Purple Palate

Our Archived Wines

Looking for a tasting note for a back-vintage? Here’s your guide to wines we once knew.

• Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz 2000

  Named after the most hauntingly famous Black Queen of all, The Queen of Sheba, its no surprise this classic sparkler is "black but comely." Grown from 40-year-old vines o...read more »

• Allan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  This is not a usual Marlborough Savvy. It is quite understated, while providing exceptional balance and fruit intensity. It is very easy to drink, with soft citrus and pi...read more »

• Russell St Vincent Chardonnay 2006

  Here is a great value Chardonnay. It gives you everything that you would want from a well crafted varietal Chardonnay, fruit and a little oak, but without the price tag. ...read more »

• Allan Scott Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007

  Winemaker Josh Scott has thrown everything at this wine, from careful vineyard management to a combination of winemaking tools that create texture and harness primary fru...read more »

• Russell Wines Augusta Shiraz Cabernet 2004

  There is so much to love about Shiraz Cabernet blends, and this 25% Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Russell Wines shows just how good they can be. There are nuances from bo...read more »

• Russell Wines Augusta Chardonnay 2006

  Such brilliant value and drinkability! We are one step down from the top tier Russell Chardonnay and it has a richness and opulence that you would not normally see under ...read more »

• Chapman Grove Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  This is certainly the best SSB I’ve seen from Margaret River so far this year. It is truly varietal, showing equal amounts of gooseberry, asparagus, cut grass and chill...read more »

• Allan Scott Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007

  Starting sleek and slinky, varietal and very clean, this is an easy and very approachable little Pinot. The acidity is crisp and the tannins long and dusty; there are lot...read more »

• Cirillo Estate 1850 Grenache 2005

  There is something about this wine. When you first see it on the shelf the label jumps out at you, it looks old and expensive. Not too modern and not too old world. When ...read more »

• Loose End Pinot Gris 2007

  Drawing excellent fruit from the Adelaide Hills, Rob Gibson has nurtured it to create this varietal and pretty Pinot Gris. It is grey like its namesake and has soft herba...read more »

• Loose End GSM 2007

  Rob Gibson knows everything there is to know about Barossa Grenache. This wine shows very clearly that he can deliver a great drinking wine based on this exceptional vari...read more »

• Gibson Isabelle Blend 2004

  The 2004 Isabelle Blend is a favourite of mine among Rob Gibson’s seamless range of wines, showing just what the underdog varieties in the Barossa can do. It uses the s...read more »

• Loose End Grenache Rose 2007

  At a Loose End? Well, this is just the wine for that long lunch with friends or if you are lucky, the perfect accompaniment to gourmet pizza from winemaker Rob Gibson’s...read more »

• Massena Rose 2007

  Rosé is such a great drink. Many are sweet, some are bone dry and most are light and easy. Massena has taken rosé to a new level with this wine. It is so good that with...read more »

• Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2006

  With a minimum vine age of 60 years and a maximum of around 150, this wine deserves to be savoured and cellared. For those of us who just love Barossa Shiraz, and can’t...read more »

• Radford Eden Valley Riesling 2008

  There is nothing simple about this complex Eden Valley Riesling, three months extended lees contact really define this wine. It is tight and chalky across the palate with...read more »

• Radford Eden Valley Shiraz 2006

  Intensity of oak, intensity of tannin and such wonderful fruit characters are all traits of this well crafted wine. There is great love in this wine, the Radford’s have...read more »

• Russell Wines St Vincent Cabernet 2005

  Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is often overlooked as the underdog to Shiraz. The St. Vincent vineyard, which overlooks the township of Krondorf, creates this beautifu...read more »

• Russell Wines Greenock Farm The Victor Shiraz 2005

  Ancient vines. What a brilliant expression! That is nothing compared to what we see in the glass of this pinnacle offering from Russell Wines. Shiraz vines need to be lov...read more »

• B3 Eden Valley Riesling 2007

  Eden Valley Riesling can be so diverse, and this wine shows what brilliant concentration of citrus aromatics is possible. It also exhibits some classy Eden Valley toasted...read more »

• B3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

  There is great value in true varietal wines. This wine shows us exactly what Barossa Cabernet looks like before it is blended with other varieties. It is a tribute to the...read more »

• Radford Eden Valley Riesling 2007

  There is a reason why winemakers love Riesling, this wine shows that we are not all around the bend... It is seamless in its varietal characters with toasted Eden Valley ...read more »

• Allan Scott Moorlands Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  New Zealand is known for fresh and young styles of Sauvignon Blanc, but this wine takes the variety to an entirely new level, with tight integrated oak and texture that w...read more »

• Massena Barbera 2008

  Take a walk into the old world, without leaving the Barossa... Originating from Northern Italy this style of wine is supposed to be fresh, linear, varietal and perfectly ...read more »

• Winter Creek The Old Barossa Blend Grenache Shiraz 2005

  Unmistakable Barossa Grenache explodes the second your nose touches the glass, characterised by big chewy fresh blackberry fruits, earthy terroir notes and gamey prunes. ...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate The 1880 Shiraz 2006

  Rarely is it possible to actually walk through a vineyard and see vines that have been quietly producing their wonderful fruit for more than 128 years. This is one such t...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate Golden Eden Ratafia Riesling 2006

  Small wineries need to get creative with white wine pressings and it is no secret that pressings are always left out of the great Rieslings. I often wonder what happens t...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate Monties Block Shiraz 2006

  Sometimes a wine comes along that really takes you to the place where it was born. In this case, the rolling hills of the Eden Valley and the mature vines of Monties Bloc...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate The Eden Riesling 2008

  Only 3378 bottles of this wine were made from a vineyard planted in the 1970’s. This is a brilliant floral Riesling with a very powerful and long palate. It is ideally ...read more »

• Allan Scott Marlborough Riesling 2007

  Crafted from the oldest Riesling vines in New Zealand, this shows some of the intensity we see from very young tropical Rieslings and a touch of the toasted honey that us...read more »

• Sami Odi Ebeneezer Shiraz 2007

  Fraser McKinley's first wine is a testament not only to his great passion and enthusiasm for vineyards but also his skill in creating an organic wine under the guidance o...read more »

• Glen Eldon Eden Valley Riesling 2007

  The nose offers fresh fruit flavours of lemon and lime. The balance and structure of this wine will ensure crisp freshness in its youth, however those who cellar will be ...read more »

• Allan Scott Moorlands Riesling 2006

  Here in Australia, winemakers spend a lot of time comparing every other Riesling to the nuances that we see in Clare and Eden Valley Riesling. Allan Scott offers somethin...read more »

• Allan Scott The Hounds Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007

  Just as though you were in the winery and drawing wine from a barrel, the wine shows intense toffee and tobacco as well as tight toasted oak. Then it all starts to flow: ...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate Monties Block Shiraz 2007

  This wine shows the beauty of diversity in small vineyards, as each season offers new flavours and aromas in the finished product. If you are fortunate enough to have see...read more »

• B3 Wines Barossa Chardonnay 2007

  My colleague John Lehmann claims that Chardonnay is coming back into style. I think he's right, and this style of Chardonnay is leading the charge. Perfectly ripe fruit a...read more »

• B3 Wines Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2007

  Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc has many forms and this one is savoury and powerful with concentrated gooseberry, lychee and asparagus. It is dry and long without excessiv...read more »

• B3 Wines Barossa Cabernet Merlot 2005

  Barossa Cabernet Merlot is rarely seen, but this wine typifies the great Cabernet that can be produced in the Barossa and the Merlot that can restrain it. This is an easy...read more »

• Chapman Grove Margaret River Chardonnay 2005

  I do love Chardonnay... Chardonnay is one of the greatest white wine varieties in the world and this Chardonnay falls into line with crisp natural acidity, whiffs of oak ...read more »

• Chapman Grove Atticus Chardonnay 2005

  I don't really care what is trendy; I love this wine. It is rich, deep and toasty while exhibiting fresh tropical fruits, malo characters and everything else that should ...read more »

• Chapman Grove Margaret River Rose 2008

  Rose, like most wines, has an entire spectrum within the style. Some are jammy and sweet while others are bone dry and savoury but show great palate complexity. This offe...read more »

• Chapman Grove Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2005

  Australia really knows how to make great drinking wines at great prices. This is one such wine - it offers great stewed red berry fruits with a touch of confectionery, wh...read more »

• Chapman Grove Margaret River Shiraz 2005

  I want to like this wine. Australia is known for great drinking wines and this is certainly one of them, but where does it fall in the line up of great drinking Shiraz? I...read more »

• Chapman Grove Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

  This wine has clean earthy and medicinal characters, with lifted varietal red capsicum and spirited herbaceous notes. The palate commences with vegetal intensity which hi...read more »

• Chapman Grove Atticus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

  Margaret River Cabernet can be big meaty monsters that send the French running for the hills ... this wine offers a more austere interpretation of the variety from this g...read more »

• David Franz Eden Valley Riesling 2007

  I’m told David Franz is very serious about his work. We have never met, but it is very easy to see that this is far from an ordinary Eden Valley Riesling, and serious o...read more »

• David Franz Red Rose 2006

  Dave Franz has done it again. This time he has created a savoury and sweet, fruity and textured Rosé that shows brilliant fresh mulberry and cherry. With such fruit and ...read more »

• David Franz Georgie's Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

  When you pull the cork on a great bottle of wine, there is a tension that consumes you as you anticipate that first sniff and the aromas that it will offer you when you p...read more »

• David Franz Benjamin's Promise Shiraz 2003

  There is no mistaking the brilliant aromatics that this wine offers from the very first sniff, but here is a wine with some personality. On first approach this wine is cl...read more »

• David Franz Alexander's Reward Cabernet Shiraz 2003

  This is a great Australian wine. It encompasses all that is adored about the Barossa and the longevity of perfectly crafted Australian red wines. Vibrant fresh fruit and ...read more »

• David Franz Pop Wine 2006

  Can we take this wine seriously? It looks like the top needs to be ripped off it immediately! Pop Art, Pop Wine. The packaging is very cool and very clever. Using Glen Lu...read more »

• Domain Barossa Ruth Miller Riesling 2008

  Varietal and powerful, this is a Riesling that offers everything you would expect from an excellent Eden Valley Riesling, with lime juice characters and a gentle oily int...read more »

• Domain Barossa Chardonnay 2008

  Concentrated ripe Chardonnay characters, including pineapple and white peach, together with mandarin, lime and sherbet create a picture of fruit flavours on the nose that...read more »

• Domain Barossa Chardonnay 2007

  For an accountant, Todd Riethmuller sure can make wine. This Chardonnay exhibits wonderful fresh melon and celery characters, along with an appropriate level of French oa...read more »

• Domain Barossa Black Tongue Shiraz 2006

  Black tongues, black teeth and deep black wine ... you have to love the intensity of fruit and tannins that make up this cracking wine. The nose shows freshly eucalyptus ...read more »

• Domain Barossa Merlot 2007

  It is very hard to fine good examples of pure Merlot in Australia and it is a great credit to Domain Barossa to show it in its raw form. The middle palate is very quiet b...read more »

• Domain Barossa Toddler GSM 2008

  Turn your mind to a new generation of GSM from the Barossa. There are others too, but few that show such juxtaposed intensities of youthful fresh fruit and softened tanni...read more »

