A little comparison between two French varieties made by Mitchelton Estate Wines.

I had a side by side tasting with some friends and the jury was split 50/50 in which they liked better. All agreed both are very good for the price and $50 for both, it is was a great little comparison between two varieties.

The Marsanne was fresh and perfect for that upcoming spring lunch.

While the Roussanne gave a little more power and felt like an older traditional balance of flavours. I think the Marsanne will age for many years and only get better.

I personally liked the Roussanne better, but that was only by the slimmest of margins…simple…

 for the opportunity to taste and review these beautiful wines.

 Mitchelton Estate Wines A little comparison between two

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

Luscious sweet nectar from the cool climate region of Germany. No cancel that last word, I mean’t the cool climate region of the Strathbogie Ranges of Victoria. Easy to get confused.

There is no mucking around this is a sweet Riesling, but its not sickly sweet. Its contained with a balance of freshness and acidity.

But this wine comes into its own when paired with some stinky smelly cheese or a blue vein where the sweetness plays perfectly. It takes the wine to the next level and screams for cheese board…simple…

 Chateau Deux Bauge Strathbogie Ranges Riesling 2020 Rating:

More about this beautiful wine in an upcoming review

 Happy International Pinot Noir Day …simple… More about this

This is a blend. Not in the usual sense but a blend of two Grenache vineyards.

70% is made of 1947 planted Grenache old bush vines, while the remaining 30% is crafted from Grenache planted in 1990 on the western side of Mclaren township.

Interesting blend* and very easy to drink. A combination of chocolate and a little Chinese five spice towards the end. You won’t stop at one glass…simple…

 NX GEN Grenache By Shingleback Wines Rating: B Price: $25

No need for food or anything else with this wine. Just drink and enjoy…simple…

 Koonara Lucy and Alice 2020 Pinot Gris Rating: B Price: $23

A royal flush in poker is exceptionally rare and is therefore the most coveted hand.

So is this the Royal Flush of Yarra Valley Pinot?

No doubt this wine needs more time. Patience. Just like playing poker. For $55 it presents ridiculous value.

 Hoddles Creek 1ER Pinot Noir 2019 Rating: A Price: $55

A complex Chardonnay, which is a concert of flavours with the oak being the encore to what is a beautiful performance…simple…

 Port Phillip Estate 2018 Red Hill Chardonnay Rating: A-

Made in the Methode Traditionelle using a blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes which were aged for 2 years on bottle lees creates a sparkling that is value for money. A fresh start that flies you straight to Wimbledon watching the tennis and eating strawberries and cream.

This was complimentary/sample bottle of wine from

 James Estate 2016 Reserve Sparkling Rosé Hunter Valley

Tonight is not about ratings or recommendations. Tonight is about Shiraz. Everything that makes Shiraz, Shiraz.

And whatever you chose to open…simple…

 JC’s Own 2019 Barossa Shiraz Tonight is not about ratings

 …simple… What are you opening? @winederella

This was a very tough decision and there there 5 wines that I short listed for my Red wine of the Year, but something about the Chateau Yaldara just made me come back to it each time. This was pure elegance and ticked so many boxes.  An absolute pleasure to taste and drink...simple...

This wine is like sitting in an old leather wingback chair in front of an open fire 🔥 the smell, the taste, the feeling.

It’s warm tasting, comfortable but captivating just like looking at a fire. I could drink this and ponder into the fire all night. A very good wine. A classic in my opinion.

 Red Wine of the Year: Chateau Yaldara Reserve Cabernet

Recommendation: Buy. Coastal sea breeze in a glass.

Is it me or has there been an explosion of Semillon blended with Fiano recently? Not that is a bad thing. Winemakers are really pushing the boundaries and blending this mainly Italian grape with semillion to create a unique combination that I am loving at the moment.

Varney Wines have create a wine that screams coastal happiness. I can smell the ocean and feel the breeze.

With a 60% Semillon, 40% Fiano blend this is one to remember. A young white wine that gives plenty of texture and backend flavour with a with a bite that is subtle but makes to reach for another sip.

I think this is worth the price and clearly rated as 'Great'...simple...

 Varney Wines Semillon Fiano 2018 Rating: A- Price: $28

To get a wine already 5 years old for $20 is practically stealing.

 that the wine won’t peak until at least 2020 and keep on developing until 2030.

This is a very good wine that delivers a lot for the price. It ticks all the things wine drinkers want;

 Redman Coonawarra Shiraz 2014 Rating: B+ Price: $20 but I

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

Planta Circa Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 by Purple Hands

Recommendation: Must buy for a special occasion. 🍷

Christmas 🎄 calls for a special wine and without a doubt this was special. The top of the range by

 using grapes 🍇 from vines planted around ‘circa’ 1880. That’s 137 years ago. This wine is history in a bottle and although way too young and should have stayed in the cellar for at least 10 years, but after Sir Halliday gave it a 98 and Christmas Day approaching, I just had to try it. Bottled under cork and dipped in wax, even opening it was special.

No if’s or buts, the wine is brilliant.

Now if your Christmas Day is anything like my family’s, poppy always has a story that’s older and times decades ago was always better, always with the “back in my day” start.

So it was so good to start a story with back in 1880...simple...

