Pinot Blanc, not all that common but could be a new ‘go to’ white variety. Described by

 as “the white cousin of Pinot Noir”, it is a creamy lemon, citrus delight with a texture that provides instant happiness. A crisp finish that makes you demand more…simple…

 Colours of the South by Purple Hands Wines 2020 Barossa

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

A blend of Savagnin Chardonnay creates this truely different and exciting wine. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride.

It’s a multiple vintage blend of Savagnin from 2019 and Chardonnay from 2020. With no filtration and no sulphites you get a wine that has plenty of character. Apples and lemon for days…simple…

 Scintilla Wines MV Ə'LEKTRIK Rating: B Price: $36

A picture says a thousand words…simple…

 Soumah Equilibrio Chardonnay 2018 Rating: B+ Price: $70

This is a blend. Not in the usual sense but a blend of two Grenache vineyards.

70% is made of 1947 planted Grenache old bush vines, while the remaining 30% is crafted from Grenache planted in 1990 on the western side of Mclaren township.

Interesting blend* and very easy to drink. A combination of chocolate and a little Chinese five spice towards the end. You won’t stop at one glass…simple…

 NX GEN Grenache By Shingleback Wines Rating: B Price: $25

No need for food or anything else with this wine. Just drink and enjoy…simple…

 Koonara Lucy and Alice 2020 Pinot Gris Rating: B Price: $23

A royal flush in poker is exceptionally rare and is therefore the most coveted hand.

So is this the Royal Flush of Yarra Valley Pinot?

No doubt this wine needs more time. Patience. Just like playing poker. For $55 it presents ridiculous value.

 Hoddles Creek 1ER Pinot Noir 2019 Rating: A Price: $55

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

 Happy Friday…simple… #winebottle #winebottlecrafts

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

There have been some very good decisions made in the winemaking industry. Planting Cabernet Sauvignon in the Coonawarra as an example or Max Schubert deciding his bosses were wrong and continuing to make a wine now known as Grange.

Another very good decision was for George and Jo to buy a vineyard and plant as they say “a little patch” of vines which includes

The photo reflects the taste and smell of the wine but what it doesn’t show is the gutsy decisions that were made to create this wine. The fact that George bought a

 on a whim and then they planted some still relatively unknown varieties to mainstream wine drinkers.

All of this has paid off with a beautiful wine. If I could have found some leather and tobacco, I would have added that in the glass as well.

To George, Jo and all those other winemakers and owners who make those brave decisions to make something different, plant something new, cheers.

 George’s Folly Unguarded Moment Nero d’Avola Rating: B

I don’t usually post or review wines from outside Australia, mainly as I don’t know enough or actually drank enough foreign wine. Not that I don’t like it, quite the opposite.

We all know lockdown means online shopping. I saw this unusual bottle, different label and had no idea about it. Done, I had to buy it. Impulse shopping at its best.

First impression was that cork. It made me smile. A little Easter egg find.

There wasnt much information on the label other than it said it was a product of Austria. First mistake, I thought it may have been German. As I scanned the label -  knowing that I can’t read German, the only thing I can possibly make out is the wine term is GmbH. Maybe this is a Grenache Merlot blend?? Wrong again. GmbH is actually a German abbreviation of the German phrase “Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung,” which means "company with limited liability” 🤔

Anyway that’s enough homeschooling for the night. Back to the wine.

It doesn’t disappoint at all. The wine is the same as the label, unique, unusual and different but all in a good way….simple…

 2020 Claus Preisinder ‘Puszta Libre’ I don’t usually post

With notification that Hutton Vale Farm will be releasing their next vintages of wines, I decided to open their Grenache Mataro.

Another brilliant wine. Few words are required. Just delicious.

It made me actually look back at my ratings of this winery and without doubt it is one of the favourites for Winery of the Year. With their Shiraz being the standout.

If you don’t believe me even Sir Halliday scored their Shiraz 97 points with the word ‘flawless’ in the description. Meanwhile this Grenache Mataro only received 96 (tongue in cheek)

You can clearly see I love the wines the team at

I know they are at the higher end of wine budgets but they are worth it…simple…

 Hutton Vale Farm Grenache Mataro 2016 Rating: A- Price: $75

 Upcoming review…simple… @georgesfollywines #wine #winereels

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: Buy. Coastal sea breeze in a glass.

