathe in a decanter before drinking.

Actually it needs more time in the cellar. I think this wine will get a lot higher score in a few years and I’ve bought some more to test that theory...simple...

 2016 Shanahans The Old Dog Shiraz Rating: C+ Buy Again: Yes

Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

This is a very good Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coonawarra Region, especially for the price. Full body, dark with hint of mint. There’s a tiny reminder of a Nestle mint pattie. Dry finish. Worth to put a few in the cellar...simple...

 Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Rating: Buy 🥂 Grant Burge Moscato. As you know from my reviews, I normally don’t drink Moscato but this one I like. Refreshing and not to sweet. Amazing and beautiful bottle. About $14. Summer in a glass 🌞...simple...

 Rating: Buy 🥂 Grant Burge Moscato. As you know from my

Recommendation: Strong Buy ridiculous value

I’ve had a couple of Georgie’s wines over the past 6 months and without knowing I left the best for last. So good, to good for a Tuesday night. Actually this makes a start of the week bearable (technically today is Monday as yesterday was a recovery day after Australia Day if you know what I mean)

So with this I’m celebrating a short week and schools back tomorrow 🥳. But back to the wine, Georgie you need to put the price up. No wait till I’ve ordered more 😂

You can’t just walk into a bottle shop and get this but trust me it’s worth getting online and buying 6.

 but I’ve bought 6 more tonight...simple...

 Georgie Orbach Cab Sav 2017 Rating: B+ Price: $10

So I’m having wine from a can 🤔 First for me but I’m trying Elephant 🐘 in the Room Pinot Noir. I tried this a few months ago (in the bottle) and loved it. So I’m doing a side by side tasting 🍷 250ml can (2.7 standard drinks) verses a half bottle. Same vintage just glass v aluminium. 🍷

Is of weird having wine from a can? Hell Yes

Would I buy wine in a can again? No, not red* but I did see there are a few wineries doing white wine in a can. Now that I would buy, especially for the esky. Brilliant idea for a picnic 🧺 or a sneaky drink the beach 🏝 *These days there are half bottles which I’d rather buy but it is a good idea if you just want one glass of wine...simple...

 So I’m having wine from a can 🤔 First for me but I’m trying

For a friend who loves white wine. This is my go to....

Rating: Buy 🍷  Wild Oats Sauvignon Blanc by

 Always on special. Always good. Always easy to drink. Crisp and perfect for the beach or Sunday drinks.

 For a friend who loves white wine. This is my go to

_carbon is absolutely beautiful. About $3000 USD for the magnum and the way the Aussie dollar is going that about $13000 📉Maybe easier to win a F1 race...simple...

 Official Champagne of the @f1 🍾 @champagne _carbon is

Solid B with this wine. Just a very good Pinot. Especially for the price.

I love Pinots, but recently I feel there is so much difference between a good Pinot and a bad one. I have had some average ones recently and price is not an indication.

So for $26, this is a classic Yarra Valley Pinot and sometimes I just want a classic Pinot that I can depend on...simple...

 Yering Station Yarra Pinot Noir 2017 Rating: B Buy Again:

So this is a 3 way (get out of the gutter) taste of some of the current Taylors Shiraz that you can currently buy. I bought all three and did a side by side taste.

3. 2014 Taylors Estate Shiraz (Cellar Release) $22.80

all from the Clare Valley of South Australia

Looking at the labels, they have more gold medals than Ian Thorpe, so which one this the best to buy?

 at the moment. At $22, it already has 5 years under its belt, great wine to drink this weekend. Has aged characteristics which brings out some extra quality compared to the other two. Its a very good drink, but clearly shows how a wine can improve and develop over time.

Then I compare the Estate and the Reserve. Both from the 2017 vintage, the Reserve is represents the "finest aspects" of each vintage. The Estate is the entry level Shiraz from Taylors.

They are both great for separate reasons and I can't split the two. I like them both. The Estate is very easy to drink but still delivers length and taste, while the Reserve has a more rich intense profile. Both quality wines. Both will age beautifully.

But as a consumer and who actually buys wine, I just can't get past the $10 difference. The Reserve is definitely worth $22 on its own, but I'd rather buy two of the Estate. No actually buy 6, then in a few years time, it will be better than the above mentioned 2014.

This buying wine caper can be harder than it looks sometimes.

Recommendation: Buy 5 of the 2017 Estate and 1 of the 2014...simple...