• Loose End Riesling 2008

  Loose End Wines are always this good, full of carefully crafted varietal fruit and well balanced, easy drinking palates. This Eden Valley Riesling shows lifted lime rind ...read more »

• Loose End Sparkling MSM NV

  Merlot this good is a real treat and when you add a touch of Shiraz and Mataro, and then make it into a sparkling... there is little surprise that the result is just awes...read more »

• Massena The Surly Muse Viognier 2008

  It seems to me that there are two clear style choices with Viognier. The first is the over ripe apricot bomb that you often see and the second is the more austere, acid d...read more »

• Massena The Moonlight Run GSM 2006

  Massena has taken the GSM we are so familiar with from the Barossa and added one of the most popular red varieties in Europe, Cinsault, to create a wine with exceptional ...read more »

• Massena The Howling Dog Petite Syrah 2006

  Big heavy glass and a deep punt somehow gives this wine its stature and weight ... then you open it. Petite Syrah or Durif is known for its big bright colour, full flavou...read more »

• Russell Wines Augusta Shiraz 2005

  Value and approachability make this a great find. Russell Wines have taken some Shiraz fruit from their Garden Vineyard to create this little gem. It offers opulent savou...read more »

• Gibson Reserve Merlot 2005

  Dusty and dry, there is a clear sense of place in this wine, encompassing the soil, and the climate, as well as the supreme experience Rob Gibson has in tending to his vi...read more »

• Glen Eldon Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

  Glen Eldon Wines philosophy is to produce rich, varietal regional wines. This Cabernet exemplifies Glen Eldon's philosophy to produce rich varietal regional wines. Look f...read more »

• Glen Eldon Kicking Back Shiraz Cabernet 2006

  Dark chocolate and plum aromas on the nose, followed by intense flavours of red berries, white pepper and spice. The wine has been matured in American and French hogshead...read more »

• Laughing Jack Jack's Shiraz 2007

  Syrupy black in the moonlight, Jack’s Shiraz takes us into the heart of the Barossa and shows us exactly how I imagine Barossa Shiraz looked when it was hand pressed by...read more »

• Smallfry Eden Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

  Let us take a moment to appreciate a wine that shows us some of the wonderful Cabernet fruit that can be grown in the Eden Valley. Minimal intervention and natural fermen...read more »

• Soul Growers Shiraz 2006

  Inside the Barossa, winemaking families savour and protect the best wines from the best vintages - you may see one if you are lucky enough to be invited to their homes fo...read more »

• Gibson Wilfreda Blend 2005

  Lively and so rich, this blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Grenache just jumps out of the glass at you. There is an explosion of warm black olives, jammy prunes, new oak and...read more »

• Daisy Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  Every wine has its home in the world of wine and this wine slides in beautifully as a fruity and crisp Sauvignon Blanc that won’t burn a hole in your back pocket. The w...read more »

• David Franz Sticky - Late Harvest Riesling 2008

  The 2008 vintage wreaked havoc in all corners of the Barossa. The heatwave was relentless and ripe fruit was far too hot to harvest. Dave Franz has turned this natural ph...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate Eden Valley Riesling 2009

  We all know that Andrew Holt has mastered making Shiraz, but this Riesling shows that he knows how to tame the classic Eden Valley variety too. Thirty-five-year-old Riesl...read more »

• Smallfry Cabernet Grenache Rose 2008

  Rose takes so many forms now – some are too sweet and still others are far too dry. Wayne Ahrens has created a synchronous and luscious masterpiece here. The fruit does...read more »

• Loose End Barossa White 2008

  In Rob Gibson’s own words, ‘this is a fun wine that is all about fresh fruit and drinkability.’ Rob has created that and more in this approachable and easy to drink...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  A different beast to anything you will see from New Zealand. This Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc is lively and fresh, with gooseberry and lychee fruits as well as the com...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Merlot 2006

  The Adelaide Hills are quickly becoming the source of some of the best Merlot in the country. Leabrook have harnessed all this variety has to offer and created a masterpi...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2006

  This once popular variety seems to waive in and out of favour with most consumers, but there are those of us who have always and will always love a well proportioned Char...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Cabernet Franc 2006

  Cabernet Franc is seldom seen as a single varietal wine. This one however, leaves us in no doubt about why it is on its own. It has such concentrated primary fruit combin...read more »

• Domain Barossa Sticky 2006

  Yet another brilliant wine from Todd Riethmuller, this Sticky certainly lives up to its name with concentrated candied peel and marmalade along with just the right amount...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Three Region Shiraz 2005

  Three very powerful Shiraz growing regions all combine here to create a melee of flavours and aromas that offer exceptional power and structure that you could never achie...read more »

• Smallfry Barossa GSM 2007

  Barossa GSM takes so many forms. By harnessing the brilliant Grenache from Light Pass, Wayne Ahrens has created his own version of this classic blend that is less jammy a...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Gewurztraminer 2008

  Gewurztraminer, once you learn how to spell it, is a brilliant variety that often shows all its cards on the nose. In this case the wine is just as appealing on the palat...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate The Cuttings Shiraz 2006

  Eden Valley produces some of Australia’s most luscious Shiraz. This wine is the second tier in the Poonawatta range and it is powerful and seamless beyond belief. Baby...read more »

• Smallfry Barossa Shiraz 2007

  Braised beef cheeks and root vegetables. The perfect dish for this savoury and endlessly rich Shiraz, but be wary of this young wine that still needs time in the cellar, ...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris 2008

  There seems to be great confusion in Australia about Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. Happily this excellent example of Gris has all the hallmarks of its cousins in Alsace. O...read more »

• David Franz Georgie's Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

  It is easy to fall into the trap of just drinking Cabernet from Coonawarra and Margaret River, and why not, they are the regions that achieve the most attention. Let me t...read more »

• Smallfry Barossa Riesling 2009

  Is it an aperitif? Or perhaps it is that perfect wine for your favourite curry? Wherever you use it, there is little doubt that this crisp and slightly sweeter style of R...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Riesling 2008

  All good wine is born in the vineyard. Riesling derives all its flavour from that special moment when the berry is plucked from the vine. Winemakers simply harness the fr...read more »

• Smallfry Eden Valley Riesling 2008

  Toasted honeysuckle and preserved lemons are but a few of the treats that lie within this clean and varietal Eden Valley Riesling. Concentrated and savoury this is a good...read more »

• Smallfry Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  Only 230 cases produced... Barossa Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is seldom seen and when it does appear I always tear off the cap searching for that sweet fruit we all see fro...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2005

  There is little doubt that Leabrook can make great Pinot Noir. This wine is everything you could want from a new world Pinot. It has such wonderful powerful fruit intensi...read more »

• Cirillo Estate 1850 Grenache 2003

  There is little doubt that Marco Cirillo is the master of Grenache out of the Barossa. There is nothing else quite like it. First glance at the nose and you could easily ...read more »

• David Franz Nicole Sparkling Cabernet NV

  Finished with a hangman’s hood and packing twine, the Nicole is a dark but mischievous beauty. Gently sparkling, the cabernet is rich and varietal with the promise of s...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Cabernet Merlot 2003

  The Adelaide Hills is not known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but this wine shows that when nurtured well it is a worthy opponent to the usually powerful Merlot from the hi...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Three Region Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

  Cabernet often shows itself on the nose in very subtle forms. This wine offers just the opposite, with a nose that is powerful, varietal and at the same time multi layere...read more »

• Domain Barossa Black Tongue Shiraz 2008

  The Black Tongue, a lot like the Purple Palate, is an unfortunate stamp of the wine aficionado. Not to be confused with the Black Mark, or even the Black Sign, this chara...read more »

• Soul Growers Shiraz Grenache Mouvedre 2005

  Soul Growers seldom do anything in halves and their great passion for wine is matched only by their great passion for everything that lies within the Barossa. Shiraz domi...read more »

• David Franz Benjamin's Promise Shiraz 2004

  What promise there is in this wine - in what is in this bottle and what is in bottles that are yet to come. Understanding David Franz and his wines is not a difficult tas...read more »

• B3 John Oscar Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005

  B3’s pinnacle offering is a classic full, rich and ripe Barossa Shiraz. This is a well-balanced offering, presented in a classy wooden box. John Oscar was the father of...read more »

• B3 Pauline Barossa Valley Cabernet Shiraz 2005

  This is a classic old “Aussie claret” style, showing eucalypt and blackberry characters on the nose and a lovely creamy palate. The Basedow surname has had a strong a...read more »

• Laughing Jack Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005

  Shawn Kalleske’s classic offering is an awesome wine, offering serious complexity with spice and mint characters running from the nose through to the palate. Kalleske�...read more »

• Loan Wines Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005

  For those of you who love big Shiraz, here’s a little beauty that is hard to find, but worth the chase. It offers a full flavoured Shiraz experience with a sufficient ...read more »

• Loan Ravens Barossa Valley Rose 2007

  Rick and Jess Loan are fortunate enough to have a good planting of the wonderful Alicante Bouchet grape whose claim to fame is that it is one of only a handful of varieti...read more »

• Loose End GSM 2006

  Winemaking veteran Rob Gibson uses his Loose End brand to produce innovative wines that certainly punch above their price points with varietal definition, and personality...read more »

• Massena Looting Duke Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007

  I’m a fan of the Massena gear – have been for many years, and this extremely limited release has not let me down. It is an interesting blend of Shiraz (88%) and Peti...read more »

• Godfrey Polished Pinot Gris 2009

  Pinot Gris is certainly flavour of the month. Will it give Sauvignon Blanc a run for its money, time will tell but with wines such as Polished Pinot Gris it could be soon...read more »

• Godfrey Polished Shiraz Cabernet 2006

  Polished by name and polished by nature. The blend of Shiraz and Cabernet has been championed by Australian winemakers, and this is a classy example without the hefty pri...read more »

• Chapman Grove Atticus Shiraz 2004

  A great example of what the west can do with Shiraz. A brooding wine, dark and sensual, with earthy, savoury notes. Comprising of concentration and intensity without weig...read more »

• Loan Barossa Semillon 2005

  Semillon is a classic Australian variety, producing crisp dry whites in their youth and beautiful, textured and honeyed creatures in their maturity. Loan Semillon certain...read more »

• Chapman Grove Margaret River Merlot 2005

  Mid red with slight amber hues. The nose has savoury coffee and very subtle red berry fruits. The palate has some tart acidity, but is dominated by astringent tannins and...read more »

• David Franz Eden Valley Riesling 2008

  Eden Riesling is sometimes linear and one dimensional. Dave Franz has created a wine here that defies any Eden 2008 Riesling that I have seen. There are layers and layers...read more »

• Laughing Jack Jack's Shiraz 2008

  Jack’s Shiraz represents a new breed of Shiraz coming out of the Barossa. Here there is value far beyond the price tag. The nose offers rich brooding fruit along with t...read more »

• Moa Original Lager

  This bottle fermented lager is brewed with predominantly Pilsener malt, locally grown New Zealand hops and pure Marlborough artesian water. It is a German style Pilsener ...read more »

• David Franz Alexander’s Reward Cabernet Shiraz 2004

  It is wonderful to be surprised by wines. Surprised by the colour, deep and dark as the night, surprised by the aromas, concentrated and evocative and surprised by the pa...read more »

