 Tough decisions @ochotabarrels Which one🤔 Have you got a

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

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

Grown in the Angaston foothills of the Barossa Valley,

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

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

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Rusden make stunning wines. Simple.

This, The Good Shepherd Malbec 2018, fits the typical stylishly beautiful Rusden form. Inky and glass staining with a super aromatic nose of blueberries, cherries and violets. An effortlessly smooth and opulent palate of blue fruits, redcurrants, and touches of spice. All gloriously wrapped in velvety tannins. Flavour for days!

 I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Rusden make

Recommendation: A Bargain elegant light Pinot.

I love the wines that William Downie makes and if there is one winery I am bias about it is his range of wines. Not only do I adore his labels which feature iconic Australian landscapes from

 his ability to craft pinots makes them at the forefront of my shopping list.

This is my first taste of his Cathedral Pinot. I would say this is his entry pinot as most other ones are above $50.

But this is no where near an entry level wine. Most winemakers would be ecstatic to have such a wine, especially if it was the ‘cheaper one’.

It is a lot lighter than his other Pinots, but makes a beautiful impression especially if it is a night filled with more wine.

Rasberry nose and hint of five spice towards the end…simple…

 William Downie Cathedral Pinot Noir 2021 Rating: B+ Price:

Barossa “Old Hands” Cabernet Sauvignon

I don’t know what the Welland wines team are doing to create these beautiful wines, but don’t stop.  Their motto is ‘a group of friends, an old vineyard and its resurrection.’ That summarises this wine perfectly.

Soft and rich Barossa Cab Sav, that takes you on taste journey through black forests and ends in the rolling hills of happiness.

This winery is in the hunt for my winery of the year.

 Welland Wines Barossa “Old Hands” Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

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

And whatever you chose to open…simple…

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

Recommendation: I have already bought more. 🍷

So as my previous post outlined this got 97 from James Halliday, which puts it into the ‘Exceptional’ class.

Initial thoughts I’m smelling a bag of red frogs. Which is beautiful. Taste is light but heavier than other Grenache varieties I had recently. The flavour then reveals a unique edge and I instantly feel that same way that Barossa Shiraz is different. A lot more meatier. Edgier. Raspberry is my end flavour. Great length.

This is a great value wine and a uniquely Barossa spin on Grenache.

This was such a hard decision and I think of James Halliday as Mr Wine Australia. So, when he says 97 points I have an expectation of the wine. A previous knowledge of how good these are can be. I think this clouded my judgment. I think I was wanting more. This was a tough decision. For me it was between a B+ and an A-

I have bought more. Definitely would love to know your thoughts.

 Z Wines Rustica Barossa Valley Grenache Rating: B+ Price:

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

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

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

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

This wine asks more questions than it answers.

How much did Snoop Dogg get for this endorsement?

Is this just mass marketing to a new audience?

Will other known criminals* start a wine label? Maybe the Milat Merlot or the Chopper Chardonnay

I think I’ll drop it like it’s hot..simple...

 19 Crimes Cali Red (the Snoop Dogg One) Californian Red

The Rainman Decanter was designed by Sundén Ringnér in Sweden. 📷 from contemporist.com

 Could be messy but looks good. The Rainman Decanter was

Recommendation: Buy. If you like riding in the front seat of a roller coaster.

This is cranky beast of a wine. Powerful is an understatement, especially on that the first sip.

It’s that first drop on a roller coaster 🎢 exciting but terrifying then after the initial drop you love that rush, that speed. You finish and immediately line up again.

Didn’t expect that. But loved it...simple...

 Clandestine Vineyards Malbec Rating: B+ Price: $30

I’ve had Mothers Milk a few times over the years and without fail the 2019 is up there with the best from this label.

It is different to most Barossa Shiraz styles. The 2019 Mothers Milk is soft and doesn’t have any kick at the back of the throat. There is a softness that is mellow, even comforting.

This was opened at a dinner with friends at a local restaurant. And it wasn’t my pick. Someone laughed at the name and decided they have to try It.

This would be my first taste of the 2019 vintage. Out came the wine and everyone had a taste. At that point you know it must be good when everyone at the table responds with “wow that’s good” or “I like that”.

When a wine delivers and pleases so many tastes and personalities, that’s when you know it’s a good wine. It’s actually rare that everyone at a table loves the same wine.

