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

Clonakilla can do no wrong in my eyes. Their Shiraz Viognier is exceptional. However, perhaps not an everyday wine. This Hiltop’s Shiraz, 2017, on the other hand is a ripper. Everything about this wine from the sight, smell and taste is awesome and for its price it takes an awful lot to beat. Buy! 🍷

 Clonakilla can do no wrong in my eyes. Their Shiraz

Are you a Natural wine fan? I’ve been seeing and hearing a lot about them lately so I’m trying these from Nova Vita to see what all the fuss is about. I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts! -

 Are you a Natural wine fan? I’ve been seeing and hearing a

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

 Port Phillip Estate 2018 Red Hill Chardonnay Rating: A-

Gold Digger’s Ghost Pyrenees Shiraz 2017

Recommendation: Strong Buy. A quality wine for $22

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

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

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

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:

2019 McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre (GSM)

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

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

This is the fourth variety I’ve had from

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

 Jericho Wines 2019 McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre

I wanted to see how this was developing in the cellar. Although still very young, I loved this wine when first released and I couldn’t resist opening another one.

The development is slow. Let's start with it is still a beautiful wine and everything I remember. Initial thoughts 🤔  I better buy some more.

High alcohol content hasn’t disappeared. No real changed from the notes I made originally (and that’s not a bad thing)

Recommendation: This will take further time to develop and fingers crossed, I think I will leave it another 5 years before I open another.

The back of the label outlines 10 years but I’m thinking that will be a minimum. I’m thinking more like 15 to reach that peak drinking window. But I love drinking this now and the hardest thing will be letting this wine last that long. Maybe I better buy some more…simple…

 An update of the Pirathon Silver Shiraz 2017 I wanted to

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

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Seventy-Six Shiraz Cabernet 2015

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

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

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

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

 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Seventy-Six Shiraz Cabernet 2015

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

This was a little surprise. A good blend that would suit a light merlot drinker but also gives enough flavour for wine drinker (wanker) to enjoy. Definitely a midweek quaffer that would a variety of people...simple...

 Ingoldby McLaren Vale Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2016 Rating:

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

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

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

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

I can not find a wine that matches the taste and quality and the price. For the price you can't beat it. In addition, I drank this multiple times through the year and although some where originally for the cellar none however made it to 2021.

Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Riesling 2019

The best Riesling I’ve have had this decade.

Nah seriously, it’s a great wine and truely one the best I’ve had in a while.

$24 is ridiculous value for what you get. Dry, tight and super tasting. Lime is at the forefront and the length lasts as long as a flight from Bris Vegas to Adelaide and a Uber to the Eden Valley. Book me  I’m on my way

 White Wine of the Year: Torzi Matthews for the Frost Dodger

Rating: Special Buy 🍷  2016 Taylors Winemakers Project Barrel Selection Pinot Noir from Tasmania. (wow, say that three times) This is normally $48 a bottle but at Dan Murphy’s, they have a members special of $25. Ridiculous value at $25. A good little bite and a length as long as the name. No more words, just buy...simple... (Independent review. I bought this wine myself & I’ll be buying more)

 Rating: Special Buy 🍷  2016 Taylors Winemakers Project

Full flavour with a touch of sweetness that creates an overall luscious feel.

Completely different from most Rieslings. It feel luxurious with an impressive length.

A lot of reviews outline a lemon lime character but I tasted a focus of apricot with a creamy texture.

On a side note do you ever find it hard to pair a wine with spicier food, like a curry or even Italian sausage or even some spicier salamis?

Well this is it. Perfect for that Thai BYO.

This is built for a curry. I paired it with an spicy Italian sausage pizza and it was a brilliant combination.

💰 A very good wine and worth the price

You may have noticed I have added ‘in paid partnership’ above the post and photo. I did not get paid to post about this wine.

I have always outlined in my posts if the wine was complimentary, but some people are saying Instagram now requires the tagging of related partnerships whether it is free or a paid endorsement. IG now outlines getting free products is the same as being paid in their terms and conditions.