• Laughing Jack Greenock Shiraz 2006

  Sweet fruit or savoury fruit, most Barossa Shiraz falls into either category, but sometimes one comes along that pushes both buttons and leaves you savouring the brooding...read more »

• De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2008

  Winemaker Steve Webber is carving out a super reputation for his Pinot Noirs. This is a Pinot for grown-ups, at a price point for beginners. Expect supurb balance and poi...read more »

• Heathvale Riesling 2008

  An intense burst of lime juice fruit dominates the nose of this classic Eden Valley Riesling. You may find hints of orange blossom adding to the lime juice on the palate....read more »

• Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz 2006

  Made in a soft-easy going style, the Stonehorse gives up generous aromas of black cherries, fruits of the forest and hints of cassis and spice. This is a full-bodied Baro...read more »

• Ballandean Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  From Queensland's oldest family owned and operated winery comes a wine which managed to get southerners talking about something created north of the border when it scored...read more »

• Cirillo Estate 1850 Old Vine Grenache Rose 2009

  Brilliant raspberry with magenta hues. The nose shows rich red cherry, raspberries, rose petals and freshly crushed cranberries. Sweet, no it’s not, although with such ...read more »

• Cirillo Estate 1850 Old Vine Semillon 2009

  Very pale straw with green tinges. The nose is clean and austere, with green bean, toasted brioche and just the slightest hint of blood orange. The palate is ripe for cel...read more »

• Pirathon by Kalleske Shiraz 2008

  Pirathon is ancient speak for pinnacle, and the Kalleske team believe Shiraz is the pinnacle grape variety of the Barossa – no arguments from me! I’ve always found t...read more »

• Kalleske Greenock Shiraz 2007

  Kalleske Greenock Shiraz is a single vineyard wine of great depth and power. 100% organic and sourced from a low yielding block to ensure clarity, concentration and inten...read more »

• Kalleske Clarry’s Red 2008

  100% certified organic, Clarry’s is a classic Barossa blend of Grenache 60%, Shiraz 30% and Mouvedre 10%. The Grenache coming from old 1940’s and 1960’s vines. Bri...read more »

• Kalleske Rosina Barossa Valley Grenache Rose 2009

  There is so much brilliant colour in this wine, it is almost a shame to drink it. Almost. With fresh confectionary strawberry aromas on the nose, crisp acid and slightly ...read more »

• Kalleske Old Vine Grenache 2007

  I think this is the largest wine I have ever seen. There is so much of everything and for those of you who want massive Barossa bombshells with enough viscosity to stand ...read more »

• Mount Riley Pinot Gris 2008

  Fruity pear, citrus and green apple is supported by perfumed floral and honeysuckle characters on the nose. An off-dry, full bodied wine characteristic of Marlborough Pin...read more »

• The Grapes of Ross Moscato 2007

  With a passion for fruit-driven styles, winemaker Ross Virgara selects Frontignac grapes from a fourth generation family property in the Barossa’s Lyndoch Valley for th...read more »

• Peter Lehmann Layers Red 2008

  This food-focused blend delivers exceptional value for money. Features Shiraz 46%, Mourvèdre 20%, Grenache 15%, Tempranillo 17% and Carignane 2%, all sourced from Baross...read more »

• Peter Lehmann Layers White 2009

  Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching quickly for a second glass – this is extremely drinkable. Crafted from Semillon 39%, Adelaide Plains Muscat 23%, Baro...read more »

• Cornelius Sauvignon 2007

  From the Scotchman’s Hill stable in Victoria, this wine shows guava and paw paw fruits on the nose, rounded out with barrel ferment characters of spice, creamy lees and...read more »

• Smallfry Tempranillo Garnacha Joven 2009

  Wine drinker's are beginning to realise that early drinking styles of red wine don't have to sacrifice complexity to achieve immediate deliciousness. This example from S...read more »

• Smallfry Cabernet Grenache Rose 2009

  We are experiencing somewhat of a Rosé renaissance in Australia and leading the charge are wines such as this 2009 Smallfry Rosé which dial back the sweetness and resid...read more »

• Loose End Pinot Gris 2008

  Pinot Gris is an often maligned grape which can suffer from flabbiness and excessive alcohol warmth. No such problems with this Adelaide Hills example though. The rich &...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate The 1880 Eden Valley Shiraz 2007

  Old vines produce intense and complex flavours and this wine is produced from vines nearing 130 years of age. They yield smaller amounts of fruit which are given the extr...read more »

• Allan Scott Millstone Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  Allan Scott’s youngest daughter, winemaker Sara, has thrown everything at this wine, it is complex beyond anyone’s estimates and maintains the freshness that we all l...read more »

• Scott Base Pinot Noir 2008

  A pleasantly restrained expression of the bigger Central Otago style. Sour and sweet plum, cherry, vanillin oak, nutmeg and decaying leaf are all there, on the palate and...read more »

• Massena Barbera 2009

  I first saw the 2008 vintage of this wine and it blew my mind. Massena have done it again, this time adding some richness to the palate while maintaining the awesome dry ...read more »

• Gibson Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris 2009

  I get a little excited when a Pinot Gris really nails it and this one impressed me immensely. Pleasant tart and savoury aspects made it stand apart from many other wines ...read more »

• Gibson The Dirtman Shiraz 2006

  Whilst the single vineyard and regional aspects of Australian wine continue to gather strength it's important to remember the great tradition of multi-regional blending o...read more »

• Gibson The Darling Merlot 2008

  Australia has come a long way from the days when Merlot was solely seen as sweet, plush alcoholic plum juice. The best versions of this grape now concentrate on structuri...read more »

• Dreaming Dog Dry White 2009

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• Dreaming Dog Merlot 2007

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• Dreaming Dog Shiraz 2007

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• Domain Barossa Merlot 2008

  If you are looking for superb value and a truly wonderful fruit driven Barossa wine this one is for you! This finely structured and supple wine exhibits ripe plum, rich r...read more »

• Domain Barossa Shiraz 2007

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• Loose End Pinot Gris 2009

  Winemaker Rob Gibson has made a name for himself through his Merlot and Shiraz, but just quietly, I reckon he's a bit of dab hand when it comes to Pinot Gris too. This on...read more »

• Loose End Merlot 2007

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• Loose End Barossa Shiraz 2007

  Here is another fine example of Barossa Shiraz. The wine has been Co-fermented with 4% Viognier in open fermenters and matured for 14 months in second use oak barrels of ...read more »

• Dreaming Dog Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2007

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• Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2007

  Archetypal Barossa Shiraz and all the better for it. Sweet blackberries and soft plums are lit up by vibrant red fruit. There is a distinct meaty and earthy quality from ...read more »

• Moppa Wilton Maczos Shiraz 2005

  Moppa Wilton is a side project of Laughing Jack’s Shawn Kalleske, in which he focuses on Ebenezer fruit. This big Barossa Shiraz holds a point of difference in that the...read more »

• Soul Growers Shiraz Cabernet 2006

  A truly Australian blend of equal amounts Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz sourced from vines as old as 85 years and hand made using traditional methods; small parcel open f...read more »

• Soul Growers Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre 2006

  Sour cherries, redcurrants, earth and cedar provide an alluring first sniff. On the palate, blackberries, spice, aniseed and some charry notes come along for the ride in...read more »

• Bethany Shiraz Cabernet 2006

  Here we have the "Great Australian Red" blend of Shiraz and Cabernet. It's a very elegant expression of such a wine, much more about subtlety and finesse than ripe fruit ...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  I love the balance in this wine; a zippy entry with sweet tropical fruits is balanced by the cut and thrust of citrus and some tasty tart edges. It opens with a nice hit ...read more »

• Daisy Hill Pinot Noir 2009

  Varietal Pinot Noir under $20 used to be unheard of, but things have changed. Just look at this little number made by the crew at Daisy Hill. Vibrant dark cherries, cinna...read more »

• Soul Growers Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

  Sourced from 40 year old vines at Lyndoch and Angaston and matured in old French oak, this Cabernet is true to the Soul Growers style – rich and rustic. Blackcurrant ar...read more »

• Soul Growers Shiraz 2007

  This premium release follows in the classic style of the outstanding Soul Growers Shiraz 2006. As a comparison, the 2007 is slightly more savoury. Made in tiny quantities...read more »

• Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1981

  Described by US critic Robert Parker as a “formidably endowed, broodingly backward, thick, full-bodied, muscular wine”, the 1981 – a blend of 89 percent Shiraz and ...read more »

• Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1982

  Recent tastings of this vintage confirm that it has changed little over the years – the elegant 1982 continues to offer inviting aromas of black fruits and sweet vanill...read more »

• Bethany Cabernet Merlot 2006

  I was extremely interested to taste a "Bordeaux blend" from the Bethany Stables as I found an elegance and restraint in their other red wines that seemed to suggest that ...read more »

• Bethany Shiraz 2004

  The 2004 vintage will go down as one of the Barossa's best in recent times. The better wines from that vintage will repay some time in the cellar. The Shiraz produced by ...read more »

• Bethany Chardonnay 2007

  When you think about Chardonnay producing regions in Australia, the Barossa and Eden Valleys aren't generally foremost in the mind. Having said that, Bethany have produce...read more »

• Whistler Wines The Reserve Shiraz 2005

  Winemaker Troy Kalleske has crafted a serious wine here. It's got heaps of complexity and power with a long life ahead of it yet. Give it a good 2 hours in the decanter ...read more »

• Linfield Road The Black Hammer Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

  An appropriate name for this wine, Linfield Road's Black Hammer isn't an exercise in finesse. It's about rich, intense fruit and lashings of chocolate oak. Coming from t...read more »

• Cooper Burns Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005

  This is what the Barossa is all about. Brilliant, intense but balanced Shiraz with the ability to be consumed now or laid down in the cellar and forgotten about for a wh...read more »

• Linfield Road The Slab Hut Merlot Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

  This winery's red blend actually shows a little more finesse than is apparent in its other offerings. Having said that, there is still plenty of flavour to go round. To ...read more »

• Linfield Road The Monarch Single Vineyard Merlot 2006

  There are still many drinkers out there who enjoy a whack of good fruit flavour accompanied by a fair clip of oak and the wines from Linfield Road should suit them down t...read more »

• Kabminye Sparkling Rose NV

  A rare blend of Cinsaut, Mourvedre, Grenache, Clairette and Ugni Blanc. This blended sparkling rose has been bottle fermented and emits marshmallow, musk and sherbet as w...read more »

• Kabminye Schliebs Block 2005

  As always from the folk at Kabminye, this is a seriously interesting, albeit, thinking man’s red! Squeezed from Mataro, Carignan, Cinsaut and Black Frontignac, this tru...read more »

• Milhinch Wines Seize the Day Shiraz 2006

  The wine world is full of pretty labels and clever sales ploys, but ultimately it's what's in the bottle that matters. The labels on the Seize the Day wines are refreshi...read more »

• Milhinch Wines Seize the Day Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

  Although we all know the Barossa is renowned for its fantastic Shiraz, I believe the Seize the Day Cabernet Sauvignon actually manages to shade its more famous red friend...read more »

• Milhinch Wines Seize the Day Rose 2009

  A Barossa Cabernet Rose that evokes rich winter apples by sight and smell. The sweet palate of dusty, herbal, bluish berries suggests strawberry skin, cranberry and faint...read more »