Overall it must be tough at First Drop winery, not only did they pick a brilliant name for a wine but now you have to back it up year after year to uphold that title.

 Mothers Milk by First Drop Wines 2019 Barossa Shiraz

Dark fruit, soft but enough moody spice to tick all the right boxes. A very good little number from

I reviewed their Barossa Shiraz back in October with a ‘Ridiculous Value’ recommendation. I give this the same recommendation, ‘Ridiculous Value’.

I do love and appreciate (even amazed) how a winery can deliver such a wine to the bottle shop shelf or your home for under $20. I find myself saying “that was $20 bucks” with the surprised excitement of finding a little pot of gold.

Actually considering both wines, they would be perfect for a side by side tasting at your own dinner party. These really show the difference between Heathcote and Barossa Shiraz. Either way this is a great little bargain for sub $20...simple...

 Smith's Lane Reserve Heathcote Shiraz 2017 Price: $18

Father’s Day Present 🎁 Option 4️⃣

Saltram No 1 is history in a bottle. Big, bold and beautiful. Just a classic Barossa Shiraz. . .

 Father’s Day Present 🎁 Option 4️⃣ Saltram No. 1 Price: $75+ 🍷

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

These three varieties that Main & Cherry have created form the perfect bbq trio. Everything you need in three bottles.  You can have a fresh exciting Spanish Tempranillo that works with anything but loves those Spanish spices and flavour. The Sangiovese is built for a char grilled steak. I’d leave the Shiraz to last. Savour every sip. With a few years under its belt and drinking at its peak. At only $22 it is a steal. All wines work and are very good by themselves, but as a trio they compliment each other like a dream. Delicious...simple...

A great selection of wines that create your own wine dinner with friends or family.

 Main & Cherry Wines from McLaren Vale. 2019 Tempranillo

Has to be the bargain of the year so far. Old vine special wine that creates a generous and easy to drink experience. It that makes you want more. At $25

 provides an amazing wine that absolutely delicious.

I’d be happy to drink this wine weekly for a very long time. Ticks so many boxes.

 Purple Hands Wines Old Vine Barossa Valley Grenache 2019

A cold snap has hit the Gold Coast as it is a bitterly cold 18 degrees. So I reached for a warming Chris Ringland Shiraz. It’s been about 18 months since I’ve had one of these and although Still young, you taste and feel that beautiful velvet touch that is full of rich dark chocolate and spicy pepper. Not a wine for the faint hearted but that’s they way I like my Barossa Shiraz.

Overall, I wish I bought more....simple...

 Chris Ringland The Makers Edition 2017 Barossa Shiraz An

Recommendation: A completely different Pinot

You will have to pour a glass to really see what I mean but this is a cloudy funky looking thing. I instantly think of Cosmo Kramer, usually referred to as simply "Kramer", from Seinfeld. Just eccentric, quirky and outright different, but in a way you love.

 Moorak 19' Woodside Pinot Noir Adelaide Hills '777' Rating:

Recommendation: Buy. The bottle is only half the story

So I bought this wine solely for the bottle.

It’s a cool, unique looking wine bottle that is more suited to rum or whiskey.

The name ‘Kings Of Prohibition’ is formed the roaring twenties, prohibition and of course the bootleggers that covertly moved alcohol around the USA.

Quite fitting during times like this as some States move further into lockdown and curfews introduced into Victoria. You can really get a sense of how prohibition times must have felt.

After the first sip it becomes more about the wine than the bottle. This wine is very good. Actually I’m shocked how good it is.

Intense but smooth. Great flavour of berries, dark chocolate and an overall roundness that is very drinkable. This will not last forever in the cellar, nor it should. Drink it now...simple...

 Kings Of Prohibition Shiraz Rating: B+ Price: $22

At 12.0% alcohol, this one is built for that lunch time wine. Medium body that is a cherry bomb. On the sweeter side that pair well with a little chilli or even a quick pub chicken parmigiana.

Pour straight into a glass with a quick swirl and drink...simple...

 Garbin Estate Sangiovese 2019 Rating: B Price: $23

Happy International Cabernet Sauvignon Day

 Happy International Cabernet Sauvignon Day What are you

To honour the winery winning quite a few awards in Vienna, I decided to do the review in German;

große kühne konzentrierte mclaren vale syrah, die ein tolles $ 20 Schnäppchen ist...einfach...

