Leo Buring Medium Sweet Riesling 2009 - Eden Valley, Australia

Pale toasty gold in the glass. The nose exhibits lychee, orange peel and candied fruit. 

Sweet tropical fruit salad on the palate. There is a lack of acidity to handle the sweetness.

Readers beware: The past 2-3 years have yielded a number of new medium sweet/medium dry rieslings on the domestic Australian market. The style is set to replicate the classic Rhine Rieslings where the grape originated. Extremely pure and exposed to bitterly cold conditions on vine and during fermentation which retains natural sweetness in the wines. This makes the true Rhine style of Riesling. With these factors, specific vineyard selection is imperative to create balance between sweetness and acidity. In Australia, some fail and some succeed. 

80 points

Farr Rising Chardonnay 2009 - Geelong, Australia

Bright, glowing pale yellow. A multitude of aromas leap from the glass spanning from rock-melon, nectarine into some matchstick, lees and slight smokiness. A true class act on the nose that will leave a smile on the face of Chardonnay ehnthusiastics. Built in a Montrachet mould with wonderful flavours of crushed cashew, slightly under ripe peach and some soft creamy/milky characters on the mid palate. The length is seamless with near perfect balance and the acid is tangy indicating a long life ahead but I don't see any reason to wait. This is a very fine example of Australian chardonnay. A$46.99/bottle

95 points

Chateau Reynella Rare Old Tawny 16 year old - South Australia Regional, Australia

Glowing brown with bronze edging. The nose is classic Australian tawny, boozy christmas cake, almond and maple syrup. The palate is oily, mouth coating and finishes warm with alcohol. This has been discounted to under $10/bottle (375ml) in the nationals which is nothing short of amazing. The wine merits double this price.

87 points

Castellani Vino Die Santi NV - Region not stated, Italy

Deep golden brown in colour. The nose has a touch of mandarin but oxidative characters run supreme. The palate is sweet and thick but the finish is nearly unbearable. Nail polish, hard spirit. Stay away for a better life. A$15/bottle

Not Rated

Louis Bouillot Perle d'Ivoire Blanc de Blanc NV - Burgundy, France

Pale lemon yellow in the glass with green flashes. The nose shows citrus, sorbet and a touch of bakery/dough aromas. Flavours of stone-fruit, lemon/lime and a mineral backbone. This is an excellent aperitif and an incredible price. Larger Champagne houses will be challenged here at half the cost.
A$29.99/bottle

89 Points

Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 2005 - Hunter Valley, Australia

Golden yellow in the glass with bottle age clearly evident. Aromas commence with nougat, eucalyptus and cinnamon leading into some lemon rind and fresh herb. The palate has weight from the age and shows some sweet honey comb flavours up front with a long finish of signature mouth watering acidity. The complexity stars to head towards that of a good cool climate Chardonnay/White Burgundy. Drinking very well now but could hold another 5 years. A$59.99

94 points

Tyrrell's Lost Block Semillon 2011 - Hunter Valley, Australia

Clear, translucent with only the faintest flash of golden/green. The nose is punchy with passionfruit, flint and sweat aromas. A simple, fresh white wine that will appeal to Sauvignon Blanc consumers. Notable soft acidity for a young Hunter Semillon. A$19.99/bottle

85 points

Rockbare Mojo Shiraz 2010 - Barossa Valley, Australia

Brick red with deeper purple colours heading towards the center.  Aromas of minted chocolate, spice and burnt sugar. The palate is savoury with a general lack of body and flesh that one comes to enjoy from Barossa Shiraz. A$21.99/bottle

83 points

Tar and Roses Pinot Grigio 2011 - Victorian Regional, Australia

Golden, green with an interesting pink hue. The nose is flinty and floral with some pear juice tucked underneath. Some oak treatment offers up front texture but the zippy acidity and youth of the wine keeps it fresh and citrusy on the finish. A little simple but served cold on a hot day and you will not offend anyone. A$24.99/bottle

86 points

Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - Marlborough, New Zealand

Crystal clear in the glass. Aromas heading along the green spectrum with snow pea, pepper (Green) and nettle. The palate is soft and delicate with notably tame acidity for a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The finish is textured and pleasant. A fine example from a region that can produce some very uninspiring wines. Also noted that this wine is made organically without certification. A$29.99/bottle

90 points

Chateau Maccarthy - Moula 1959 - St Estephe, Bordeaux, France

The colour right in place with rusty red and terracotta brown. The nose offers a bouquet of dried herb, freshly ground coffee and cocoa powder. With 52 years in the bottle the palate is supremely soft and elegant, almost burgundy like in weight. Gentle layers of oriental spice with dried fruit. A lovely experience from the Maccarthy - Moula that was unexpected from this relatively unknown estate.