• Kabminye Three Posts Eden Valley Riesling 2005

  This wine, sourced from the Eden Valley, was a product of an outstanding vintage for Riesling in that area. The lime flavours so often associated with the region are not ...read more »

• Luke Lambert Syrah 2008

  This is one of the best shirazes I have seen in a long time. No over-extracted/over-alcoholic/over-the-top Barossa monsters here. Luke’s wines are carefully crafted usi...read more »

• Charles Melton Nine Popes 2006

  Wow- how's this for complexity! Strong yet soft, rich yet smooth. There are bucketloads of ripe fruit flavours here; think wild blackberries. With a nose about to jump fr...read more »

• Luke Lambert Reserve Syrah 2007

  This is one of the best shirazes I have seen in a long time. No over-extracted/over-alcoholic/over-the-top Barossa monsters here. Luke’s wines are carefully crafted usi...read more »

• Spinifex Luxe Rose 2008

  This is what Rose’s should be like! Light salmon pink and dry, dry, dry – not just a lighter bodied red wine, or sugary red juice. Reminiscent of a Cotes du Provence ...read more »

• Allan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  I was drawn into an interesting discussion with my tasting companion over this wine. Whilst there is little doubt that Marlborough produces an indentifiable style of Sau...read more »

• Donny Goodmac The Golden Pig Chardonnay 2008

  A surprise package discovered earlier this year in the Yarra Valley. A side project of Kate Goodman of Punt Road fame. The “Gold Pig” as it is affectionately known is...read more »

• Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2007

  Boy this Chablis sure packs a punch. Created for the long haul, a driving, powerful citrus acid spine defines this wine. Supported by typical Chablis characters of white ...read more »

• Kabminye Tres Doux Muscadelle 2005

  "Tres Doux" translates as very sweet, and indeed this wine conforms to that description. But that sweetness is cut with lively pineapple and tart orange rind leading to ...read more »

• Clonakilla Riesling 2009

  Tim Kirk has built a bit of a cult following at Clonakilla, mostly as a result of his rather awesome Canberran Shiraz Viogniers. But Canberra is also a hot region for ma...read more »

• Atlas Clare Shiraz 2008

  Atlas are a new boutique producer based in the Clare Valley. Their first releases, including this Clare Shiraz, are already generating some excitement in the wine world. ...read more »

• Atlas Barossa Shiraz 2008

  Another ripper of wine from Atlas, this time made from grapes hand-picked off of 50 year old vines in the Ebenezer sub-region of the Barossa. It is basket pressed and mat...read more »

• Glaymond The Distance Shiraz 2006

  The straight varietal Shiraz from Glaymond is probably the winery's most widely heralded wine at this stage. Positively received by the James Halliday, Campbell Mattinso...read more »

• Glaymond Landrace Shiraz Mataro 2006

  The Glaymond wines are sourced from the Tscharke family vineyards established in 1961. Damien Tscharke is after warmth, richness and varietal character and so far his wi...read more »

• Glaymond El Abuelo Barossa Grenache 2006

  The combination of the Barossan climate and soils and gnarly old vines come together to produce some of the best Grenache in the world, as evidenced by this Glaymond wine...read more »

• Glaymond ASIF Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

  This wine sees 27 months in new and seasoned French oak, but the quality fruit has already gobbled most of that up. Barossa Cabernet isn't really about finesse or eleganc...read more »

• Clonakilla O'Riada Shiraz 2008

  Clonakilla's flagship Shiraz Viognier is one of the new stars of Australian wine scene. If you want to check out why Tim Kirk's blending of the red and white grapes garne...read more »

• The Story Westgate Vineyard Shiraz 2008

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• Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2007

  How good a vintage was 2007 for the Margaret River? Not too many bad wines made from it, especially when it comes to reds. The Preveli Cabernet Merlot ticks all the rig...read more »

• The Story Rice's Vineyard Shiraz 2008

  The Rice's Vineyard is in a slightly warmer section of the Grampians, but the cool climate regionality and spice is still expressed clearly in this excellent example of S...read more »

• Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Eden Valley Shiraz 2007

  I'm extremely fond of Eden Valley Shiraz. The flavours the region produces just appeal to me. They obviously appeal to Domenic Torzi and his partner Tracy Matthews too. ...read more »

• Lightband Brightwater Pinot Noir 2007

  New Zealand is making its mark on the wine world as much with Pinot Noir as Sauvignon Blanc. Central Otago and Marlborough are the most well known regions but Nelson can...read more »

• Heidenrich Estate The Old School Graduates Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

  Creamy, rich and Ripe. A generous wine, oozing with rich cassis on the nose showing a ripe varietal side of Cabernet Sauvignon. Well integrated oak assists in the wines...read more »

• Dog Ridge The Pup Shiraz 2007

  Some wines are complex, serious and cerebral. Their beauty can lie in the way they challenge your palate to broaden its horizons, or invite quite contemplation of subtle...read more »

• Kabminye Grenache Carignan 2006

  When handled properly, Grenache dominant blends can be lovely "BBQ" wines with refreshing acidity and spicy red fruits. The Kabminye Grenache Carignan still possesses a ...read more »

• Digger's Bluff Lap Dog Rosé 2008

  Australian wine maker's certainly have a sense of adventure. Tim O'Callaghan took a while to come over to the "pink" side but eventually he saw the value of Rosé wines....read more »

• Troll Creek Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

  The Troll watches on as this Bethany Cabernet fruit ripens – the fruit is far more luscious than you would expect from Barossa Cabernet and perhaps that is due to the T...read more »

• Diggers Bluff Barossa Valley Watch Dog Cabernet Shiraz 2003

  Something always draws me in to Tim O’Callaghan’s wines. At first it was spotting the strangely labelled bottle at the Rockford Stonewall Cellar Door and then it was ...read more »

• Sami-Odi Hoffmann Dallwitz Syrah (MCMXIIp) 2008

  Winemaker Fraser McKinley really gives you a mouthful of wine. And I'm not just talking about how it's named! It's a seriously intense Shiraz but what makes it work is wa...read more »

• Torbreck Cuvée Juveniles 2007

  Torbreck is well known for its big, lush and generous red wines. The 2007 Cuvée Juveniles, though, is only medium bodied and there isn't any noticeable oak. It's a ver...read more »

• Jamsheed Silvan Syrah 2008

  Jamsheed Sylvan Syrah is an example of the “new bred” of cool climate Syrahs. Jamsheed’s Gary Mills uses techniques such as carbonic maceration and whole bunch pres...read more »

• Cape Mentelle Shiraz 2007

  The Margaret River is famous for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends, but after tasting a number of excellent Shiraz from the region I ...read more »

• Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2009

  From the brand that put Marlborough on the map, the Cloudy Bay Pinot is wonderfully silky, structurally firm and very complex. In recent years this has become regarded as...read more »

• Dutschke Ivy Blondina Moscato 2008

  So many Moscatos can taste overly sweet and cloying. Thankfully this isn't one of them. The key to that lies with the spritz and citrus characters that balance the tropi...read more »

• Dutschke St. Jakobi Single Vineyard Shiraz 2007

  Barossan Winemaker of the Year, Wayne Dutschke's ability to balance rich, full flavours and freshness is always on display in the St. Jakobi Shiraz. The 2007 version is j...read more »

• Bethany Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee 2006

  With 24 months tirage on lees, expect some complexity in texture and flavour from Bethany's premium sparkling white. It's a blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir...read more »

• Kooky Village Francis Clare Valley Riesling 2009

  Nathan Burly makes Kooky Village wines when he's not knocking about with Chris Ringland. This is a restrained Clare Valley Riesling that has been crafted for the cellar, ...read more »

• Burge Family Winemakers Garnacha 2006

  Sourced mostly from dry grown vines planted in the Olive Hill Vineyard in the 1920s, this is a serious and savoury Garnacha/Grenache that will benefit from a decant and l...read more »

• Clos Petit by Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  The internationally recognised wine making family of Henri Bourgeois of Sancerre, France recognised the synergy between Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and the Marlborough, N...read more »

• Dutschke Willow Bend 2007

  The addition of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon leads to a very different wine from others in the Dutschke stable. Medium bodied and with savoury nuances, this is an adapt...read more »

• Dutschke Sun-Dried Shiraz

  Thankfully, many Barossan winemakers are intent on the continuation of Australia's great history when it comes to fortified wines. It is this very legacy that leads Duts...read more »

• Dutschke Oscar Semmler Single Vineyard Reserve Shiraz 2006

  The "best of the best" grapes from the St Jakobi block at Dutschke make their way into this wine, and they are treated with due respect. It's not a bells and whistles dri...read more »

• Dutschke The Muscat

  Australian fortified reds are extremely under priced, often selling for less than it costs to produce them. If you haven't tried one, then this Barossa Valley example mig...read more »

• Eden Valley Wines The Saviours Shiraz 2005

  Winemaking duties for Eden Valley Wines are in the hands of Stephen Henschke and James and Joanne Irvine. This blend of the best Shiraz produced by the 12 Eden Valley Win...read more »

• McLean's Farmgate Shiraz Cabernet 2003

  When I first tried this wine it reminded me of an old Penfold’s Bin 389 – quite earthy, spicy and chewy highlighting the structure of Cabernet with the richness of Sh...read more »

• Mr Riggs McLaren Vale Shiraz 2008

  Ben Riggs has gained a popular following for his big and rich wines but that doesn't mean they lack complexity. The emphasis, though, is on generosity of flavour and drin...read more »

• Yelland & Papps Old Vine Grenache 2006

  A perfumed and medium bodied Grenache with raspberries surrounding a kernel of darker fruit, charry notes and spice. French oak adds savoury complexity to the sweeter fru...read more »

• Yelland & Papps Greenock Shiraz 2007

  The fruit for this 2007 shiraz was sourced from the Greenock subregion of the Barossa, then matured in new and old American oak for 20 months. It's soaked it up nicely w...read more »

• Yelland & Papps Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

  Cassis launches itself onto the front palate before a little red capsicum and a hint of soy enter the fray. Fine tannins take over the structural reins from the edgy acid...read more »

• Moorooroo Park Samuel Nitschke Cabernets 2005

  We've got some trail blazing winemaking on show here. The wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, which is unusual enough for the Barossa. A fu...read more »

• Spinifex Shiraz Viognier 2007

  Some people question whether the Barossa should be making Shiraz Viognier. Well, whack this beauty in front of them and I bet they'll go quiet. It starts with an extremly...read more »

• Glenpara Head Office Shiraz 2006

  There's a lot of savoury complexity on display in this Shiraz from Glenpara. It's right in the zone right now but it will hold for a little while yet. Blackberries and pl...read more »

• Linfield Road Edmund Major Reserve Shiraz 2005

  Sourced from 100 year old vines and given two years of top notch French oak, this is a wine that gives us an idea of the real potential of Linfield Road to produce super ...read more »

• Langmeil Barossa Valley Floor Shiraz 2007

  With fruit carefully selected from many of the Barossa sub regions well known Wine Maker Paul Lindner has once again delivered a fine example of a Barossa Shiraz. With h...read more »

• Flying Mouton Cabernet Merlot 2008

  The Flying Mouton (aka The Flying Sheep) was named due to the local cloud formations that resembled exactly that. From Hawkes Bay in New Zealand this newly released Singl...read more »

• Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz 2007

  Made from premium McLaren Vale fruit the wine is inky violet in colour. The nose has hints of blackberry, mulberry, candied plum and smoky spices. Ripe, sweet, dark berry...read more »

• Moorooroo Park Lotties Shiraz 2004

  A distinctively Barossan deep purple with vivid hints of lavender as it splashes into your glass. Concentrated tomato soup, hints of mint, wood and earth instantly impal...read more »

• Flying Mouton Gewurztraminer 2009

  A sexy, sexy wine. It opens with flowers at the door, and sends you straight to the bedroom! What an elegant package! Floral notes with hints of musk on the nose, and dri...read more »

• Troll Creek Shiraz 2006

  Wow! What a wine. This delivers, and it delivers in a big way. Jammed full of rich, ripe black berries grown from 60 year old vines from just a single vineyard, this hand...read more »

• Tscharke The Potter Garnacha 2008

  This is another look at Seppeltsfield Grenache, but with a twist. Old vine Grenache and French oak is such a turn on. Its clean and elegant, yet spicy and strong. This...read more »

• Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2008

  It's always an interesting exercise to taste consecutive vintages of a wine. It's a great way to explore the nature of the different conditions that produced the flavours...read more »

• Dreaming Dog Margaret River Dry White 2009

  These wines are made by Chapman Grove as a tribute to the many canine companions that have shared the vineyards with the staff for so many years. Pardon the pun, but ther...read more »

• Allan Scott Wallops Chardonnay 2008

  No expense has been spared when it comes to the French Oak used on this number. It's unashamedly old school in that way, but the new world "cool climate" fruit stands out...read more »

• Domain Barossa Ruth Miller Riesling 2009

  With an alcohol reading of only 10% I did prepare myself for an acid bath when tasting this, but the Ruth Miller Riesling's proven track record should have prepared me fo...read more »

• Smallfry Barossa Semillon 2008

  A top notch vineyard and some sensitive winemaking come together to show us just how good Barossan Semillon can be. 25% New French oak is apparent but not overbearing or...read more »

• Godfrey Polished Shiraz Cabernet 2008

  The follow up to the hugely successful 2006 release is sourced entirely from the Barossa and it's a ripper. Sweet with savoury nuances, generous but structured with wonde...read more »

• Leabrook Estate Pinot Gris 2009

  If, like me, you can find New Zealand and Alsace versions of Pinot Gris a little heavy then it's great to see Aussie producers like Leabrook making a version that's all t...read more »

• Godfrey Polished Cabernet Shiraz Tempranillo 2008

  This wine is a great new offering from South Australian Wine Maker Sandy Godfrey. The colour is dark rich red with a purple rim. The nose shows layers of spicy plum and d...read more »

• David Franz Red Rose 2008

  The Red Rose block is a crazy mix of vines situated in the western Barossa area. From these David Franz crafts a "field blend" Rose of great complexity and finesse. Shir...read more »

• Allan Scott Moorlands Riesling 2008

  Purity is the essence of good Riesling and the 2008 Moorlands has it in spades. Having said that, this wine has a bit more fruit generosity and palate weight resulting i...read more »

• Massena The Howling Dog Petite Syrah 2008

  Ominous colours stain the glass as you swirl the 2008 release of this wine. There's no doubting this is petite syrah, or durif, right down to its black heart. Tar, blackc...read more »

• The Roaring 90's - Selection 2

  This is our premium six-pack offer – wines must have received 90 points or more from leading independent wine critics to be included in our Roaring 90s collection. ...read more »

• Vinaceous Sirenya Pinot Grigio 2009

  Made entirely from Adelaide Hills fruit, this is a delicate wine with pretty floral tones. The palate again is light and crisp with a hint of green pear and a refreshing...read more »

• Chapman Grove Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  I'm all over this wine. It's everything I want in a Margaret River "classic dry white". Cut grass, lemons, gooseberry and sharp tropical accents whose sweetness is moder...read more »

• Allan Scott Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008

  The zippy acidity of this region is on show here, but dark and interesting flavours lurk underneath. Black cherries, pepper and cinnamon all covered by a blanket of fores...read more »

• Vinaceous Divine Light Verdelho 2009

  Verdelho just isn’t sexy, but this has given me cause to rethink. It’s clean and fresh with a light fruit driven quality that dismisses any sweet notions. This is a...read more »

• Vinaceous Red Right Hand Shiraz Grenache Tempranillo 2007

  This is an amazing twist of a wine. With its depth of flavor, and layers of complexity, this wine just kept changing and evolving in the glass. There is strength in the...read more »

• Vinaceous Snake Charmer Shiraz 2007

  Made entirely from McLaren Vale fruit, this wine is made in a lighter style, not obviously effected by any overt oak interference. The result is an elegant shiraz, smoo...read more »

• Gibbston Valley Central Otago Pinot Gris 2008

  Wow – how about a smack in the mouth with some apricot nectar! This wines is luscious, and is so easy to just slide down your palate. The nose is warm and inviting, and...read more »

• Radford Wines Eden Valley Bio-Dynamically Grown Riesling 2009

  Yet another superb effort from Gill Radford in the Riesling stakes. The purity of this wine is off the charts! So clean, so prisitine and the finish goes on to meet the h...read more »

• Penfolds Grange 2005

  Wow – what power on the nose, what depth in the glass. The first thing that strikes you when you decant Grange is its power. Whether it be 5, 10, 15 or 20 years old, ...read more »

• Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2006

  Many wine lovers look forward as much to the release of each Penfolds St Henri as any Grange. Each wine is approached in a totally different manner, even though both are ...read more »

• Smallfry Eden Valley Riesling 2009

  Many Rieslings are very delicate and light in their youth, whereas this has a little more palate weight to it, along with an intense mineral presence. It's still going to...read more »

• Arete The Road Less Travelled Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  The Arete Sauvignon Blanc is the colour of pale corn that casts shadows of granny smith apple green. It delivers a citrus and honey bouquet with a distinct creaminess whi...read more »

• Arete Chatterbox Shiraz 2009

  From the Koonunga and Greenock sub regions of the Barossa comes this Shiraz matured in French Oak. It is a delightfully rich colour that displays magnificent magenta and ...read more »

• Arete Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008

  Sourced from the Kalleske East block in Greenock this is one spectacular wine. An open and expressive nose displays depth, oak, dark and plummy fruit, and aniseed lift. C...read more »

• Henschke Tilly's Vineyard 2008

  At times we can get a little obsessed with single varietal wines in Australia. So it's nice to see an increasing number of producers exploring new blends, especially when...read more »

• Henschke Peggy's Hill Riesling 2009

  Sourced from vines as old as 50 years, the 2009 release of the popular Peggy's Hill Riesling is a goodun. Clean and bright aromas of lime, lemon blossom and green apple &...read more »

• Smallfry Barossa Grenache 2009

  Old Vine Grenache is starting to come back into fashion. Considering that it is one of the Barossa Valley's historical treasures, that's great news. This rendition from t...read more »

• Henschke Henry's Seven Shiraz Grenache Viognier 2008

  A soft, slurpable, yet elegant wine featuring star varieties, all playing their role in a first class performance. A lively fragrant Viognier nose reaches from the glass...read more »

• Domaine Lucci Black Bubbles 2009

  Hand-picked, biodynamic merlot grapes from the Adelaide Hills were pressed hard to create intense mulberry, currant and plum flavours. A nice food wine - big fruitcake sp...read more »

• Domain Lucci Saignee Rose 2009

  Biodynamic Adelaide Hills grapes were open fermented, slightly aged in oak and bottled using minimal additives. A rather 'heady' wine, it opens into tart strawberry and ...read more »

• Lienert of Mecklenburg Laudamus Shiraz 2006

  Only 16 barrels of this plush, decadent wine are produced each year. It's enables the sort of attention to detail we really like to see in the wines we stock. This vintag...read more »

• McLean's Farmgate Eden Valley Riesling 2007

  This is just starting to sing. An expressive nose of lime, honeysuckle and musk. The acidity is wonderfully soft but still offers enough of a spine to see this develop mo...read more »

• McLean's Farmgate Eden Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

  Flushed with dusted chocolate and cassis, this is now taking on some secondary characters of leather and truffle. A distinct rustic edge adds complexity to the berry and ...read more »

• Standish The Relic Shiraz Viognier 2007

  Sourced from 96 year old Shiraz Vines in the Barossa, this is a savoury beauty with sweet fruited highlights and a great mouthfeel. The Shiraz is co-fermented with 4% Vi...read more »

• The Standish Shiraz 2006

  In the spirit of Australian winemaking innovation, this single vineyard Shiraz is fermented on Viognier skins by ex-Torbreck vintner Dan Standish. Old school open ferment...read more »

• Ballycroft Small Berry Shiraz 2007

  Ballycroft have dialled back the alcohol in the 2007 release of the Small Berry Shiraz, but it's still in the big red wine style that has earnt them cult status. Flavours...read more »

• McLean's Farmgate barr-Eden Mataro Shiraz Grenache 2007

  Being co-fermented, this wine is a beautiful marriage of 3 classic Barossa varieties. Undoubtedly an easy style to enjoy, Big Bob McLean has succeeded once again by allow...read more »

• Laughing Jack Greenock Shiraz 2007

  The talented Shawn Kalleske, along with his partner in crime Mick Schroeter have crafted another pearler from the Greenock sub-region of the Barossa. It's generous with ...read more »

• Flying Mouton Rose 2009

  All of the tasting panel were quite surprised to hear that Sangiovese was being grown in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand but the grape has been used to good effect h...read more »

• Flying Mouton Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  We are seeing a significant increase in the amount of Sauvignon Blanc that sees some lees work, adding savoury, bread-like flavour and greater textural complexity. So it ...read more »

• Flying Mouton Chardonnay 2009

  Minimal oak allows the purity of the Hawkes Bay fruit to express itself in a Chardonnay that will accompany a wider range of foods than heavier examples. Stonefruits, hay...read more »

• Greystone Pinot Gris 2009

  Greystone really do a fantastic job with these fuller bodied white styles. This Gris is just bang on. Poached pears drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of brown spice. Cru...read more »

• Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  This low alcohol drop has the appearance of a pale and creamy lemonade and tastes of concentrated sweet lemonade cordial with hints of nashi pear and whisked egg whites. ...read more »

• Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz Merlot Rose 2008

  A little sweetness makes this a great accompaniment for spicier cuisines or an easy drink on hot days. It's a pretty wine, full of cherries & strawberry cream lollies wit...read more »

• Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz Cabernet 2007

  This 2007 Shiraz Cabernet captures the amazing value that Stella Bella can offer in their Skuttlebutt range. It's drinking like a champion right now and will hold for at ...read more »

• Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot 2007

  This received the honour of "Best Red Blend" in the recently released 2010/11 Big Red Wine Book by Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh. We were all pretty darn impressed by...read more »

• Massena The Surly Muse Viognier 2009

  A magnificent wine when made well, Viognier is such a versatile style, and its overtness, I think, is its appeal. Oozing lashings of apricots, frangipani’s and gardenia...read more »

• Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Otro Vino 2007

  First impressions are sometimes misleading. When I was first introduced to this luscious red, packaged in see-thru clear glass, I thought it was going to be just another...read more »