Cheers and I hope everyone had a great Christmas. 🍷

 Planta Circa Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 by Purple Hands

2019 McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre (GSM)

Recommendation: Buy. It’s stealing at this price 🍷

This will be simple. If you see the Jericho label buy it. Don’t care which variety. Just buy.

This is the fourth variety I’ve had from

  and they never disappoint. Always different, always good. A beautiful blend that seems to have the right balance and ratio to make me more than happy. ...simple...

 Jericho Wines 2019 McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre

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

Gamay is exploding on the wine scene at the moment. It has to be the latest ‘new’ grape Australian winemakers are producing with an impressive flavour. For those unaware of Gamay, in simple terms, it very similar to Pinot Noir. And those Pinot Regions of Geelong, Yarra and Mornington are starting to produce some great versions of this variety.

 is from Tash Webster’s winery Empire of the Dirt.

This is very good. It’s dirty but in a good way, like a kid that has been playing all day at the park, covered in dirt, cut on the knees and shirt untucked. But as a cheeky grin that just says, “best day ever”...simple...

 Empire of the Dirt Ink Gamay 2018 Rating: B+ Price: $38

All I want for Christmas is a wine delivery drone. Anywhere, Anytime...simple...

✅ Yes there were a couple of fails (last pic) ✅ School holiday fun with the kids. 🎥 by me

 @riedelaustralianz All I want for Christmas is a wine

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:

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

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

I love his story and the way he makes wines.

You can feel that base guitar with the beat of the drum.

This is Triple M in a glass. Stay with me for a second and let me explain.

Triple M is that classic rock radio station, that is just an Australian institution. I grew up with it.

In the days where we have Spotify and other digital mediums, I still tune into Triple M and somehow hear music I just forgot about or songs I would never type into Spotify. Yes ads are annoying but what do you do. Everyone has to pay the bills.

So what does this have to do with the wine?

All of it. The wine is classic Australian. That hard edge of Shiraz. That length which seems to hold forever. It’s the opposite of a soft wine but equally holds it’s all together without punching you in the throat. I’m happy. Very happy. It is that classic rock song. It stirs up memories or great times. Just a like a great song.

My recommendation is find your favourite your song, take a sip and belt out chorus with a slight head nod.

Just to add this is not sponsored in any way by

 Its just where I live. Just an independent wine review.

 David Franz 2017 'HP' Hydraulic Press Shiraz Rating: A-

Voluptuous and indulgent. Silky smooth with an old charm. 15% alcohol but it’s a treat.

This is up there with some great Barossa wines. Definitely a Wine of the Year contender...simple...

The Welland story began with the arrival of the Krieg family, from Germany in 1847.

Welland vineyard was planted in 1923. Situated on sand over red clay soils, this vineyard for many years supplied premium fruit to well-known Barossa wineries such as

in 2017, the last few hectares of this old vineyard were listed for sale as a ‘development site’. The vines were within a whisker of meeting the bulldozers when a group of friends led by Ben and Madeleine Chapman purchased the block. Together they are now in the process of resurrecting this historic old vineyard.

Brilliant stuff. Have a look at the last photo to explain how close this vineyard came to being lost.

 Welland Wines Old Hands Shiraz 2018 Rating: A- Price: $70

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

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

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

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:

Recommendation: Buy for that special celebration 🍷

One of those special wines. I could use so many words that describe the taste of this wine but to give this wine credit, I should use words like extraordinary, phenomenal, sensational, spectacular.

A lot of money I know, but if your planning to buy a bottle for a celebration 🎂💎🎁that is 10 years away, than this is it...simple...

 Schild Estate 2016 MOOROOROO Shiraz Rating: A+ Price: $200

So after the Rosé from Georgie Orbach wines I had to try the Shiraz. I had to find out what Georgie gives you for 10 bucks, that’s right $10. So what exactly did I expect from a $10 wine? Not much really especially after some recent cheap wines I’ve tasted, but I was eager to try after that Rosé.

After the smell and the initial taste, I soon realise this is actually good. Good colour, good taste and good length. Nothing out of place, nothing too strong or acidic. Just a good wine. Perfect for a midweek quaffer. It’s an easy wine to drink after work on a Tuesday night but still gives you the taste and experience you want with a wine. Some nights you only want a glass other nights you want the whole bottle. The choice is your with this. No pressure.

Georgie says this wine reminds her of Gypsy from Fleetwood Mac. I couldn’t agree more. God I love Stevie Nicks...

After two or three glasses I think about the price again, that’s when this wine becomes a great wine.

I could actually drink this every week and for $10 you really can...simple...

 Georgie Orbach Shiraz 2017 Rating: B Price: $10 Buy Again:

Recommendation: Buy. It’s a Cool Italian Style red.

The Balmy Red is made from Sangiovese grown in the Adelaide Hills. With a beautiful Miami summer vibe on label, it screams Sunday arvo.

Recommendation is to lightly chill it. Then from me, crack it open with some mates on a late arvo as the sun is setting. Serve with some angel hair pasta tossed in fresh tomato and garlic...simple...

 P&V Wine Balmy Nights 'Red' 2018 Rating: B+ Price: $27

So when one of my favourite wine reviewers

writes that the Paradise IV Dardel “Is one of his favourite Australian wines”

Not only do I buy one but I also open it to celebrate Fathers Day. First time  having a bottle from this winery and I’m truely not disappointed. The power, the length, the taste, I’m a happy Father with this special wine on this special day. Happy Fathers Day...simple...