Recent Reviews & News

Pierro VR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
"It’s a quiet wine, as is the way with Pierro Cabernets, and kind of understated in a way. Blackcurrant, nori, mint chocolate with a sort of honey, white flower and nougat perfume. There’s some spicy cedar oak in tow, some tobacco too, with fine dusty tannin, again, a sort of honey-glazed ham flavour, gingersnap biscuits, pulling more to red fruits on a finish of excellent length. Very good." 94 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Fire Gully Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021
"Fire Gully, such an Australian name for a winery. This vineyard sits next to Moss Wood, and I kind of see some similarities, I must say.

Red fruits, cedar and tobacco, kind of autumnal too, with cocoa and some gently minty and grassy character to the wine, but it’s charming, and it’s svelte, and I like it’s almost Pinot Noir-like profile too. Light dusty tannin. The finish is bright and sweetly red-fruited, and the wine drinks so well. Nice." 93 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Bream Creek Pinot Noir 2023

Tropy, 'Best Wine of Show', Royal Sydney Wine Show
Trophy, 'Best Red', Royal Sydney Wine Show
Trophy, 'Champion Wine of Show', 2024 National Cool Climate Wine Show
Trophy, 'Red Wine of Show', 2024 National Cool Climate Wine Show
Trophy, 'Best Pinot Noir', 2024 National Cool Climate Wine Show

De Iuliis Single Vineyard (Wilderness Road) Semillon 2023
"This acclaimed vineyard was planted in the '80s on the sandy flats of Black Creek. High-toned lemongrass and citrus zest with a touch of spring flowers. Excellent intensity and purity, with concentrated ripe-lemon flavours. It is a beautifully refined wine with excellent flavour and a long line of fine acidity. The palate is tightly coiled right now, though it will grow with time. Good cellaring potential. It is a more linear wine than the Garden Vineyard." 96 Points, Special Value, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz 2021
"Excellent bright crimson-purple colour heralds a most attractive wine from the estate-owned Steven vineyard. Red cherry is the cornerstone of the bouquet and palate alike. Typical Hunter shiraz, only medium bodied, but with decades to run for those able to keep their hands off it." 96 Points, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion

Mandala Pinot Noir 2023
"Fermentation in open pots with 100% whole berries, matured for nine months in French puncheons and barriques (25% new). A very bright crimson. I gave this a few good swirls, which released an impressive bouquet featuring black cherries, incense and a little underbrush. Fleshy with lovely inner-mouth feel, the palate is rounded out by its svelte, pliant tannins. It's good now but will be even better in the next two to four years. It's great, too, to see the number of delicious under $40 pinots being produced in the Yarra these days." 94 Points, Special Value, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion

Sons of Eden Cirrus Single Vineyard Riesling 2022

"Single-vineyard riesling from High Eden, some 550m above sea level. Pale straw in the glass with aromas of fresh lime, grapefruit and green apple with hints of citrus blossom, crushed quartz and lemon drops. There is a real intensity to the wine's precision here, a steely stare and briny, sapid intensity as it powers across the palate, crystalline and showing great velocity." 95 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion

Thousand Candles Single Vineyard Syrah 2021
"Whole bunches (80%), natural yeast ferment, no plunging or pump overs. Three weeks on skins before six months' maturation in older French oak. A saturated crimson purple. With its aromas of black raspberries, cherries, whole-bunch derived potpourri and violets, this reminds me of good St Joseph from the northern Rhône. There's excellent intensity and concentration on the palate, too, without any heaviness before finishing long, grippy tannins ensuring a prosperous life ahead." 97 Points, Special Value, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion

Shy Susan Wines Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay 2018
"Shy Susan is an endangered Tassie wildflower that relies on pollination from just one native bee. The front label and message are as striking as the wine itself, a distinctly individual Tasmanian sparkling with class. Honey cake, nectarine, white peach, grapefruit, lemon curd. Brings an oyster shell rockpool mineral tang to the palate in line with superfine bubbles. Beautifully expressive." 94 Points, Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shea Shiraz 2021
"It is an outstanding wine of distinction, if somewhat chameleonic in nature. On one hand, it is ethereal, fragrant, and composed, but at the same time, it is powerful, audacious and layered. This multiplicity of perspectives makes Maurice O'Shea one of the most captivating wines in the country. Red fruit purity is the essence of the wine. But layered upon this is a touch of floral perfume, a thread of citrus zest, lacy berry fruit and a hint of spiced Persian lamb. The length is phenomenal, and every sip proves beyond doubt why it is worthy of greatness, even in a challenging year. A compelling, charismatic wine of incredible beauty. Drink now with a double decant or tuck into the cellar for decades." 98 Points, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant 1921 Vines Old Paddock Vineyard Shiraz 2022
"Shiraz from this historically significant vineyard, planted in deep red volcanic loam by Maurice O'Shea in 1921, over-delivers on character and appeal. The nose has mind-blowing intensity with ripe mulberry and licorice aromas accented by nutty oak and baked cherry pie. There is superb mid-palate density with dark fruit flavours and a plush, supple mouthfeel. The flow of the finish is hypnotic in the way it intensifies instead of diminishes, and although laden with fruit, it still manages to finish with freshness. It has the flavour, acidity and tannin profile for decades of cellaring." 98 Points, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant Rosehill Vineyard Shiraz 2022
"A perfumed, vibrant, utterly delicious wine that draws you in with its wild raspberry aromas. On the nose, the clarity of fruit is spectacular, accented by dainty pink peppercorn spice followed by an intense, expansive palate of bright red fruit perfectly framed by tannin. This shiraz, sourced from one of the region's most historic vineyards, is a modern interpretation of a classic Hunter style, with graceful flow, medium body and mesmerising intensity." 97 Points, Special Value, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant O.P. & O.H. Single Vineyard Shiraz 2022
"In every sip of this glorious wine, one can see the rich history of the iconic Hunter vineyards Old Paddock and Old Hill. The intensity of its character sets this wine apart from others, as does the crescendo of flavour that steadily builds right to the finish. Alongside the rich fruit is a gorgeous savoury seam, including a little nutty oak, which hooks and holds one's interest. The melange of plum, including blood and satsuma, is accented by star anise and licorice notes. It is a powerful, assertive, stunning wine with mesmerising length that gets better the longer it is open." 97 Points, Special Value, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant 1965 Vines Rosehill Vineyard Shiraz 2022
"Due to the multilayered nature of Mount Pleasant's old-vine wines, they need air to reveal their inner beauty. This memorable wine is made from three diverse blocks planted in 1965, which lie within the historic Rosehill Vineyard. It initially presents with a quality, nutty oak overlay and freshly crushed greens. But after a short time, the fruit stretches and unfurls, revealing incredible richness and depth. The dark, plush nature of the fruit is satisfying and intriuging, with clove notes and bunchy green peppercorn spice. The acidity is integrated, the tannins are lithe, and there's a thread of lemon peel freshness on the close. It is a distinctive wine of true character." 96 Points, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant Mothervine Pinot Noir 2022
"Made from what are claimed to be the oldest pinot vines in the county, this is a stunning wine with everything you would want from a fine wine. Character, depth, layers and an expansive palate will have you coming back for more. Take care with the serving temperature – no more than 19 degrees. Ripe, fragrant berries, fine French oak, mesmerising savoury tones and a scaffold of intricate tannin. Expert winemaking crossed with heritage vineyards. Pure class." 95 Points, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon 2018
"This iconic semillon is made from block LO-07 of the Lovedale Vineyard, planted on a sandy, ancient seabed in '46 by Maurice O'Shea. Like all 2018s, the wine is boldly flavoured and generous in proportion, with a pillowy mid-palate bursting with fresh pear, lime curd and a touch of smoked almond. As the wine will only expand with time, I would enjoy it now with its lovely mix of richness and freshness." 95 Points, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant Estate Grown Semillon 2023
"The fruit is crushed to the press, settled and racked to tank for a cold ferment and lees ageing. Scented white flowers and lemony freshness with a cleansing palate. The fruit has good integrity, and the mid-palate has pleasing texture and breadth, plus soft, rounded edges. It is a harmonious, balanced drink with a beautiful limey core. Excellent value." 95 Points, Special Value, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

Mount Pleasant Mount Henry Shiraz Pinot Noir 2022
"Magnificent fruit is central to this historic blend, where shiraz provides the base and pinot the tannin, energy and detail. The fragrant, nutty oak is prominent right now, though with time, this will melt into the wine to form a treasured savoury accent. And honestly, once one pairs the wine with something savoury, the dynamics change and the oak slips into the background while the fragrant dark fruit prevails. The peacock's tail on the finish is utterly compelling and coaxes one into having another sip. Mighty fine fruit for a wine of this price. One for now and beyond." 95 Points, Special Value, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

De Iuliis LDR Vineyard Shiraz 2022
"Beautiful fruit clarity with high-toned cherry notes. The palate has excellent depth, nestled within a medium-weight frame, with bright acidity and good flavour concentration. It is a youthful, spirited wine that holds one's interest and displays the character of the vintage and vineyard with its focused fruit fragrance. I expect it to deepen and become more complex over time." 95 Points, Special Value, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion

00 Double Zero
“These high-quality wines offer chiseled tannins and firm acidity, perfect for long-term cellaring. Many of the 2021s in this report are marked with plus signs, an indicator that they may merit higher scores as they unfurl in bottle. With the Hermanns’ continued enthusiasm for learning and their dedication to crafting the best possible wines, I expect 00 will continue to produce some of the best wines in the Willamette Valley.” Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate, July 2024

Bream Creek 2023 Estate Pinot Noir
"Medium to deep ruby red colour with purple tints at the rim. Black cherry and dried undergrowth on the nose. Palate sings the same tune, still very youthful and primary but speaks of pinot noir. Good length, ample flesh to the fruit so it glides long with supple acid and tannins guiding it and ensuring a clean finish. A lot to enjoy and time should see further complexity build." 92 points Stuart Knox, The Real Review

Bream Creek 2022 Reserve Pinot Noir
"Medium to deep ruby, touch of purple still showing in the light. Cherry cola, rosemary and wakame aromas. Deep and powerful dark berry fruits fill the senses. There’s ample concentration here with deeper layers of dark spice and undergrowth waiting in the wings to build over time. Tannins work at the edges, control the density of fruit and it all runs incredibly long and deep. Time will see further character develop." 96 points Stuart Knox, The Real Review

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf-du-Pape les Hauts-Lieux 2021
"Black cherry, dried herbs, liquorice, dried fig, peanuts, with some dried flower perfume. It’s a powerful wine, quite nutty, with rich and silty ferrous tannin, balanced acidity, rose oil and meaty flavours, freeze dried raspberries, with a long minted cherry finish of excellent length. It’s maybe a little less concentrated than previous vintages, though it’s still very good." 94 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Peregrine Pinot Noir 2015
"Cherry, thyme and mint, some earthy autumnal tones here, kind of like shitake mushroom, and squeezed mandarin peel. It’s still carrying a fair amount of juicy red cherry and poached strawberry, a light grainy dusty grip to tannin, perhaps a little drying, but good enough. Kind of sappy and frisky in acidity, some blood orange and tobacco, with a gently drying finish of good length. It’s delivering some complexity and interest as an older wine, and it’s going along pretty well, though I’d be drinking it in the next few years." 93 Points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

2024 Aotearoa NZ Organic Wine Awards Results - Peregrine

CHAMPION - Peregrine Riesling 2022
GOLD – Peregrine Pinot Gris 2023

Pierro L.T.C. Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2023
"50/43/7% semillon/sauvignon blanc/chardonnay. There’s a lot of energy and drive to this blend – it works so well. Enticing with its lemon-lime flavours, lemon zest and freshly sliced ginger/galangal. Some texture across the otherwise linear palate, electrifying acidity seals the deal." 95 Points Special Value, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

Mandala The Prophet Pinot Noir 2023
"From a single site in Yarra Junction; 100% whole-berry fermentation and matured for nine months in French oak (40% new). Bright cherry red. A young wine that needs a few good swirls to reveal a complex amalgam of crushed strawberries, raspberry coulis, bay leaf and rose petals. The palate is medium bodied, mouth-filling and opulent, with supple, very persistent tannins on the long, satisfying finish. One to cellar for at least the next five to seven years." 96 Points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion

Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
"A wine of stunning presence, the engaging bouquet shows dark berry, thyme, star anise, rich floral and cedar characters. The palate is both concentrated and seamless with outstanding weight and depth, wonderfully framed by finely infused chalky tannins. This is symphonic with grace and style, promising to evolve magnificently. At its best: 2029 to 2046." 97 Points, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"The Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is always one of Margaret River’s best and this latest release is no exception. From the sub-region of Wilyabrup, the blend is 95% Cabernet, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Not the easiest vintage in the region, the team overcame any and all obstacles. Maturation was in 228 litre French oak barrels, 16% of which were new.