• Scott Base Pinot Gris 2009

  Wow! A great pink tinge on the rim certainly portrays the variety. With a classic nose of Green apples and pears, it leads to a solid palate with hints of honeycomb. I li...read more »

• Dreaming Dog Margaret River Shiraz 2007

  We do all of our Panel Tastings Blind, and I reckon that’s a great thing. Forget the package, the brand, the price, just drill down to what is in the glass. So how surp...read more »

• Osawa Prestige Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  In this Prestige Collection Sauvignon Blanc from Hawke's Bay, I find scents of soft passion fruit and star fruit, a creamy grass like character almost like a lime bavaro...read more »

• Cooper Burns Barossa Valley Shiraz Viognier 2006

  A roaring rendition of Barossa Shiraz Viognier using hand picked grapes, basket presses and open fermenters. Kicking it old school. Give this a good decant and you'll be ...read more »

• Capital Wines The Whip Riesling 2009

  This wine is perfectly suited to the Queensland climate. Exploding with expressive aromatics. Limes with light honeysuckle flower & orange blossom on the nose. A little p...read more »

• Stella Bella Sangiovese Cabernet 2007

  Another cracker from the brillaint 2007 Margaret River vintage. Sangiovese dominant but the sour cherries and tart flavours are balanced well by sweeter, dark Cabernet el...read more »

• Cooper Burns Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007

  Generous blackberries and plums, chocolate and vanilla, salted liquorice and a little spice. It's a Barossan recipe for success and Cooper Burns have executed it to perfe...read more »

• Radford & Roennfeldt Bush Vine Grenache 2006

  A powerful example of full bodied Barossan Shiraz stuffed full of flavour; Plums and redcurrants, salted Dutch liquorice, coffee and dark chocolate. Primal, earthen and p...read more »

• Capital Wines The Frontbencher Shiraz 2008

  This one’s a comfy offering, ready to drink now although it will cellar well enough over the mid-term. Vivid, fresh red fruits (berry mostly but morphs into cherry at c...read more »

• Capital Wines Kyeema Reserve Merlot 2008

  Rich plum and dark berry flavours are controlled by superb, elegant structure. There's a hint of tomato leaf, some black olivosity and a chocolate glaze. French oak is ap...read more »

• Capital Wines The Backbencher Merlot 2008

  Well, well. Hasn't Australian Merlot grown up a lot over the past few years? This one’s nutty, with plums and both briary and forest-type berries. Delightfully medium ...read more »

• Stella Bella Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

  There's little doubt when it comes to the quality of this wine. It's excellent, and it speaks with conviction of its place and time. It's plush and ripe with dark berries...read more »

• Greystone Pinot Noir 2008

  I tend to prefer Pinots at the larger end of the spectrum, particularly those from Central Otago. This is lighter, but I was blown away by its power. Enticing berry fruit...read more »

• Stella Bella Luminosa Merlot 2007

  Tall, elegant, yet still pretty. How does one achieve that? I have to tell you Ms Stella, upon first acquaintance I found your dry wit polarised me. I don’t like a woma...read more »

• Linfield Road The Black Hammer Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

  Starting with a deep dark red colour and a lush spicy blackcurrant nose, this wine certainly looks and smells like the real deal. Upon tasting the integration of oak into...read more »

• Wynns Coonawarra Estate V & A Lane Shiraz 2008

  One of the new, small releases crafted from selected vineyards along Coonawarra’s famous V & A Lane, a straight road that dissects the famed tarra rossa strip. You’ll...read more »

• Wynns Coonawarra Estate V & A Lane Cabernet Shiraz 2008

  This rare release celebrating what is essentially a Coonawarra sub-region makes your palate feel, well... classy. That’s the fine silky tannins easing through this blen...read more »

• Lengs and Cooter Old Vine Shiraz 2005

  At first glance I see a dusty coloured red - it's not striking but it's not dull either. Through the nostrils I'm smelling earth and sweet fruit that packs a punch with R...read more »

• Kilikanoon Wines Killerman's Run Shiraz Grenache 2006

  Get home, crack a bottle and feel this juicy number slide across your palate. Suddenly that tough day at work is a memory. Nothing too complex here – but plum and prune...read more »

• Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2008

  This is what modern-Aussie Chardonnay is all about – restrained, elegant, mouth-watering. You’ll discover subtle flavours of grapefruit, white peach, nougat and nutty...read more »

• Coldstream Hills Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2008

  Delightful fresh and ripe raspberry colour, this wine is vibrant and youthful and shows warm fruit, hints of spice, leather, stewed plum and cherry on the nose. It exhibi...read more »

• Stella Bella Chardonnay 2008

  What a great wine. Stella Bella Wines applied traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques, including the use of fine grain French oak to create a rich and fulfilling win...read more »

• Plunkett Fowles Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz 2008

  The first ever Victorian winner of Best Shiraz in Australia (VISY Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2010). A real gem from the Strathbogie Ranges, 'Ladies Who Shoot Their...read more »

• Heggies Vineyard Eden Valley Chardonnay 2008

  From this special vineyard in the high country in Eden Valley, this Chardonnay has a wonderful pedigree. the 2008 vintage produced a sophisticated wine. The nose gives u...read more »

• David Franz Alexander's Reward Shiraz Cabernet 2005

  An elegant but masculine wine, I smell strong ripe raspberry, cigar box and licorice aromas, with some black pepper and mint in the upper palate. A bit spicy to taste at...read more »

• David Franz Georgie's Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

  Franz's wines each share a common trait - an almost savoury rancio character. Divine. Initially big, dusty orchard fruits including plums, raspberries and blackcurrants...read more »

• Kurtz Family Vineyards Boundary Row Shiraz 2006

  This medium to full-bodied shiraz is drinking very well now but will definitely improve over a year or two. This is a great example of a Barossan Shiraz at an affordable ...read more »

• Moorooroo Park Vineyards 'Earthsong' Moscato NV

  This is the prettiest wine! It’s so fizzy and light you would think it was meant for the kiddies! But beware despite the low alcohol content this sugary delight packs a...read more »

• Michael Datta Vineyards Grenache 2008

  I loved this wine, it’s so bright and rich! The nose is true to form displaying definite cherry cola characters. While the deep plum colour is perfectly balanced by the...read more »

• Ross Estate Reserve Shiraz 2005

  There is some seriously big, bright flavour in this wine. All at once it is complex, voluminous and romantic. Pleasant coconut, plum, blackcurrant and vanillin characte...read more »

• Ross Estate Riesling 2007

  From 40 year old vines, this wine offers an enjoyable diversion from popular Eden Valley style Rieslings. The wine has a rich straw hue, is still showing its immaculate ...read more »

• Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2008

  This is a meaty, delicious and fruit-driven Shiraz from the Barossa Valley in South Australia. While it's won a serious number of medals, awards and accolades - it was t...read more »

• DiGiorgio Family Wines Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

  This is classic Coonawarra Cabernet from a very good vintage – plenty of blueberries, olives and gum leaf on the nose and palate, leading to a persistent finish. The Di...read more »

• Super Six - Selection 1

  Our Super Sixes are a selection of table wines that we believe represent outstanding value. These are wines you can open at the end of a hard day, without burning a hole ...read more »

• Langmeil The 1843 Freedom Barossa Valley Shiraz 2003

  The intensity of this storied wine jumps from the glass, almost begging you to “take it on”. Aromas of blueberries and plums, with a touch of violets lead to a rich a...read more »

• Soul Growers Shiraz Grenache Mouvedre 2007

  A fancy wine indeed - this shows sour cherries, redcurrants, cedary oak and aniseed on the nose. The mouth fills up quickly with blackberries, dark plums, spice and a mi...read more »

• The Roaring 90's - Selection 1

  This is our premium six-pack offer – wines must have received 90 points or more from leading independent wine critics to be included in our Roaring 90s collection. Each...read more »

• Goundrey G Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007

  Loaded with tropical fruit flavours, this bold and vibrant blend is a classic South West Australian white style. I really enjoyed how this wine felt in my mouth - it was...read more »

• Kirrihill Wines Pinot Grigio 2008

  This cool Adelaide Hills Grigio is crisp, clean and packs a delicate punch of jasmine, juicy pear, lemon zest and nutmeg. Very refreshing and can be enjoyed with or with...read more »

• St Hallett Gamekeeper's Barossa Shiraz 2008

  St Hallett make some of my favourite red wines. They're known for their voluptuous, rich and creamy textures. Here we have a mouthful of juicy plums, cherry, black fruits...read more »

• Quattro Mano Duende 2009

  A bright tapestry of young red and purple fruits dances elegantly on the tongue, this is a very easy-drinking wine - perfect for a laid back afternoon sip. Made from Tou...read more »

• Quattro Mano La Reto Tempranillo 2008

  La Reto translates to 'The Challenge' - I'm not sure if it was a challenge to make the wine but it sure wasn't a challenge to drink! I find a lot of delightful soft cherr...read more »

• Neil Hahn Yanyarrie Barossa Riesling 2010

  I really enjoyed this wine however I am a massive fan of Riesling, particularly Eden Valley Riesling. I found the citrus notes and slate minerality perfectly balanced. I...read more »

• Eden Road Shiraz 2008

  Ripe, earthy dark fruits combine well to produce a style that is somewhat lighter to some of their Eden Valley neighbours. The palate has a touch of 5 spice & anise comp...read more »

• Anvers Chardonnay 2008

  An elegant cool climate Chardonnay from the beautiful Adelaide Hills - that's precisely what this is. Good fruit flavour, but more importantly it has delicate (and intel...read more »

• Neil Hahn Catharina Shiraz 2006

  When I read the phrase "this is our flagship wine" I can't help but expect big things. Happily, the Catharina Shiraz met my expectations with fervour: strong, lasting fr...read more »

• Neil Hahn Yanyarrie Shiraz 2008

  Big Barossan Shiraz that packs a punch right from the word 'go'. Bright blackberry, vanilla and cinnamon spices grace the nose, while richer more savoury flavours of spi...read more »

• Maritime Estate JR Chardonnay 2005

  Flavoursome nectarine, orange and lemon fills both nose and palate in this Mornington Peninsula beauty. It reminds me slightly of Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, probably bec...read more »

• Robert Channon Verdelho 2010

  This wine presented me with a challenge. Verdelho is considered a fantastic stepping stone from Sauvignon Blanc to heavier varieties like Viognier or Chardonnay. Althou...read more »

• Vavasour The Pass Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  Classic Marlborough Savvy with flavours of ripe passion fruit, guava and tomato leaf and lifted floral notes on the nose, this wine represents outstanding value for money...read more »

• Eagle Vale Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008

  A classic, lively and refreshing style from cool climate vineyards. Clean gooseberry and a full array of intense tropical fruit flavours. -JL ...read more »

• Jamiesons Run Chardonnay 2009

  Definitely in the style of the new-age Chardonnays, where fruit remains fruity, rather than being dominated by excessive oak. There’s freshness and zip on the palate, ...read more »

• Peter Lehmann Barossa Valley Shiraz 2004

  For a sub-$20 back vintage wine, life doesn’t get much better. You’ll find rich plum and blackberry flavours and a touch of fruitcake. A lovely expression of the bla...read more »

• Peter Lehmann Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

  Soft aromas of violets, black currants and chocolate notes, lead to ripe red berry and cherry flavours, nicely balanced by fine tannins and fully integrated oak. Thrown a...read more »