Receiving complimentary or free wine  does not impact my review. It is a requirement before I post about any wine that it must reach a score a minimum of C and most importantly want to recommend it to my audience.

 Hutton Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2019 Rating: A- Price: $35

Recommendation: Buy. Great little bargain

This one is from the Swan Valley Region of Perth, Western Australia. Different to the aged Hunter Valley Semillon I’ve been having recently. Definitely lighter at the start but a great little burst of flavour with a zesty edge.  I’m surprised by the freshness. A flood of flavour. Each sip seems to get better and better. If I had this again, I’d actually decanter it. It seems to have the best of both worlds with the complexity of aged white mixed with the freshness of young semillon.

I still can’t believe it’s only $20...simple...

 Garbin Estate 2012 Semillon @garbinestatewines Swan Valley

Recommendation: It was that good it sold out.

There are a couple awesome benefits of this Instagram thing. One is discovering new wineries and the other (I must admit the best) is getting free wine.

 hit both of these, they gave me some complementary wine and prior to that I'd never heard of them.

Varney Wines is the combination of a lifelong wine career of Alan & Kathrin Varney. Who after working for some of the big wineries, bought a block of land and started their dream of making their own wine and more importantly under their own label.

Varney wines are small quantity, limited release, modern day wines from vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.

Its at this point you start to understand the devastating effect of the the bush fires, not only in the Adelaide Hills, but all over Australia. Its the owner, winemaker, fruit pickers, cellar door assistants all the way to the distributors who are all affected.

This Chardonnay was from a single block at the Rathdowne Estate in the Adelaide Hills. As I drink this, I don't know if this vineyard was affected by the fires, but I do know how many people worked together to bring me this wine.

How good is it? Well it sold out...simple...

My apologies for not reviewing this earlier so you had a chance to buy some. Good news is I have a Shiraz and a couple of blends to review in the near future. Until then buy Australian wine and maybe favour those wine regions impacted by this terrible disaster. 🍷

 Varney Wines 2018 Chardonnay Rating: B+ Price: $32

Buy Again: Yes, when you need a great white wine.

My original love for charadonnay started with the Bin 311.

 and jumped at the chance to taste the latest offering of my old friend.

It’s been a while and over the years I’ve tasted others, I’ve enjoyed them, I like to try new things, other options but you know you will always remember your first. I think everyone does 🤔 Hang on I digress, back the 🚌 up and back to the 🍇...

A lot has been written about Chardonnay the good, the oak and the bad, especially during the Kath & Kim days. Get me a CARdonay.

When done right it is very good. I’m all for experimenting and different styles or methods and I love those versions but it’s something about Penfolds Chardonnay. They just do it right. They are constantly good. I love that taste...simple...

_mum for recommending to have the wine with a roast 🐓

Perfect match. The juicy meat with crisp skin combined with that buttery flavour baked potatoes with a hint of garlic & herbs matches this wine 💯%. Thanks mate great 💡

The Parker family’s passion for wine has been passed on from one generation to the next. To “Uncork and Unwind”® with a great bottle of wine is indeed a revered & long held family tradition.

The team behind Parker’s Cellar possesses decades of experience in viticulture, from grape to glass. 🍷

A Parker’s Cellar membership (which is free to join!) allows fellow wine lovers to access unrivalled pricing on your favourite wines, with the added convenience of bottles delivered direct to your door. .

 Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay Rating: A- Price: $40 Buy

Entry level Adelaide Hills Chardonnay from the Penfolds label.

Light, soft even a bit shy compared to a normal Chardonnay I usually have but still shows the quality and style I expect from

 No heavy oak or buttery flavour, a little more lime or zest and creamy texture.