Is it me or has there been an explosion of Semillon blended with Fiano recently? Not that is a bad thing. Winemakers are really pushing the boundaries and blending this mainly Italian grape with semillion to create a unique combination that I am loving at the moment.

Varney Wines have create a wine that screams coastal happiness. I can smell the ocean and feel the breeze.

With a 60% Semillon, 40% Fiano blend this is one to remember. A young white wine that gives plenty of texture and backend flavour with a with a bite that is subtle but makes to reach for another sip.

I think this is worth the price and clearly rated as 'Great'...simple...

 Varney Wines Semillon Fiano 2018 Rating: A- Price: $28

Fumé Blanc? I hear you say. Well it is the French name for Sauvignon blanc.

So is this the “Tarjay” 🎯of the Savvy Blanc 🤔

This is a fancy Sav Blanc and I don’t care what they call it, I love it.

 Jericho Fumé Blanc 2018 Rating: B+ Price: $25

Recommendation: Strong Buy ridiculous value

I’ve had a couple of Georgie’s wines over the past 6 months and without knowing I left the best for last. So good, to good for a Tuesday night. Actually this makes a start of the week bearable (technically today is Monday as yesterday was a recovery day after Australia Day if you know what I mean)

So with this I’m celebrating a short week and schools back tomorrow 🥳. But back to the wine, Georgie you need to put the price up. No wait till I’ve ordered more 😂

You can’t just walk into a bottle shop and get this but trust me it’s worth getting online and buying 6.

 but I’ve bought 6 more tonight...simple...

 Georgie Orbach Cab Sav 2017 Rating: B+ Price: $10

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

So this is a 3 way (get out of the gutter) taste of some of the current Taylors Shiraz that you can currently buy. I bought all three and did a side by side taste.

3. 2014 Taylors Estate Shiraz (Cellar Release) $22.80

all from the Clare Valley of South Australia

Looking at the labels, they have more gold medals than Ian Thorpe, so which one this the best to buy?

 at the moment. At $22, it already has 5 years under its belt, great wine to drink this weekend. Has aged characteristics which brings out some extra quality compared to the other two. Its a very good drink, but clearly shows how a wine can improve and develop over time.

Then I compare the Estate and the Reserve. Both from the 2017 vintage, the Reserve is represents the "finest aspects" of each vintage. The Estate is the entry level Shiraz from Taylors.

They are both great for separate reasons and I can't split the two. I like them both. The Estate is very easy to drink but still delivers length and taste, while the Reserve has a more rich intense profile. Both quality wines. Both will age beautifully.

But as a consumer and who actually buys wine, I just can't get past the $10 difference. The Reserve is definitely worth $22 on its own, but I'd rather buy two of the Estate. No actually buy 6, then in a few years time, it will be better than the above mentioned 2014.

This buying wine caper can be harder than it looks sometimes.

Recommendation: Buy 5 of the 2017 Estate and 1 of the 2014...simple...

 So this is a 3 way (get out of the gutter) taste of some of

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

1. To perform, achieve, or do something at a level that is considered beyond one's abilities, talents, or personal attributes.

Koonara wines have produced a great Chardonnay that is punching above its weight.

Crisp pink lady apple with layer of creamy buttery flavour, which is subtle but creates yet another layer of this well balanced and a quality Chardonnay.

I don’t think I could ask for more at this price point...simple...

Free Shipping in Australia for 6 bottles or more. Link through

 Koonara Wines Cape Banks Mount Gambier Chardonnay 2019

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

Why I don’t post about wines I didn’t like….

I have had a few questions about this, so I thought I would explain why “not all wines make the list”

Just because I don’t like it, doesn’t mean it isn’t good or you won’t like it.

I never want to criticise or be judgemental to anyones work, passion or dream.

I started winereview_simple to recommend wine to friends and family. That has grown to a new audience, like yourself, but my main objective is still to recommend wine, whether that be something different, unique or the best wine I’ve had.

If everyone had the same taste, we all would be driving the same car and listening to the same music…simple…

 Why I don’t post about wines I didn’t like…. Wine is

Rating: Strong Buy Bargain of the year (so far) 🍷  2015 Young Brute crafted by the Casella Family Wines.