• Super Six - Selection 2

  This offering includes two Peter Lehmann back-vintage crackers, a classic Margaret River SSB and a new-age Chardonnay. Only $75. Normally $112 Save 33%...read more »

• Arete The Road Less Travelled Sauvignon Blanc 2010

  Winemaker Richard Bate had a desire to push the boundaries with Sauvignon Blanc. He has created an extraordinary wine – overt, oxidatively handled, and full of complexi...read more »

• Yelland & Papps Delight Grenache Rose 2009

  This is now my favourite Rose from the Barossa Valley, having tried many that are just too sweet and sickly. This pink kitten is foxy with vibrant red fruit flavours and...read more »

• Pepper Tree Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010

  This blend holds the classic elements of Marlborough Savvy including pineapple and passionfruit – with the added elegance and structure of Hunter Valley Semillon – fr...read more »

• Pepper Tree Shiraz 2009

  Immense value in this bottle! Fragrant jasmine opens into brown spiced plums, gentle pepper spice, rich orange oil and soft tannins. This wine warms the soul, leaving a m...read more »

• Craggy Range Zebra Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008

  A light earthy currant and brown spice nose is followed by a bitter cherry, talcum powder and black currants. Refreshing, lifted and long lasting, this Pinot Noir has a p...read more »

• Travis Earth Mataro Shiraz 2008

  From the son of Robert O’Callaghan, the Barossa legend behind cult winery Rockford, comes this unique self titled offering. Travis Earth O’Callaghan has very strong c...read more »

• Tar & Roses Pinot Grigio 2009

  Hailing from Central Victoria, this sublime Grigio has excellent power. Tart citrus zest on the nose is backed by a full range of mineral flavours, some lemon sherbert, ...read more »

• Chateau Tanunda The Everest Shiraz 2005

  Winemaker Tim Smith sourced Shiraz from five Barossa blocks spread across Marananga, Greenock, Ebenezer, Angaston and Lyndoch to create a wine that won world acclaim by w...read more »

• Chateau Tanunda The Everest Old Bush Vine Grenache 2008

  This Greenock creation scored the Trophy for the world’s Best Single Estate Red Wine at London’s International Wine and Spirit Competition 2010. The judges said: “W...read more »

• Henschke Hill of Grace 1999

  I was lucky enough to taste the 1999 recently from the enomatic machine at Bar Barossa. I was struck by the density of its crimson colour and depth of blackberry flavour...read more »

• Penfolds Grange 1985

  The 1985 was regarded by critics like Robert Parker Jnr as proving Grange could be depended upon to be exceptional, if not perhaps legendary, each vintage. Rich, full-bod...read more »

• Wynns Coonawarra Michael Limited Release Shiraz 1993

  Described by James Halliday as a “show-stopper” of a wine back in 1996, the pure class of this wine hasn’t faded over the ensuring years. Experiencing it now, one f...read more »

• Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling 2004

  The Wigan is one of the great Eden Valley Rieslings, full of flavour and vibrancy! You know when you have a great Eden Valley Riesling when intense flavours of citrus (us...read more »

• Koonara Bay of Apostles Pinot Noir 2009

  It is most unfortunate that Pinot Noir is so expensive... usually. If you love the subtlety and finesse of fine Pinot but can’t always justify the exorbitant price then...read more »

• Pepper Tree Chardonnay 2010

  It is pleasing to taste decent French oak in a cool climate Chardonnay for under $15. French oak is exorbitantly expensive and cheap oak just tastes cheap! Chief winemake...read more »

• Rockford Frugal Farmer Grenache Mataro Alicante Bouchet 2009

  An unusual style, and completely different from the standard Rockford stable. In saying that though, it’s unique and quite French really. Light in colour, and in pala...read more »

• Roaring 90's - Six Pack

  Our latest premium six-pack offers old-school classics like Tahbilk Cabernet to the unique stylings of Suckfizzle SBS. All wines scored 90 points or more. Save 22%. No...read more »

• Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling 2003

  The Wigan celebrates the amazing career of Andrew Wigan, who has served as Peter Lehmann Wines Chief Winemaker since the business’ first vintage in 1979. The 2003 Wigan...read more »

• Riorret The Abbey Pinot Noir 2008

  What a delightful wine from the bottle's label all the way through to the last drop...! A light and delicate Pinot (just the way I like it), there's a definitive briary c...read more »

• Ross Estate Single Vineyard Merlot 2006

  I was surprised how this wine found loyal customers with virtually no promotion. Just good drinking gear. Ripe mulberry & raspberry aromas with a touch of French Oak. Dri...read more »

• Donny Goodmac Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

  Only the second vintage of this wine, and what an outstanding example of cool climate Cabernet, without the trendy high price tag. With only 192 dozen produced, this is ...read more »

• Donny Goodmac Shiraz 2008

  200 dozen produced and getting stronger each year. In it’s 3rd release, this wine, from the famous Dalwhinnie vineyard, presents itself with great colour and richness....read more »

• Donny Goodmac Shiraz Viognier 2008

  150 dozen produced and first release. Co fermented, open top and hand plunged. Only around 3% Viognier added which is enough to pick the senses but not too much to drow...read more »

• Poonawatta The Four Corners of Eden Valley Shiraz 2008

  Literally produced from the four corners of the Eden Valley, you can definitely smell the 'land from whence it came'. Eucalyptus, menthol, oak and wet forest floor scents...read more »

• Sutton Grange Syrah 2006

  A poised, brooding Syrah that opens with lacquered blue and blackberries and eventually fades with cocoa-dusted tannins that are unapologetic and biscuity. A glamorous, S...read more »

• Grandin Brut NV

  Since 1886, Grandin has produced an excellent sparkling from the Loire Valley, in the south of France. You’ll find apples, floral and cirtus characters with a touch of ...read more »

• Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Chill Box

  Simply wonderful! Fresh floral aromas are at the fore in this rosé. Moet & Chandon’s rose champagne is pale pink colour with medium bubbles and vigorous activity. Th...read more »

• Moet & Chandon Imperial Chill Box

  Clear, very pale straw, small, active bubbles; very light, almost no aroma, barely suggests flowers, vanilla grapefruit, yeast; light, mild mouth feel; flavors show fruit...read more »

• Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Games of Seduction Gift Pack

  Simply wonderful! Fresh floral aromas are at the fore in this rosé. Moet & Chandon’s rose champagne is pale pink colour with medium bubbles and vigorous activity. Th...read more »

• Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Le Fridge

  Clear, pale straw; very light, citric, apple, toast, butter and yeast aromas; very expansive, full, with a rich, soft, creamy texture; clean, light, gentle, wispy, faintl...read more »

• Pikes Traditionale Riesling 2009

  Year in, year out, the Traditionale from Clare’s Polish Hill River is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best value Rieslings. The 2009 was no exception, with crit...read more »

• Pikes Luccio Pinot Grigio 2009

  Inspired by the whites of Italy, the Luccio is a blend of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. It really is summer’s day in a glass - stone and tropical fruits ...read more »

• Pikes The Dogwalk Cabernet Merlot 2007

  Lovely black fruits, dark chocolate, violets and leather, mingling with pepper and spice. A really satisfying glass of Clare Valley red. A perfect partner to butterflied...read more »

• Robert Channon Sparkling Chardonnay 2008

  Having won Best Sparkling wine at the 2010 Australian Small Winemakers Show, this wine brings all kinds of flavours to life. So very mouthwatering, this bubbly elixir sen...read more »

• Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

  I like Shiraz because I dislike herby weak Cabernet that can be so leafy. I loved this wine – I mean, this just blew me away, the likes of which I haven't seen this yea...read more »

• Pikes Valley's End Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

  The secret has been out for ages now that the Clare Valley produces pristine white grapes each year, especially for Riesling. But here's unexpected news - this SBS blend ...read more »

• Pikes Luccio Sangiovese Blend 2008

  A lighter style of Sangiovese, mixed with smaller amounts of Merlot and Cabernet juice. Extracted nicely, it holds a good amount of spice, plum and cherry flavours and re...read more »

• Paringa Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2006

  I really liked this. It’s extremely varietal and expressive. I loved the subtle tannin and liveliness of the fruit and, to be quite honest, the clarity of the wine in g...read more »

• B3 Boxed 6 - B3 John Oscar Shiraz 2005

  A beautifully timber-boxed set of six back-vintage Barossa Shiraz, crafted by the Basedow brothers. B3’s pinnacle offering is a classic full, rich and ripe Barossa ...read more »

• Poonawatta Estate Twin Peaks

  The 1880 Eden Valley Shiraz 2007 / The Eden Eden Valley Riesling 2009 Discover the ancient vines of Poonawatta – and why these two wines received such high accolade...read more »

• David Franz Sampler - 3 Pack

  Eden Valley Riesling 2007 / Red Rose 2008 / Mal’s Blend Shiraz Cabernet NV A true artisan, the son of Peter Lehmann has wine in his veins. Handcrafted in every s...read more »

• Stella Bella Prize Pack - Twin Pack

  Stella Bella Chardonnay 2008 / Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot 2007 Give two of Margaret River’s highest-rated wines of the year – the Chardonnay 2008 won multiple ...read more »

• Croser Vintage 2007

  This is a rather definitive, aperitif style sparkling from the Adelaide Hills that is a reflection of the Piccadilly Valley's very cool climate. Apparently the rich, crea...read more »

• Greystone Waipara Winemaker's Series Pinot Gris 2008

  Bright yellow straw in colour, this Pinot Gris was handmade by cheerful New Zealander Dom Maxwell. Fermented in French oak barrels and then aged on lees for a bit, I foun...read more »

• Rockford Local Growers Semillon 2006

  One of the surviving Aussie whites still under cork, this aged release shows subtle lanolin characters on the nose with its light golden color gleaming in the glass. The ...read more »

• Shobbrook Shiraz 2008

  A product of the compounding ‘natural wine’ movement, this wild-yeast fermented, unfiltered Seppeltsfield Shiraz delivers its almost obnoxious richness with invasive ...read more »

• Henschke Julius Eden Valley Riesling 2006

  Really starting to hit its straps now, with a nice honeysuckle character coming through on the nose, followed by rich lime and lemon flavours. The Henschkes recommend ser...read more »

• Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2007

  Being a high-school French horn player, I’ve always been intrigued by the name of this highly regarded wine. The answer lies in history: the German settlers of the Baro...read more »

• Henschke Mount Edelstone 2006

  Grown from century-old vines from the Mount Edelstone vineyard, this wine’s history is almost as rich as Hill of Grace. Cyril Henschke bottled the first Mount Edelston...read more »

• Henschke Tappa Pass Shiraz 2005

  The Tappa Pass is usually one of the more robust reds in the Henschke portfolio, crafted from 50-year-old vines from the Light Pass sub-region of the Barossa. The 2005 is...read more »

• Henschke Lenswood Coralinga Sauvignon Blanc 2009

  From the exceptional 2009 vintage in the Adelaide Hills comes a Sauvignon Blanc to give Marlborough Savvy fans a reason to “back the Aussies”. Unmistakable aromas of ...read more »

• Beach Head Margaret River Shiraz 2009

  Here is a rare example of a Trophy winner at a quaffer price. Lightly structured, supple fruit flavour, gentle oak tannin and well balanced, this vintage has seen massive...read more »

