Not all wines can be great. Plenty are just ok drinks. And some are just bad. Here then is a selection of wines that almost made it to a pass mark …
After cracking the lid on this resoundingly good Grenache, I was tempted to text Juxtaposed winemaker Wes Pearson and tell him to put his prices up. Which I've done for …
The Calabria family’s more recent premium red releases are now Barossa, with a step up in quality expectations (and price). This Calabria Three Bridges Grenache 2018 leans a little too …
So much to like about the Maverick operation. Certified biodynamic old vines up in the Eden Valley. Thoughtful winemaking. Unquestioned intensity. This Maverick Trial Hill Grenache 2012 is ambitious too. From the …
I didn't try this Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2019 side-by-side with the High Sands and I wish I did, as this apprentice would really take it up to the old …
Just 55 dozen produced of Alan Varney's new Varney Grenache 2020 and it's delicious. The new vanguard of Grenache-based mid weight McLaren Vale reds from Yangarra. Varney, Juxtaposed, S.C. Pannell …
Its easy to become a Yangarra Grenache fanboy. Every wine has an unquestioned charisma, a sense of 'round peg in round hole' correctness about them that is unmistakable. This '17 …
Tellurian's reds just keep getting better. This Tellurian Grenache 2019 is solid, if a bit jubey, Heathcote Grenache with generosity and flavour. Easy attractive fruit, and has a certain fleshy depth …
While not quite in the same echelon as the Mataro, this Thorn-Clarke Single Vineyard Selection Grenache 2018 is handy drinking. From the 'Old Vine Block' it's all bright red raspberry Grenache …
Always like Jason Schwarz's Meta wines. Barossa drinkability plus. This Schwarz Meta Grenache 2019 is a bright, light and vibrant style, sourced from old vine fruit, and all tank matured …
I haven't seen any of the newest d'Arenberg releases, probably because of this review of the Dead Arm. Life is too short to not be brutally honest. Wines like this …
The name is quite a mouthful. But this Schild Estate Edgar Schild Old Bush Vine Reserve Grenache 2018 is just approachable and easy. Bright, ripe and glossy mod. Grenache. All mid palate …
Somehow this slipped through the net. A ball that went through to the keeper, when it should have been slotted through cover for an easy boundary. This Juxtaposed Old Vine …
While not in the same tier as the other Yalumba Grenache this Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache 2018 is such affable drinking. From dry grown vines at Vine Vale. this generous, …
Not all wines can be great. Plenty are just ok drinks. And some are just bad. Here then is a selection of wines that almost made it over the past few …
What a joy these Yalumba Grenache wines are. Pure celebrations of old vines, and complemented by winemaking that is deliberately understated. Well fucking done. This Yalumba Tri-Centenary Grenache 2015 is the top …
Don't mind me, I'll just be over here banging on about how good Barossa Grenache is (again). This red is a year old than the Vine Vale and a different …
Grenache is one of the most exciting varieties in the country. Australia is blessed with a wondrous resource of old vine Grenache and it's only in the last decade or …
You know what I like best about Yangarra's wines? The neck tags that the samples land with. There's no bullshit tasting notes (who cares), no marketing guff. Just facts. And …
I like feedback. Even negative feedback is useful if it's not abusive. So if ever you agree/disagree/take issue with something I've written, email me and let's chat about it. Or …
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. Needless to say, I discovered wine, and my life evolved with a unique dual focus - wine and environment.
Twenty years later and I spend my days wearing many (wine) hats, mostly as a writer, presenter and marketer.
I now judge at wine shows around the world, sit on the Australian Wine List of the Year awards panel and was once a Wine Journalism Young Gun (but baby that was years ago).
Currently, I write features for a variety of publications including National Liquor News, Gourmet Traveller WINE and the RAS, plus I'm a former Lifestyle FOOD channel wine expert.
In 2019 and 2020 I was voted in the Top 30 Best Wine Critics in The World, and in my spare time, I'm a sucker for punishment and run trail ultra marathons, much to the delight of my long-suffering family. Read more about me here or get in touch to book your next wine event with me here