 So this is a 3 way (get out of the gutter) taste of some of

Always hard to pick a wine at a restaurant but kicked a goal with this one from

| very smooth & delicious with a length that just keeps going. From

 Always hard to pick a wine at a restaurant but kicked a

Option 2️⃣ for Mother’s Day. Peter Lehmann The Barossa Shiraz. $20 from most stores. Beautiful Shiraz from the Barossa. Big, bold and a true Barossa Shiraz. Add with 🌺💐🌻 and Mum will love it. 🍷 ...simple... 🍷

 Option 2️⃣ for Mother’s Day. Peter Lehmann The Barossa

I know I have posted this wine before but I had it again tonight and it is sooo good. 🍷 In the mixed for bargain of the year, no make that wine of the year. 🍷 simple.... Previous review:

Strong Buy 🍷  2015 Penfolds Koonunga Hill 76 Shiraz Cabernet. $15.10 on special at the moment from

I bought 6 (shhh don’t tell my wife). I could write all day about this wine but in a simple review “Buy it”. 🍷

 outline First vintaged was in 2006. The Koonunga Hill Seventy-Six Shiraz Cabernet, with its retro packaging, was released as an homage wine to the famous 1976 Koonunga Hill ‘Claret’, a wine that captured the imagination of Penfolds wine enthusiasts. . 🍷

 I know I have posted this wine before but I had it again

The only way to end a long weekend....simple....

🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

 The only way to end a long weekend....simple

Buy Again: Yes, I'd even buy it a normal price of $40

This wine is roast BBQ Lamb over charcoal, you know where the ends are just burnt. All that in a bottle...simple...

Sorry, should have mentioned its Shiraz & Grenache blend from the McLaren Vale. Love it. .

 2016 S.C. Pannell The Vale Rating: A- Price: $20 Clearance

Recommendation: Buy if you want a little Pinot with some kick 🍷

Beautiful label, beautiful wine. A great Pinot that has a lot of cherry 🍒 and spice especially at the end. Starts off light but then the cherry comes to the front, you think it is over, then bang, a little kick 🦵 of spice hits the back of your throat.  I was not expecting that. Not a classic Pinot from the Mornington Peninsula but I don’t think this is meant to be. This is a great wine to be enjoyed with friends.  Light and fun with a great ending...simple...

 Tanglewood Estate Pinot Noir 2017 Rating: B+ Price:

Rating: Strong Buy 🍷  St Hallet 2017 Butcher’s Cart Shiraz. $25 at Dan Murphy’s at the moment. Great buying. (No link or calibration with Dan’s but would ❤️ a Dan Murphy’s sponsorship😂🙏🤞) Anyway back to the wine...So good, wasn’t expecting such a great wine. Just a massive steak in a bottle. Perfect for State of Origin. Cheers 🍷 ...simple...

🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

nmurphys_paul @danmurphys_nick @danmurphys_ciara

 Rating: Strong Buy 🍷  St Hallet 2017 Butcher’s Cart Shiraz

Price: This ranges from $14 (on special) to $22

1. I always buy Elizabeth. I think bang for your buck it is one of the best Hunter Semillons around, and a lot cheaper than Lovedale.

2. I think Elizabeth ages magnificently. They are superb examples of aged semillon, especially after a few years.

So after that, where am I after tasting the current release of the 2018 vintage?

I really enjoyed it. I will be buying a few for the cellar. This one is crisp and loads of that Hunter taste and length I want. I will be interested to see how this one develops but am just happy my love has continued for Elizabeth...simple...

 Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2018 Hunter Valley

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Seventy-Six Shiraz Cabernet 2015

 and if you do buy at least 6. Don’t argue just buy. One of the best bang for buck wine you can buy and it just gets better with age. Classic Shiraz with an elegant touch of Cabernet. Beautiful blend. Just a very good wine that ticks so many boxes ✅ The best of both worlds.

Now I know Koonunga Hill it one of the cheapest reds Penfolds make but this is a special release and definitely not the standard Koonunga Hill. Completely different and worth a try. 🍷

From Penfolds; First vintaged in 2006. The Koonunga Hill Seventy-Six Shiraz Cabernet, with its retro packaging, was released as a homage wine to the famous 1976 Koonunga Hill ‘Claret’, a wine that captured the imagination of Penfolds wine enthusiasts.

This wine is not always available but if you see the distinctive label buy some and drink one every 12 months. You’ll start to know what I’m talking about...simple...

