Let's not bullshit, the vast majority of wines made aren't compelling. They're not. There's a tiny quantity that are compelling, but most are are pleasant, well made, if unexciting. And some wines are just poor. Here …
John Duval Annexus Mataro 2016 Would you believe that this is ex-Penfolds winemaker John Duval's first ever straight Mataro? Like Grenache, Barossa Mataro/Mourvedre/Monastrell/choose your name is enjoying a well earned revival and I'm all for it. This …
After getting stuck into Penfolds this week for a lack of authenticity in their mooted new releases, I figure it's only right today to highlight a producer that is making genuine wines. Schwarz Wine Co. is …
Tim Smith Wines Mataro 2016 Texture. That's what I like about Tim's wines. He's a genuine guy, and his wines look authentic too, with generous Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz the standouts (in that order). This red, sourced …
Schwarz Meta Mataro 2017 Another easy drink from the Schwarz Meta line. Handpicked and wild fermented Barossa Mataro with 20% whole bunches. This is a wine built to please. Purple edged, it’s full of rather ripe and …
Here's a selection of wines that were almost great. Some are just good, solid wines that are occasionally unready, through to slightly underwhelming/unexciting, and rounded out with a few wines that miss the mark completely. Why post …
There is another side to the Barossa. A side that sits beyond big brands, the cellar doors, the marketing budgets and the volume. A world where producers are small, the wines are handmade (in the literal …
Dub Style No. 1 Mataro 2015 Dudley and Irina are pumping out value bangers at Inkwell lately, and this single vineyard Mataro is on point. Oh and Mataro, from McLaren Vale? Not Mourvedre? Is this a …
Rock of Wisdom Barossa Mataro 2014 Another new name to me and plenty of interest here. Rock of Wisdom is the label of Pete ('Rock') + Sofi ('Wisdom') Hiscock who are making small batch Barossa reds in …
It's that time again! These wines haven't quite made it into full review status this month. I'm a bit behind (living out of a suitcase does that), hence why this list is longer than normal. Ten Minutes …
Schwarz Meta Mataro 2015 The evidence of just how good Barossa Mataro can be continues to mount. Looking into my crystal ball, I predict that, Grenache and Mataro are the future of the Barossa, with Shiraz …
Tim Smith Barossa Mataro 2015 I loved this wine's big brother. Delicious. This is isn't quite in the same league but still quality. Dark ruby, black fruit, menthol, dark berries. Announces itself from the get-go. There's a …
Tim Smith Wines Reserve Barossa Mataro 2015 I first got wind of this wine earlier in the year when hassling Tim for a vintage report. He let slip that the first ever Tim Smith Wines (TSW) …
I've been lucky to have tasted the Mitchell Harris wines since the start, way back in 2010 when Johnno Harris was still a winemaker at Mount Avoca and the Mitchell Harris label was a side …
Mitchell Harris Pyrenees Mataro 2012 Mataro - a tricky grape to get perfectly ripe, even from old bushvines in warm Barossa. Seems even trickier in cooler western Victoria. 10% whole bunches used in the ferment, the wine …
Schwarz Wine Co. Meta Mataro 2013 Do you like the label? The Jaffa orange label is the only oddity for this seriously good modern Barossa Mataro from Jason Schwarz. It's really really orange. I like it, but …
Label to watch: Ministry of Clouds There are some wine producers who just 'get it'. Producers who, quite simply, make great wines that have great commerical appeal.Julian Forwood and Bernice Ong clearly get it. Given their backgrounds, …
Hither & Yon Grenache Mataro 2013 (McLaren Vale, SA)14.6%, Screwcap, $25This might be the most drinkable, mature Hither & Yon red I've tried. It smells of bitumen, redcurrants, garrique and horsehair, the style gently open and …
My 2013 winemaker(s) of the year I wrote this back in December for a print article. It's a bit of fun really, but these two producers deserve the love. It’s that time of the year again – …
Cirillo Estate Mataro 2012 14.5%, Screwcap Source: Sample www.cirilloestatewines.com.au A new release from renowned Grenache maker Marco Cirillo, and a wine that is so new I can't even tell you how much it is going to sell for (actually …
At 18 I started working in a small suburban bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. It was my first year of university, doing a degree that I didn't really like, and a liquor shop seemed like fun. Needless to say I discovered wine, my uni degree morphed into something completely different and wine/beer took over my life.
Almost twenty years later and I currently spend my days wearing many (wine) hats, mostly as a writer, presenter and marketer.
While wearing my writer cap I write features for the likes of National Liquor News, Gourmet Traveller WINE and the RAS plus I'm a Lifestyle FOOD channel wine expert. Read more about me here or get in touch to book your next wine event with me here.