93 - Points

Louis Latour Chablis La Chanfleure 2009 - Chablis, France

Glowing gold with pale green in the glass. The nose leads with bright peach, glazed fig and a dollop of cream from lees contact. This Chardonnay has wonderful balance, concentration and finish. The first, Chablis I have tried from the 2009 vintage and this is of high standard and commendable value. Certainly not one of the flashy producers of Chablis but worth seeking out this wine for the purity and style at such a great price. A$29.99/bottle

93 points

St Hallet Blackwell Shiraz 2009 - Barossa Valley, Australia

Deep bright purple with magenta flashes. Toasty mocha aromas leading into salted plum, cherry and aniseed. The palate has good intensity, medium to full bodied and surprisingly finishes with elegance considering the young age. A$29.99/bottle

89 points 

Dopff Schoenenbourg Grand Cru Riesling 2008 - Alsace, France

Pale lemon yellow in the glass. Chalky, flinty lime sorbet aromas . Great mineral drive with lemony acidity. Very youthful, 20 years + ageing capability. A$39.99/bottle


90 points 

Heartland Stickleback Red Blend 2008 - South Australia Regional, Australia

Murky brick red with quite a syrupy texture in the glass. Aromas of shaved wood, rose petals and bacon. The palate has some chocolate/cherry flavors with a peppery finish. No hard edges, a nice fleshy South Australian red. This is value to the highest level. A$14.99

The blend consists of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto and Lagrein. 

89 points

Ballewindi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 - Mornington Peninsula, Australia

Darkened brick red edging with maroon center. Violets, clove and sweet maraschino cherries form the aromas. Super tight acidity with supple tannin to finish is notable and the palate is a mix of tart cherries and Chinese five spice. A very savory focused Pinot with nice structure. Would be great to look at in 5-8 years but also nice now as a food wine. A$30/bottle 

89 points

Podere Ruggeri Corsini San Pietro Barolo 2001 - Barolo Langhe, Italy

Expected Barolo colour of murky brown with a ruby center. Coconut, tar, old leather and burnt coffee. You could just smell this wine for hours. The palate is firm, long and still a touch young. Gamey, spicy flavors mingle and there is great complexity. Break out Italian hard cheese and enjoy this wine at a slow pace allowing maximum breathing. A great vintage for Barolo in general that built wines for long ageing. A$74.99/bottle

94 points 

La Chablisienne Chablis 1ER Cru Cote De Lechet 2008 - Chablis, France

Pale golden with apple green tinge. The nose is chalky with lemon juice aromas. There is clearly a big whack of oak used in this Chablis which detracts from the fruit quality. The acidity is tangy but the oak has taken control. A nice Chardonnay but Chablis purists will be a touch disappointed from this Premier Cru. A$59.99/bottle

87 points 

d'Arenberg Stump Jump Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2009 - Mclaren Vale, Australia

The colour is light brick, rusty almost Burgundy like in the glass. This is expected from Grenache. Earthy, squashed tomato and white pepper aromas. The palate is bright and clean with red fruit and dry spice. Drink now or forever hold your peace. A$12/bottle

87 Points 

Rieslingfreak No.5 Riesling - Clare Valley, Australia

No color to talk about here. Clear with a slippery shine. The nose leads with nashi, rose petals and green apple. A lovely palate with spiced cinnamon, mandarin and some zingy acid. Extremely well balanced and would be a pleasure to see age.

92 points 

Peregrine Chardonnay 2009 - Central Otago, New Zealand

Pale green in the glass with bright golden surrounds. The aromas lead with melted butter, peach and crushed cashew. A fat, rich style of Chardonnay with creamy notes and some grapefruit tang to finish. The ending is just a touch warm but not enough to detract from a being a nice wine. A$34.99/bottle

89 points

Langmeil Orphan Bank Shiraz 2008 - Barossa Valley, Australia

Inky purple with cherry red lining. The nose leads with asian spice,blackcurrent and a touch of vanillin oak. The palate is dense and chewy with some ripe dark fruits and  light spice. A well built Shiraz in the early stages of development. A$50/bottle

93 points

Hougton Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - Margaret River, Australia

Blood red with purple centre. Textbook Margaret River Cabernet nose with charred wood, blackberry and a touch of dried herb. The palate has richness and savory edging balanced with fine tannin. A good effort from a producer that can be known on producing uninspiring, value driven wines. A$29.99/bottle

91 points 

Rockbare Shiraz 2009 - Mclaren Vale, Australia

Ruby red with a deep purple center. The nose is fragrant with spiced cherry and French oak. The palate is full bodied with moderate tannin still present. Solid structure for the price.