 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Seventy-Six Shiraz Cabernet 2015

Rating: Buy 🍷  Young & Co The Jam Barossa Shiraz. I picked this wine solely on the label. It is the most luscious, alluring and seductive label I’ve ever seen. This wine does not disappoint. It’s

in a glass (or both)  Just like the label the wine is the best described as 🔥. Well done to the designer and whoever approved this sultry and tantalising wine. A Shiraz that is drinking well straight from the bottle shop. #🍷 ...simple...

 Rating: Buy 🍷  Young & Co The Jam Barossa Shiraz. I picked

A Classic Chardonnay. A good amount of oak and a beautiful buttery flavour that ✅ all the 📦  when wanting a full body Chardonnay. Hunter Valley magic from a very good winery...simple...

 2016 Scarborough Yellow Label Chardonnay Rating: B+ Buy

Rating: Buy 🍷  Soumah Yarra Valley Pinot Noir.

it is not an everyday wine but it’s really worth it. A lot of pinot’s lack length and flavour but this ✔️’s all the 📦. This is a complex pinot full of flavour. The length is amazing. Would love to taste the one that scored 97 points from

. 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 simple.....

 Rating: Buy 🍷  Soumah Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. At $38 from

Buy Again: Yes, to put away in the Cellar

Spice, complex with a dry finish. The winemaker has really made this wine to last and develop over time. I think this will really be at its best after 10 years. Its great to see wines hitting the bottle shops with 4+ years under its belt. Just a very good Shiraz and unique to the

 Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz 2014 Rating: B+ Price: $24 Buy

Just a bit more classy than drinking from the bottle...simple...

 Just a bit more classy than drinking from the

Recommendation: Throw a shrimp on the bbq. 🍷

Do I throw another shrimp on the bbq and have a Fosters 🤔

I’ve seen 19 Crimes Wines alot on Insta.  Most are tagged with

and this wine seems to be very popular wine in America 🇺🇸 with over 50000 hashtags of

Im sure you’ve seen this bottle in all the major bottle shops. They are the ones with various convicts on the bottle label. Actually if you scan the label it comes alive. Great technology.

So it appears this wine has a lot of love in America but is this just great marketing? Selling Australia to the world, like Fosters or do any Aussies actually drink this?

Back to the taste, it is all red berries, a lot of raspberry flavour. It is sweet. Not overly but you can taste that sweetness. It is bright. This is a easy red.

Is it for me? No, but I did drink it all.

If you like that sweeter style this is for you and if that’s the case, it’s a bargain an absolute bargain...simple...

 19 Crimes 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rating: C+ Price: $10 on

Option 4️⃣ for Mother’s Day gift. The Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz from

 🍷  A true Hunter Valley Shiraz. Rich and complex with a perfect lengthy. 👏 🍷 ...simple... 🍷

 Option 4️⃣ for Mother’s Day gift. The Old Paddock & Old Hill

A classic elegant Tasmanian Pinot. Without question worth the price...simple...

 Pooley Wines Tasmania 2019 Pinot Noir Rating: A- $40

Father’s Day Present 🎁 Option 5️⃣

The Wombat as I like to call it. Brilliant little wine especially for the price. The Shiraz is even better. It’s just easy to drink...simple...

 Father’s Day Present 🎁 Option 5️⃣ Little Giant Coonawarra

With the year ending, what is your wine of the year? I want to everyones opinion and buy as many as I can. Please comment below...simple... .

 With the year ending, what is your wine of the year? I want

Rating: Strong Buy 🍷  Unico Zelo Truffle Hound. This is a mix of Nebbiolo & Barbera from the Clare Valley of

Beautiful blend of flavours that are having a party 🎉 on your tongue 👅.

 make some wonderful different wines are so worth the money. Get some...simple...

 Rating: Strong Buy 🍷  Unico Zelo Truffle Hound. This is a

If you want a fresh, lively & spicy Pinot, than this is for you. I was taken back at first as it’s different the pinots you normally get in the Mornington. Hint of sour cherry 🍒 with just enough bite and length. Colour and smell is amazing. Buy it if you want a different Pinot taste...simple...

 2018 Massale Pinot Noir by Kooyong Wines Rating: B Price:

Keyneton Estate euphonium from the Barossa. This is a blend red that is a amazing each and every vintage. This is my go to Henschke...mainly because I can’t afford Hill of Grace

 🍷 Anyway we all have those friends that only drink Pinot or “I only drink from the left bank” or “Its Syrah not Shiraz” whatever 🤬.....but this is your answer. My go to wine that everyone and every palate loves. It mixes the best of all the red grapes into one. Not cheap but well worth the 💵. Mid to high $30’s. .