Scarborough is one of the first ‘real’ quality wines I experienced.

The Obsessive Chardonnay condenses the entire Scarborough story in one bottle. Handmade, single vineyard parcel with upmost respect for winemaking.

It’s a balance between that buttery flavour, well sourced oak and a refreshing acidity.

I can’t help remembering my first visit to the Scarborough cellar door in the Hunter Valley.

I’m positive the tastings were in the lounge room of their family home on a big timber dining table. I instantly felt that family & country hospitality. This was their dream, their history and their passion of winemaking all spread out on that table. I loved it...simple...

 Scarborough Wine Co The Obsessive Chardonnay 2018 Rating:

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

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

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

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

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

 Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2018 Hunter Valley

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

 2016 Scarborough Yellow Label Chardonnay Rating: B+ Buy

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

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

Aged premium hunter valley semillon. What more do you need?

 Tyrrells 2015 Aged Release Hunter Valley Semillon Rating:

Just a good quality Hunter Valley Chardonnay...simple...

 Poole's Rock Estate Hunter Valley Chardonnay Rating: B+

Would love all Australian wineries to follow. My objective is to give simple wine reviews based on quality and value for money. We should all drink great wine, even on a Monday night. I would love to review your wines...simple...

🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷.

 Would love all Australian wineries to follow. My objective

Not your average Hunter Valley Shiraz. Definitely a lighter version and is unquestionably drinkable. The winemaker gives the recommendation of “drink slightly chilled with a straw”. I can’t argue with that...simple...

 Vinden Headcase Nouveau Shiraz 2020 Hunter Valley Rating:

Recommendation: Buy. Blend of Hunter Valley happiness

I usually don't have blend when choosing a Hunter Valley wine. So when I had the opportunity to try a Hunter blend from James Estate I was excited. I have had James Estate's entry level wines and was impressed so now it was time to have the 'good' stuff. This one is a blend of  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and is part of the Reserve range. It definitely holds up to the classification of a Reserve wine. Smell is a touch of vanilla but reminiscent of an old wooden shed. The taste is medium or lighter than a full Hunter red but surprises with some nice dark chocolate, no bitterness or overpowered tannins. I am enjoying it. Long finish and definitely like this combination. Will reward a few years in the cellar. I do enjoy when winemakers experiment with blends or try a different approach to a Hunter red. A rising star...simple...

 James Estate Hunter Valley Reserve The Marque 2017 Rating:

Bright, clean and so elegant. Thats what makes Nobel One great, that simple elegance. Just the right amount sweetness. It doesn’t try to over power or be 🍮 in a glass. The sweetness is light and gives it the ability be be drunk at any time, not just with dessert or after the 'red'. Perfect with a blue cheese as well. But you could sip on the this at any time.

For those that have had Nobel One, how good is it? And for those that haven't, what are you waiting for? ...simple...

 De Bortoli Noble One 2016 Botrytis Semillon Rating: A-

Fernhill Elkhorn Hunter Dry White 2019 from James Estate

Recommendation: Buy. Great for that get together when you have no idea which wine to buy. 🍷

So this is a blend of Chardonnay, Verdelho & Semillon. As a result it ticks all the boxes for an easy to drink wine (bit too easy). You get the buttery toasty warm taste from the Chardonnay, a touch of tropical fruit from the verdelho and the semillon pulls it all together with a acidic richness. All three work together to produce a crisp dry wine with plenty of flavour.

The label outlines this is a versatile wine and without doubt this is versatile. At the beach, after work on a hot day, Asian food or tapas. Sometimes you need a wine that is just easy. Anywhere and anytime...simple...

 Fernhill Elkhorn Hunter Dry White 2019 from James Estate

This a Pinot Noir from Tumbarumba in New South Wales.

Tumbarumba is a cool climate region, lets say south of Sydney, west of Canberra, north of Albury and probably nearest big town is Wagga.

In terms of wine the region is very young with vines only planted in 1982. But fast forward and now with over 25 wineries in the area and even more using the grapes.

This Pinot is probably in my simple description a combination of Yarra Valley elegance and Adelaide Hills spice. A very good

This is my second McW wine and definitely on my buying list...simple...

 McW By McWillams Wines 660 Reserve Pinot Noir Rating: B+

I’m calling it. Shiraz Pinot blend is the next big thing on bottle shop shelves.

I actually should say the return of Shiraz Pinot.

Just like all things at the moment - Old is New. The blend has been around forever but its something you don’t really see too often.

James Estate have produced a very good wine that is drinking well at the moment. To use ‘wine words’, Vanilla, spice and earthly. Medium to Lighter end of the scale but a classic dry finish.

 James Estate 2019 Reserve Shiraz Pinot Baeremi Vineyard

2018 Rosehill Shiraz: This wine recently won 5 trophies 🏆 at the Hunter Valley Wine Show including best red wine, beats Shiraz and best one year old Shiraz. Some serious trophies. Can wait to try this one. Anyone had it yet? Thoughts💭 🍷

2014 Elizabeth Semillon: Cellar release. Elizabeth ages beautifully especially for the price. 🍷

2018 Elizabeth Semillon: Current release of the Elizabeth. Have you had it yet? Thoughts...💭

 Just a little delivery 📦 🍷 Couple of wines from

Just a little photo of some beautiful wines I’ve had recently.

 Just a little photo of some beautiful wines I’ve had

New purchase 🍷 cheers for the inspiration

 New purchase 🍷 cheers for the inspiration @simply .wines

Old school grading A+ to C- 🎓 📍Australia

 Wine Reviews delivered differently 🍷 Simple wine reviews

James Estate Semillon from the Upper Hunter Valley

This is a classic Hunter Valley Semillon. A  light style but still enough flavour that excites me. I really enjoy drinking this wine. An easy drinking wine.

James Estate actually have a great deal at the moment with a dozen of their spring release wines including two of these Semillons for $149.00 including delivery and $5.00 donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Sydney. Well done

 James Estate Semillon from the Upper Hunter Valley Rating:

Quality Hunter Shiraz. Oak, little spice and that classic hunter Shiraz taste. It’s bold & big for a hunter Shiraz but it works beautifully. I hear the 2017 is 💎. Adding that to the shopping 🛒  this week...simple...

 Andrew Thomas Elenay Shiraz 2016 Rating: B+ Price: $50 Buy

Summertime drinks on the balcony watching the sun set on a beautiful day...simple...

Forward fruit with a little melon and apple, touch of passionfruit. Dry, fresh pure taste.

 James Estate Sauvignon Blanc Rating: B+ Price: $20

This is a classic Hunter Valley Semillon. Affordable bargain, that is screaming for fresh prawns (okay its nearly winter so, garlic prawns)

Sometimes you don't need to spend a lot to get quality...simple...

 Margan Hunter Valley 2018 Semillon Rating: B+ Price: $15

Inviting aromas of apples, candied ginger, honeysuckle and buttery toast. Lemon, lime and green apple glide over the characteristic waxy texture and fuse with fresh acidity. Citrus zest and minerals linger on the lively, crisp finish. Snappy and clean, lovely on its own or with light dishes.[Fantastic on a sunny afternoon with fresh homemade buttery popcorn.] 100% Semillon

Hope Estate ‘Wollombi Brook’ Semillon Hunter Valley 2016