A$24.99/bottle

89 points 

Wynns Riesling 2011 - Coonawarra, Australia

Light green/yellow in the glass. Aromas commence with Turkish delight and cut grass. The palate is simple, tangy and fresh. A$15.99/bottle

86 points

Oakridge The Parish Chardonnay 2010 - Yarra Valley, Australia

Pale golden showing minimal development. The nose is straight towards milky characters with underlying rockmelon and smoke. The palate is lively with racy acidity and some developing complexity. A good option for the cellar. A$34.99/ bottle 

90 points 

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV - Epernay, France

Pale golden with shiny bright yellow. The nose starts of fruity with lychee and custard then leans towards bakery aromas. The palate reveals burnt toast (in a good way!) with very fine acidity with a lemony drive. Very nice! A$99.99/bottle

91 points 

Bream Creek Schonburger 2007 - Tasmania (no region identified), Australia

Developed golden colour in the glass. Aromas of marmalade, crushed ant and candied fruits. The palate has some richness giving shape like a condrieu white. Ripe apricot and creme cheese fill the palate with  a balance fresh acidity to finish. A$24.99/bottle


Bream Creek pioneered this German variety in Australia and with no experience of tasting Schonburger in it's homeland, it is hard to say whether this wine reflects origin. A lovely white to drink, enough said.


90 points 

Rieslingfreak No.3 Riesling - Clare Valley, Australia

Extremely pale with a hint of lemon yellow. Wonderful aromatic nose of fresh flower, kaffir lime juice and some chalkiness. The palate has wonderful minerally edges with juicy ripe limes and green apple. With such fruit intensity it handles the acid backbone and is immediately drinkable. Any follower that has the patience to cellar this Riesling, my hat comes off to you! A$19.99/bottle

92 points

Chateau Mas Neuf Costieres de Nimes 2007 - Rhone Valley, France

Vivid purple with inky red tones. Some syrupy chocolate and jammy aromas with underlying spices including cinnamon and star anise. The palate starts out soft and fleshy but some tart acidity brings it back together for the finish. A very cleverly blended wine of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan.

Nice value. A$19.99/bottle

88 points 

dee-ess Shiraz 2009 - Barossa Valley, Australia

Incredibly dark black with only the slightest blood red around the rim. The nose, firstly, WOW and then an exploration of smoke, pure red earth layers of exotic ripe fruits including sugar plums and a touch of white pepper. A supremely concentrated effort with masses of red fruits, espresso coffee and length that just runs and runs. Somehow all of this manages to finish with class and balance. The savoury edge that this Barossa Shiraz carries is very unique and a huge praise to the winemaking. A controlled beast!

This is made by the Standish Wine Company, Dan Standish who is part of the winemaking at Massena (Barossa) and his own label, Standish. His red wines, Shiraz and Rhone blends are all of the highest calibre and they should be chased down at all costs. $A34.99

96 points

Cave de Lugny Macon Villages 2009 - Burgundy, France

Light golden in the glass with green tinges. The nose leans towards stone fruit juicy nectarine and chalkiness. The palate is fresh, zesty and moorish with some unexpected richness and ripe pure Chardonnay fruit. This will make you think twice about spending $25 on a cool climate Australian Chardonnay. Bravo!!! A$14.99/bottle 


89 Points 

Wynns The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 - Coonawarra, Australia

Deep dark purple with strong density. A tight cedary nose with a touch of spearmint does not give too much away at this stage. The palate is wound tight with chocolate/cocoa and some sweet mint. Not overly complex but a straight shooter. Give this a few years for extra pleasure. 

86 points

ARA Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009 - Marlborough, New Zealand

Wonderful bright translucent cherry red. The nose is very meaty with savory spice and raspberry liqueur. The palate is elegant and soft with signature sour cherry and bright acidity. Savory meatiness flavors are also present. Not overly complex but a nice drink. A$19.99/bottle

88 points   

Martinborough Vineyards Te Tara Pinot Noir 2009 - Martinborough, New Zealand

Surprising dark purple with light ruby edges. The nose leads with the oak, then on deeper inspection reveals wild berry, charred gamey meat aromas and some vegetable stock. The palate is generous, ripe and weighty but unfortunately a warmness is present on the finish with the alcohol level. A big kiwi Pinot with all the trimmings.


89 Points

Norton Privada Malbec 2007 - Mendoza, Argentina

Wonderful bright violet with shining ruby in the glass. Dried coconut, cinnamon, crushed earth and sweet French vanilla. The palate is irresistibly luscious with super ripe cherry, sweet oak and super fine tannins. The alcohol (14.8%+) is swallowed by the concentration of fruit and adds to the great length. If you like super charged Barossa Shiraz with sweet vanillin oak, this is your Argentinean bride.

94 points 

Champy (Maison) Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009 - Burgundy, France

Pale cherry red with rusty brown edges. The subdued nose spans from dried tomato, crushed flowers and a little whisper of mixed mushrooms. The palate is wound tight at this stage of its life showing some tart raspberry and firm tannin to finish. This wine may unlock in a few years. To be honest, I expected a touch more from a young drinking vintage that is 2009.

87 points