🎁 Great present. Won’t offend anyone

 Penfolds Max's Chardonnay 2018 Rating: B Price: $23 to $29

2019 Roxanne the Razor by Delinquent Wines

Recommendation: A nice soft way to start the night. 🍷

A light blend. You can taste the fruit but in a soft gentle way. I didn’t expect that after seeing the label. On that note how good is the label? 🍷

 2019 Roxanne the Razor by Delinquent Wines Negroamaro and

It is dirty, rough but pure entertainment just like a your favourite rock band at a little pub before they got famous. It’s a rockstar 🎸

Details are a little brief, Witness Point Batch 6. No other information. Not even the variety or region.

Google is just as brief but I did find it could have been made by

But whoever made this, wherever it’s from or the type of grapes used. Well done. 🍷 .

 Witness Point Batch 6 2013 Rating: A- Price: $24

Big, bold, loveable Shiraz that you gulp. Very happy with this

 Small Change Shiraz 2017 Longhorne Creek South Australia

Geoff Merrill Reserve Chardonnay 2016 McLaren Vale

Buy Again: Getting some more as we speak 🍷

This will be quick, the best Chardonnay I’ve had this year*...simple...

 Geoff Merrill Reserve Chardonnay 2016 McLaren Vale Rating:

Graciano is a Spanish grape normally found in Rioja Spain, but RedHeads wine have used this in their Blue Belle. Aussie slang for a red head lady (same as Bluey for a bloke)

Instantly I think of a Spanish Lady (with vibrant red hair, of course) dancing the Bolero, featuring unexpected pauses and sharp turns. Just like this wine.

Very spicy, definitely unusual with an added Australian touch. The Blue Belle, vibrant la señora...simple...

 RedHeads Blue Belle Graciano 2018 Rating: B Price: $25

 Koomilya Shiraz 2014 by S.C. Pannell Rating: A Price: $60

Joshua Cooper is a Cult winemaker. He has to be up there when talking about Australia’s wine future.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of drinking one of his wines, you must. Start with one of his Pilots.

I recently found this little gem of a Syrah and without fail it is a master stroke of something different. Unlike any Syrah you have ever had. Just an eclectic collection of flavours that unite into a very good wine...simple...

(not affiliated with any but all have some great

 Joshua Cooper The Springs Syrah 2016 Rating: A- Price: $45

Rating: Buy 🍷  Grant Burge Filsell Old Vine Shiraz from the Barossa. This is one of those wines I buy every vintage. I love it and it has never disappointed. 🍷 This is a 2011 and needs some airing. Gets better each sip. Complex wine that has a long length that makes you want more and more. Wish I bought more...... 🍷 .

 Rating: Buy 🍷  Grant Burge Filsell Old Vine Shiraz from the

Recommendation: Strong Buy. Two is better than one (maybe)

Is this a battle? Clare Valley versus Eden Valley or a unison of both creating happiness.

No. 34 is a blend of Clare and Eden Valley Riesling.

Rieslingfreak already make No. 3 which sources grapes from the Clare Valley Riesling and a No. 4 from Eden Valley.

I’ve had both before and rate both as beautiful wines. Both are different in taste but I love both equally.

Is this 3 & 4’s love child? Or is 34 better than 3 or 4?

I don’t think this was the winemakers objective.

I personally think he has created an entirely different taste that is suited to any Riesling lover. A little softer and a tiny bit more of the peach and pear flavour. Maybe more Clare than Eden. I have no actual idea of the winemaking or blend but I’d call it 60/40.

No. 34 is a little beauty and at $19 it really is great value wine...simple...

 but with more than 14 numbers available, I still have to make my way through them all.

 Rieslingfreak No. 34 Clare & Eden Valley Riesling Rating:

Rating: Special 🍷  2017 Equilibrio Pinot Noir from

I recently reviewed Soumah’s other Pinot and was blown away, so when I saw they had a reserve Pinot, I had to try it. So this is the Equilibrio. Which means balance. The very best grapes, the best barrels and the goal to make the best Pinot. This is worth every cent. To quote the winery “Ultimate structure and balance”. Couldn’t agree more. Well done 👍 A great Pinot. One of the best I’ve ever had? Maybe...simple...

 Rating: Special 🍷  2017 Equilibrio Pinot Noir from

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

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