This is currently $11.30 at Dan Murphy (No collaboration with Dan Murphy. Total independent review). This was going to be my bargain of the first half of the year anyway and that was at $15 (yes, I bought 6 at $15) but when I just checked the internet, Dan’s has a clearance special at $11.30. 😲🤑🤩

This is a big red and as the label says a ‘Young Brute’. It’s a brute with lots of flavour, loads of oak and a very rich/long finish. If you don’t believe me check the awards, which include

2 Gold Medals - 2016 Rutherglen Wine Show & 2016 Royal Melbourne Wine Show for Best Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon Blend and Runner Up at the Jimmy Watson Trophy 2016.

Wines at $100 would be happy with this. Love it at $30 let alone $11. Absolute bargain...simple...

 Rating: Strong Buy Bargain of the year (so far) 🍷  2015

I love his story and the way he makes wines.

You can feel that base guitar with the beat of the drum.

This is Triple M in a glass. Stay with me for a second and let me explain.

Triple M is that classic rock radio station, that is just an Australian institution. I grew up with it.

In the days where we have Spotify and other digital mediums, I still tune into Triple M and somehow hear music I just forgot about or songs I would never type into Spotify. Yes ads are annoying but what do you do. Everyone has to pay the bills.

So what does this have to do with the wine?

All of it. The wine is classic Australian. That hard edge of Shiraz. That length which seems to hold forever. It’s the opposite of a soft wine but equally holds it’s all together without punching you in the throat. I’m happy. Very happy. It is that classic rock song. It stirs up memories or great times. Just a like a great song.

My recommendation is find your favourite your song, take a sip and belt out chorus with a slight head nod.

Just to add this is not sponsored in any way by

 Its just where I live. Just an independent wine review.

 David Franz 2017 'HP' Hydraulic Press Shiraz Rating: A-

Spicy, savoury Pinot that is as interesting as the label. It’s a funky little beast that if I compared it to a musician, they would be classically trained but have dreadlocks.

Different, playful and not your average Pinot but well worth buying…simple…

 Payten + Jones Yarra Valley Vignerons Pinot Noir 2020

It appears this wine is already 'Sold Out', which means everyone had the same opinion I had.

Just the sheer fact I can't get it anymore, makes me want it more...simple...

 Mont Wines Syrah from the Yarra Valley Rating: B+ Price:

A down to earth Pinot from the Yarra Valley. A mix between those dark fruits of cherry and blueberry but does add a little spice at the end.

This one comes down to price, at $20, I would buy a few more and a good Pinot for that mid week drink, but once you hit the $30 mark, there is so much competition and I’ve had better vintages ...simple...

 The Hills by Coldstream Hills Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2019

I’ll describe this wine as taking a sip of pure mountain spring water. Uncontaminated. Feels cold and refreshing. It resembles breathing in on a frosty morning. Crispy.

A sensation that should be deemed healthy...simple...

Lino Ramble is a McLaren Vale winery that in their words “have a love affair with all things Mediterranean”, Grillo is an ancient Sicilian white grape variety. The fruit for this wine is sourced from the very first McLaren Vale plantings of Grillo grown by Chalk Hill Viticulture in their Lanark’s Vineyard on Chaple Hill Road.

Definitely this grape is perfect for the McLaren Vale environment and I’ll be drinking a lot more.

 Lino Ramble 2018 Solitaire Grillo McLaren Vale Rating: B+

Rating: Buy 🍷  Chateau Dorrien 2016 Falcons Nest Barossa Shiraz. Full disclosure this was a complimentary bottle from

I’m nervous. My first free bottle. What happens if I don’t like it? What do I do? But it’s ok. It’s more than ok. I like it. Big & bold. Such a classic Barossa Shiraz. A punch 👊 in the face but then gives you a cuddle. Surprised about the soft ending. Great year, great wine. Now add the price and the current deal, this is very good wine. A big Barossa Shiraz from 2016 for $15 or less is ridiculous. At least I’m going to buy some more...simple... www.chateaudorrien.com.au

However for this month only without using a code online customers get 6 of this Shiraz for $90 ($15 per bottle) or

 Rating: Buy 🍷  Chateau Dorrien 2016 Falcons Nest Barossa

Step three: Crack this open and pour a healthy glass, take a sip and ponder the world...simple...