From great value quaffers to absolute train wrecks, this month's compilation of 'almost' wines is a biggun'. I'm always conscious of my prejudice against overripeness and heavy-handed oak, but I call both as symptoms of poor …
For the final post in my 'wines that moved me in April' series comes this final collection - that I'm calling the 'better reds that aren't Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz or Pinot Noir'. As a primer, check …
I'm in research mode this week, gathering information about the 2018 vintage in the Hunter (which looks pretty promising based on early accounts). The bad news for me personally is that I still can't drink - …
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 …
Firstly, thanks everyone who responded to my post yesterday. I really appreciate all the kinds words and advice. Hopefully, I can deliver more of what you want! Meanwhile, let's talk about these Oates Ends wines. Oates Ends …
La Bise Adelaide Hills Tempranillo 2014 La Bise is Natasha Mooney's new label, and this Temp comes from the Amadio Vineyard at Kersbrook, up where the Hills head towards the Barossa. A warmer spot that, and …
The 2016 Young Guns of Wine (YGOW) awards came to Sydney on Saturday, with ten of this year's finalists turning up to show their wares and help decide the 'People's Choice Award'. Sadly I've missed the last …
Sometimes judging a great wine when it's young can be a chore. Young Bordeaux, for example, can be a tough ask (though less and less with modern styles), as formidable tannins make drinking a prospect for …
It's roundup time! These are some of the odds and ends that haven't quite made it up on to the site so far this month. Wines are listed from higher to lower scores... 10X Mornington Peninsula Sauvignon …
A few alternate reds from the week. Lino Ramble Tom Bowler McLaren Vale Nero d'Avola 2014 Another smart wine under this label. Handpicked, biodynamically farmed grapes that were wild fermented, basket pressed and then bottled unfined with …
Ah the frustration of the acute accent on the e in rosé! So often missing in action, leaving you to wonder why someone is talking about how delicious it is to drink a flower. I only …
What else do you on a rainy Boxing Day afternoon than get stuck into some fine Barossa wine? Christmas was a boozy affair here at Graham HQ, with my drinking highlight Primo Estate's 2013 Joseph Sparkling …
While I am slowly wearing down the mountain of samples that have arrived at Graham HQ over the past few weeks, it has still required frequent raiding, and today's target was alternate reds. As ever when …
Running With Bulls Barossa Tempranillo 2014 Now this is what young Tempranillo should be. 'Perfect with tapas' says the back label. Can be picked up for well under $20, at which price its recommended drinking. Crucially, this …
Audrey Wilkinson Tempranillo 2014 I wonder if Tempranillo will work in the Hunter? Sangiovese certainly hasn't, but perhaps Temp. will have a happier time of it. Anyway, this Audrey Wilkinson is certainly a vibrant number. Bright purple …
Way Wood Wines McLaren Vale Tempranillo 2013 Sourced from Blewitt Springs. Lots of enthusiasm for Tempranillo in the Vale. Bright mulberry purple red, this is just crammed with purple berry and creamy oak. Lots of berries. Lots …
El Sueño Fundación Maga Rioja 2011 Winemakers are a charitable lot typically, but this project from Javier Murua (of Bodegas Muriel in Rioja) takes it to another level. Quite simply, all proceeds - all of it, not …
La Linea Tempranillo Rose 2014 Tempranillo rolls on in all its form, this time an Adelaide Hills Rose from busy wine man (and incidentally the last Australian male to become an MW, not counting Ned Goodwin) …
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.