December through to February are the big drinking months here at Australian Wine Review HQ. Peak drinking season. Sure, there is something open every day on the tasting bench, but …
One of the rare criticisms that I receive about this website (email me your criticisms FWIW) is around price. Specifically, I bang on way too much about expensive wines, and …
Following on from my Cabernet compilation on Monday, let me introduce you to the Shiraz/Syrah selection. Twenty of the better Shiraz to pass the desk in April, all in one handy …
The Story Marsanne Roussanne Viognier 2015 Rory Lane's Rhone blend comes from the Westgate Vineyard in the Grampians, which is a great spot for Shiraz (which by conventional wisdom all Rhone …
Best's Great Western Sparkling Shiraz 2013 I remain perplexed that more Australian Shiraz lovers don't appreciate the sparkling form. What isn't there to like? It's red wine, but for Australian weather. …
The Story Grampians Shiraz 2014 Rory Lane's latest Shiraz and it's a beauty - if in need of another 2 years minimum to show it's best. Sourced from three Grampians Shiraz …
R. Lane Vintners Westgate Vineyard Grampians Shiraz 2014 When you're presented with absolute primo fruit you've got to go 'all out'. To really think 'how can I make the best bloody …
Here's another new name to add to the list. Livewire is the label of Anthony Brain, a former chef who has spent time as winemaker for Bellarine Estate and De Bortoli (amongst …
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2014 I'm not even sure this is commercially released, but expect high points and plenty of praise when it lands. The only thing working against this …
Now here is a quite unexpected exclusive. These new 2014 Best's super premium releases aren't due to be released for another few weeks, but a kindly wine rep popped around with …
150 eh? Not a bad innings. Best's celebrate their 150th birthday next year and they're making a big deal about the occasion with special new packaging. To honest, I'd demand new livery …
Sneak peak at 2012 Torbreck RunRig and more from Game of Rhones Today was the Sydney instalment of Game of Rhones, a clever event from Dan Sims' Bottleshop Concepts. What it …
Best's White Gravels Hill Great Western Shiraz 2012 This is largely a cellar door only job, but one worth hunting out (though Great Western really is the middle of nowhere, so …
MT.0° Shiraz 2012 (Grampians/Alpine Valleys, Vic) 14%, Screwcap, $25 This comes from the Grant Burge owned 'Vignerons of the world'. A blend of Grampians/Alpine Valleys fruit in some quite modern packaging. I'd love …
At 18, I started working in a small suburban bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. It was my first year of university, slogging through physics and chemistry, so a liquor shop seemed like fun. But then, I fell in love with wine and craft beer, and it took over my life.
Twenty three years later and I spend my days wearing many beverage hats and judge at wine shows around the world...Read more