• Beach Head Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2010

  Zippy characteristics of lemon and cut grass from the Semillon infused with the passion fruit and gooseberry of Sauvignon Blanc. Perfectly balanced, full and textural, ye...read more »

• Giaconda Aeolia 2008

  Made from the Rhone varietal Rousanne. A heady aroma of lightly-toasted, bubblegum-edged oak, soap, mothballs and split stone precede suggestions of peach, honeysuckle, ...read more »

• Sutton Grange ‘Fairbank’ Syrah 2005

  Leaving impressions of liquorice, dark olive tapenade and sour cherries, this Bendigo Syrah is essentially the second tier from Sutton Grange. It hosts an army of besieg...read more »

• De Bortoli Yarra Valley Reserve Release Syrah 2005

  The rich, smoky, black forest bouquet of this powerful, Gevrey-esque Yarra Syrah is haunted by white and purple flowers, as well as more reluctant Autumn spices, burned ...read more »

• Castagna Genesis Syrah 2005

  Castagna is at the forefront of the biodynamic vineyard movement in Australia, and this is their flagship wine. Musty and laced with stone-fruit, this is a deep Syrah sho...read more »

• Linfield Road ‘The Steam Maker’ Single Vineyard Riesling 2008

  A neat, modern Barossa Riesling from cooler vines in Williamstown, with subtle aromas of clean steel, stone fruit and apple skin, and a palate of tinned pears, clear appl...read more »

• Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot 2006

  Vibrant mintiness leaps from the glass as a first impression. This silky, slippery wine slides along the palate showing a very restrained tannin profile alongside elegant...read more »

• Wolf Blass Platinum Label Shiraz 2007

  If wine were a religion, Wolf Blass would have found true Mecca in the vineyards where these grapes were grown. Purple-crimson with a super-rich and fragrant bouquet that...read more »

• Flying Mouton Pinot Noir 2009

  Instantly opening up with lashings of strawberries and forest fruits on the nose, it’s any wonder that this wine has just scored a Gold Medal at the recent 2010 New Zea...read more »

• Penfolds Reserve Bin ‘Aged Release’ Riesling 2005

  I really do enjoy this wine – it’s such a complex expression of 2005 Eden Valley Riesling. I’ve tasted it a number of times – from release to now and wow – what...read more »

• Piper Heidseick Rare Champagne 1999

  'Rare' defines the vagaries and unique conditions that is Champagne. Only produced in exceptional years, each an expression of that vintage's unique personality. There ha...read more »

• Veuve Clicquot NV

  Grapes from as many as 50 to 60 different Crus go into the blending of Brut Yellow Label. Traditionally, the proportion of each grape variety used is: 50 to 55% Pinot Noi...read more »

• Penfolds Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Bin 920 1990

  Released in 1994 to commemorate 150 years of Penfolds winemaking, this majestic wine was inspired by its famous and multi-awarded predecessors, the 1966 Bin 620 and 1982 ...read more »

• Chateau Montrose 'J. L. Charmolue' Saint Estèphe 1996

  Influential American critic Stephen Tanzer described this wine as having “deep aromas of smoky black cherry, black olive, minerals, cedar and game; I was reminded of a ...read more »

• Clonakilla Canberra District Shiraz Viognier 2008

  This silky cool-climate Shiraz Viognier added another chapter to its rich history by winning a place in the top 10 Shiraz at the World’s Greatest Shiraz Challenge run ...read more »

• Scotchmans Hill Sutton Vineyard Chardonnay 2005

  A super ripe peach bouquet leads to lots of very toasty oak and grilled nuts and spice. The palate is densely packed with fruit, supported by nice acid. For those who lov...read more »

• Dom Pierre Perignon Hautvillers Champagne Rose 1998

  The first perfumed floral notes quickly open up into orange peel and dried fruits, with the characteristics of a well-matured harvest and woody spices. On the palate, the...read more »

• Gibson Reserve Merlot 2008

  Rob Gibson is regarded as one of the Barossa’s leading Merlot exponents. This muti-regional blend combines 75% Barossa Valley Merlot, with 10.7% cooler-climate Adelaide...read more »

• Roccolo Grassi Amarone della Valpolicella 2003

  Amarone offers a beautiful dark ruby/garnet colour with a huge nose of black fruits and a spicy, mineral note. It also reveals a perfume of cocoa, coffee, cinnamon and he...read more »

• Picardy Chardonnay 2008

  This Pemberton creation opens with classic cashew nut, grapefruit and butterscotch characters, leading to a palate full of citrus flavours and buttery notes. There’s al...read more »

• Laughing Jack Jack's Shiraz 2009

  The Jack’s has become one of our most popular Shiraz over the years. The 2009 is arguably the best Jack’s we’ve seen. Sourced from the Kalleske family's Home block ...read more »

• WINE TEST

  tes test...read more »

• Angel Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough

  Light straw in appearance, this Marlborough wine shows off an intense mix of tropical fruits with a hint of passionfruit and zesty citrus peel. The finish is refreshingly...read more »

• Secret Stone Pinot Gris 2010

  Pale salmon in colour, the Secret Stone greets you with sweet aromas of strawberries and tropical fruits. The palate is rich and full, with round generous fruit and a cri...read more »

• Ingoldby Shiraz 2009

  An enticing nose of dark summer berry compote and hints of melted chocolate leads to a rich palate of purple fruits. Supple tannins give power and finesse, while the bala...read more »

• Pirathon by Kalleske Shiraz 2009

  Troy and Tony Kalleske create Pirathon each year from fruit sourced from low-yielding vineyards of traditional family growers in the north-western Barossa districts of Gr...read more »

• Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010

  Aromas of vibrant tropical and citrus fruits combine with attractive herbaceous characters on the nose. The palate is generous and fruit driven with classical Marlborough...read more »

• Penfolds Koonunga Hill Seventy Six Shiraz Cabernet 2009

  Spicy, dark fruit aromas of quince and fig, with hints of olive and liquorice, lead to flavours of ripe dark fruits with further black olive notes adding a savoury tone t...read more »

• Domain Barossa Black Tongue Shiraz 2009

  The Black Tongue, a lot like a “purple palate”, goes with being a true red wine aficionado. This has become a go-to Shiraz for many of our regular customers, who love...read more »

• Fifth Leg Whippersnapper Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010

  Semillon fills out the mid-palate with zesty citrus nuances, texture and palate weight, while Sauvignon Blanc provides plenty of punchy tropical fruit flavours....read more »

• Russell Wines St Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

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• Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay 2010

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• Soul Growers Shiraz Grenache Mouvedre 2008

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• Daisy Hill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

  Good value, varietal Pinot Noir is one of the wine world's great white elephants. But producers like Daisy Hill are determined to vinify quality, regional red Burgundy fo...read more »

• Shaw and Smith M3 Chardonnay 2009

  The M3 has become one of Australia's most consistent premium Chardonnays, engendering many of the hallmarks of modern Australian wine. Grown in the cool-climate of the Ad...read more »

• Shaw and Smith Shiraz 2009

  Shaw and Smith's cool climate, 'syrah'-styled Shiraz is typically concentrated, firm, spicy and themed with white pepper. Pushing for a modern, complex expression of Aust...read more »

• Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009

  Sourced from the Kayena Vineyard in West Tamar, this is the wine upon which Tamar Ridge's reputation has been made. The right weighting of Burgundy clones has been realis...read more »

• By Farr Farrside Pinot Noir 2009

  Garry Farr's 'Australian Burgundies' have done much to bring the subtleties of Old-World philosophy to the Australian palate, drawing on decades of experience in The Cote...read more »

• By Farr Sangreal Pinot Noir 2009

  Sangreal is the original By Farr Pinot Noir. Planted in 1994, the vines are Garry Farr's oldest. This age, in addition to plentiful sun exposure, produces a uniquely rich...read more »

• By Farr Chardonnay 2009

  By Farr reprents Australia's leading edge in the ambitious drive to make long-term, profound, elegant Burgundian wines in this country. The Chardonny comes from various c...read more »

• Wantirna Estate Isabella Chardonnay 2009

  Wantirna Estate is a tiny production winery in the Yarra Valley with a formidable reputation for making iconic cool-climate wines of international status. The Isabella Ch...read more »

• Wantirna Estate Lily Pinot Noir 2009

  Wantirna Estate is one of a handfull of the truly iconic, tiny production wineries in the Yarra Valley. The Lily is a singular Pinot Noir for the region, built with weigh...read more »

• Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Merlot 2008

  In the Amelia, Wantirna Estate produce a Cabernet of length, structure, measure and poise, the style which has brought so much attention to the Yarra. The 2008 has brough...read more »

• Felton Road Pinot Noir 2010

  Felton Road is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's most iconic wineries. Pioneers and champions of the arid Central Otago region, over two decades they have produced some of...read more »

• Felton Road Chardonnay 2010

  Felton Road's Estate Chardonnay often lives in the shadow of the Estate Pinot Noir. But just like its heralded borther, the Chardonnay is ever a complex, mineral and beau...read more »

• Mount Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2010

  Roaring Meg is Mount Difficulty's entry-level label. Year on year it represents fantastically approachable, yet strictly regional Pinot Noir, displaying all the hallmarks...read more »

• Goaty Hill Pinot Noir 2010

  Goaty Hill is a classic example of elegant, savoury, spicy, Pinot Noir such as only the super-cool Tasmanian climate can produce. Its warm, herbal, aromatic style has a d...read more »

• Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2011

  This is one of the most respected among the small crop of elite Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. Catalina Sounds produces a wine of tightly wound, ripe regional flavours wit...read more »

• Pebble Row Sauvignon Blanc 2010

  A classic and delightful Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with the right kind of structure and delicacy to pair with food. Recent 'Blue Gold' winner at the Sydney Internationa...read more »

• The Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

  Classic Marlborough Savvy notes of passionfruit, sour berries and delicate herbs. A quality Sauvignon Blanc of true regional style and unmatched value. ...read more »

• Chateau Maris La Touge Syrah 2009

  A Languedoc Syrah of abundant ripeness that Australian consumers are likely to respond to, displaying regional notes of garden herbs and thyme, and a soft palate of redc...read more »

• Scotchmans Hill Swan Bay Pinot Grigio 2011

  A fresh, light Pinot Grigio with notes of nashi pear and stonefruit from the cooler regions of Victoria. Destined to drink nicely with summer lunches. ...read more »

• Ninth Island Pinot Grigio 2011

  The Ninth Island Pinot Grigio is a good reflection of the cool Tasmanian climat. Its lovely pale-straw appearance holds crisp, refreshing notes of crunchy green apple, pe...read more »

• Jansz NV

  A classic Tasmanian bubbly with crisp, high-acid tones of green apple, delicate lemon and lime, with a fine, ever-so-creamy bead. One of the long-loved favourites when lo...read more »

• Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz 2006

  A classic cool-climate vintage sparking Shiraz with a rich, dark profile of creamy blackcurrant, berries and pepper. A traditional match for Christmas turkey, its fully o...read more »

• Lapostolle Casa Sauvignon Blanc 2010

  This Sauvignon Blanc has a singular claim in British royal history - it was served at the last dinner of Kate Middleton as a 'commoner'. The would-be princess chose well ...read more »