If you’re like me and haven’t had the greatest experience then I can highly recommend Campbell’s The Barkley… this is a totally different proposition! It feels like a proper wine, if that makes sense at all. Super expressive nose of dark fruits and savoury spice, big but not “wow here comes a headache” big. On the palate it is rich, opulent, and elegant with a velvety texture. Plenty of ripe dark fruits, blackberries and black cherry, followed by graphite-like, leathery, liquorice savoury layers. One for the cellar, but also very fun now!

 What’re your thoughts on Durif? If you’re like me and

By Farr can do almost no wrong in my book and having recently visited the Mornington Peninsular I thought I should pick up a Farr from the region. Philippa Farr’s 2017 Pinot Noir ought to do the trick and with vintages completed at Bellvale, Bouzeron, Domaine Dujac, By Farr and Purple Hen I’m hoping for a great drop. If you’ve tried it let me know what you think. I’ll let you know either way 🤗🍷🙌

 By Farr can do almost no wrong in my book and having

Welcome the the cellar Sami Odi 2019. You’re in good company 👏🏼🍷🙏🏼

 Welcome the the cellar Sami Odi 2019. You’re in good

If you could pick one to try, which would it be? Lamella, Relic, Schubert Theorum, or The Standish?

In my opinion these Standish Wine Co wines are amongst the best Australian examples of Shiraz I’ve been lucky enough to stumble across in recent years. With 4 different expressions covering Eden Valley / Marananga / Greenock and a Shiraz Viognier, the only challenge is picking which one to drink!

 If you could pick one to try, which would it be? Lamella

Greystone Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s South Island... hmm, I should drink more from

NZ! Bright ruby and youthful looking in the glass. The nose is complex with layers of red berries and black cherry, exotic spices and earthy savoury notes. The palate is impressive, verging on full bodied and packed with flavour. Ripe red fruits, blackberries, mulberries all nicely balanced with dried herbs and again the earthy notes adding complexity. Great tannins and balanced acidity all contribute to the structure and impressive length. Note to self... drink more NZ wine.

 Greystone Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s South Island

Is this a benchmark for Aussie Pinot Noir? I hear, and read, it on an ongoing basis, and as it’s the one wine from the Farr range I’m yet to try (shockingly) I’m keen to get your thoughts! Either way, i can’t wait to try it. The Farr family make exceptional wines!

 Is this a benchmark for Aussie Pinot Noir? I hear, and

What was the last wine that surprised you? -

My nomination is this Barossa Boy Little Helper GSM which, despite not being a huge GSM fan, is absolutely smashable. It’s packed with a core red fruits, dark berries, and a touch of dried herbs on the nose. Super lush on the palate with plenty of texture as the fruit comes to the fore before the savoury earthy and oaky notes wrap it up. I’d happily wrap my chops around this any time!

 What was the last wine that surprised you? - My nomination

Quin Wines Barossa Grenache… what a wine! One of the best examples of Grenache I’ve tried in recent memory. 90 year old vines, part whole bunch, leading to a savoury, dried-raspberry, potpourri infused nose. The palate is filled with red fruit, crunchy, medium bodied, and fine. There’s a touch of darker pomegranate flavour there too, helping to lift the fruit above the spicy, woody notes. Aussie Grenache is bloody great!

 Quin Wines Barossa Grenache… what a wine! One of the best

The Old Block, the top dog of the St Hallett range has always been a favorite of mine. No disappointment here, I’m pleased to report. -

Dark cherry, cola, plums and soft oak on the nose. Really very silken and svelte. Powerful and controlled on the palate, very balanced and harmonious. Cherry cola meets plums and prunes, gentle clove, anise going on here as well. It’s beautifully concentrated and finishes very long. It’s a quality wine, very very nice.

 The Old Block, the top dog of the St Hallett range has

Can you guess the producer and variety? It’s an easy one 😉🍷🤔

 Can you guess the producer and variety? It’s an easy one

Some pretty serious wines found their way into the cellar today. Three Aussie “best of breeds” and this bucket list Super Tuscan! I’d of thought it’ll be a few years before these come out again... fingers crossed!

 Some pretty serious wines found their way into the cellar

Well this was an absolute treat and won’t be forgotten for a while! Sami-Odi HD 2018 and Little Wine No.9 tasted and as expected they’re about as close to drinking perfection as you get (for me). There’s a magic to these wines highlighted by the way they evolve right before your eyes, constantly revealing new dimensions and layers of flavour. In a word, spellbinding! -

 Well this was an absolute treat and won’t be forgotten for

So this is why I try to avoid wine shops as much as possible... Hunter Valley Royalty! -