 Pirramimma Stock’s Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 Rating: B

It’s Christmas 🎄 in July...sneak peak of what arrived today....

 It’s Christmas 🎄 in July...sneak peak of what arrived

Pinot from Margaret River? I must admit I haven’t had too many Pinots from Margaret River, but this one proves that in the correct environment, along with skilled winemaking anything can be done.

Strawberry and cherries are the main flavour but it screams freshness. Light to Medium body, good acid and but overall just an enjoyable wine.

At $19 this is one of the best value pinots I have had this year.

To compliment the wine is the beautiful label. This is part of the Happs Indigenous Series of wines. A different Aboriginal artwork is featured on the label of every new release. This one is titled ‘Mina Mina Dreaming’ by artist Susie Nan Gala Watson. As you know I love wine labels and this one is absolutely Beautiful...simple…

 Happs Wines iSeries Pinot Noir 2020 Margaret River Rating:

Recommendation: If you love a big Barossa Shiraz

There is no mucking around with this one. Just a delivery of Barossa Shiraz that you expect. Concentrated. Long finish. I would recommend decanting for at least an hour prior to serving.…simple…

🔐Cellar: Already has 4 years but I’d be drinking around 2023+

 Stonefish Reserve Shiraz 2017 Rating: B+ Price: $40

So the cigar title is actually named after the unique cigar-shaped strip of rich soil that defines the famous Coonawarra wine region. I thought it would be named after an actual cigar.

I know smoking is bad for you but even if you have never smoked a cigar, that word ‘cigar’ just creates images. Images of a darkened room, historical books, log fire, reclaimed timber and a well worn leather lounge. This wine is that image. The smell is of leather and old books.

For some reason I think of a famous photo of Jack Nicolson sucking on a big cigar. It’s just creates an image of not really giving a f@$k about anything.

This wine makes you relax and just enjoy the simple pleasure of crushed grapes in a glass...simple...

🎁 For everyone who like a medium + red

 Beijing and the 100’s of images of Jack Nicholson originally by ??? I would love to know the original photographer. Please let me know in the comments as although I searched for a while and could find it.

 Yalumba The Cigar Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

The latest release of this famous wine. With 5 trophies under its belt including the best red wine and the best shiraz at the 2019 Hunter Valley Wine awards.

Dark and moody tied in with the elegance you expect from a Hunter Shiraz. Will give wines double its price a run, do I dare say this is great value and a bargain at $50?

If you want to start collecting celebration wines* this is a great one. Will be a perfect wine to celebrate 10th anniversary or child's 18th. With peak drinking until 2043, you can actually open this for a 21st even if your baby isn't even born yet. Now thats planning ...simple...

(*celebration wine is a wine that you buy to store for an upcoming event. A lot of people buy a special wine when their baby is born but there are so many more possible opportunities (excuses) to buy a special wine. For example basic ones like anniversaries or birthdays but why not include child’s first day of school (you deserve a wine after all those years) or graduating uni or a lengthly course or what about 10 years in a career) 🍷 .

 Mount Pleasant 2018 Rosehill Shiraz Rating: A Price: $50

Soft, even cuddly but there is a tiny bit of spice at the end that creates a good length. A bit more character.

This is a Yarra Valley Shiraz with that softer feel but I taste a tiny bit of a kick. A great little crossover. I do like it. A lot of wineries in cooler climates are using the term Syrah but I understand why this is a Shiraz. I don’t know if that was planned or just coincidence.

To put in perspective and compare it best, I would describe it as 80% Yarra with 20% of a Barossa kick yet still maintaining a mellow feel.

Definitely a new name on my radar. Well done Mandala Wines...simple...

 Mandala Wines Yarra Valley Shiraz 2018 Rating: B+ Price:

Apparently the Constrictor knot is the hardest knot to untie once tightened 🤔

🍇 Grenache is the main player but complemented with just the right amount of Shiraz and Mourvèdre.

 Red Knot by Shingleback Wines Classified GSM Rating: B+

_forbes_wines cellar beautifully and definitely worth buying a few.

_forbes_wines actually outline “We have chosen not to provide traditional tasting notes for any of our wines. Our wines hopefully capture vineyard life and vitality. As such the wines are constantly evolving. The only tasting notes that matter are yours.”

My notes: Absolutely loved this wine. Need to buy more.

 Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Syrah 2016 From the Cellar 🍷

 cheapest Shiraz, I must taste the good stuff...simple...