Deep garnet, this is an immaculate and classic Margaret River Cabernet. Aromas weave through florals, cassis, soy, aniseed, blackfruits, beefstock and graphite. An elegant style, there is good energy here, with serious focus and an immaculate balance, as well as a lovely lingering finish. The palate sees more chocolate and cherry notes emerging. Silky tannins and very good length. Drink over the next ten to twenty years." 97 points. Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot

"Deep garnet red in the glass, very youthful, inky and opaque. Lovely lifted aromas of cassis, bramble, dried herbs, pencil shavings and nutty oak, wonderfully complex and incredibly evocative. Powerful on the palate, lashings of blackcurrant, mulberry, blackberry and cedar. This is quintessential Margaret River cabernet, not too heavy or angular, just the right amount of sinewy, shapely tannin working superbly with a very pure drive of fruit and delivering fabulous length. Destined for a long and glorious life." 97 Points. Aaron Brasher, The Real Review

"Elegant red that is a benchmark for the variety with red rose petal, cassis, blackberry, cedar wood, cacao nibs flavours and a backbone of spicy French oak that adds extra complexity. Accessible but it’s almost a shame to drink it before 2030." 96 Points, Bob Campbell, The Real Review

"This engaging 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon appeals with its subtlety rather than raw power. Dried herbs, clay and blackcurrant are finely intertwined with French oak. Firm and mid-weight with a strong core, the Wilyabrup gravels emerge in flavor and texture to drive a strong, tension-filled finish. There’s a lovely overall flow and energy. The finish is lovely." 94 points. Angus Hughson, Vinous.com

Mr Riggs JFR Shiraz 2021
"Gracefully opulent and alluring, the wine shows dark plum, sweet cherry, vanilla, clove and cedar characters on the nose, followed by a beautifully layered palate offering refined texture with gorgeously melded tannins. Captivating and lingering. At its best: 2025 to 2039." 95 points. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

Billy Button Wines Rosato 2023

"A blend of sangiovese, nebbiolo, dolcetto and barbera, the wine arrives in eye-catching pale salmon hues. In keeping with the previous release, the winemaker promotes an earthy savouriness which brings texture and some distinctly cherry/wild strawberry summer fruits and spice. It yells out for a platter of olives and charcuterie and a warm, summer day." 90 Points, Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion

Thistledown Wines The Vagabond Old Vine Blewitt Springs Grenache 2023
"From four Blewitt Springs sites, all old, dry-grown bush vine. One parcel was fermented in a concrete pyramid with crushed fruit and whole bunches, the rest open fermented with 35% whole bunches; maturation mainly in old puncheons. 2023 has delivered grenache of beguiling perfume. In the best examples there's also depth, spice and the structural architecture to age. Such is the case here. Dusky dark rose, cherry, wild raspberry, ground cinnamon, rosehip and bergamot tea with a ferrous substratum. The tannins across the ’23 grenache bottlings at this address are excellent, assertive in a finely sandy and gently pithy way." 95 Points, Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion

De Iuliis Semillon 2023
"The moody Hunter weather threatened, but the rain stopped, the soil allowed harvesters onto the vines, and the quality of this super-expressive lemon, apple and lanolin fruit had its life to live, and transformed itself from chrysalis to resplendent butterfly."95 Points - Special Value, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion

Pierro L.T.C. 2023
"It’s Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, with a little touch of Chardonnay. Lime, lime rind, white pepper, aniseed, sweet snapped snow pea, some cream and spice. It’s bright, pops with mixed citrus of some sweetness and intensity, has some flinty texture, a kiss of dried herbs, a subtle saline character, and finishes long and crisp. Such a pleasing and refreshing wine. Lovely." 94 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Zilzie Wines Limited Edition Riesling 2022
"Clare Valley riesling, matured in old wood. The oak is certainly noticeable, particularly on the nose, lending the aromatics towards pine, resin and cream. The palate is powerful and driven by lime juice and lime jelly flavours, pine-like influences evident here too. This wine isn't much fun now, but it will be a different proposition in 4 to 5+ years." 91 Points, Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion

Seresin Chardonnay 2023
"A lovely bouquet of barrel spices and yellow stone fruits, grapefruit peel and apple. Dry on the palate with plenty of weight and freshness, lees spice and tension, apple and citrus fruit flavours, vanilla and roasted nut. Fine tannins from the barrel and fruit are accentuated by the lees spice and complexities this also brings to the wine. Ultimately an expression that suits stand alone drinking or alongside barbequed crayfish tails with tartare sauce, or a simple pasta with parmesan cheese included. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2029." 93 Points, Cameron Douglas, MS

"This is juicy and bursting with flavour. I’m thinking peach, grapefruit and light pineapple, with a some vanilla cream and spice. It’s bright, has a lively citrus bite to acidity, texture has some chalkiness, some slight yoghourt and oatmeal savoury things, with a pine-lime laden burst of flavour on a finish of good length." 92 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Seresin Pinot Gris 2022
"White flower perfume, nashi pear, a slight buttery/caramel richness too. It’s packed with ripe pear with maybe a little lime rind, and musk stick, feels glossy and viscous, but does have some grip and chalky feel, some lemon rind bitterness, with a generous finish that’s maybe a little warm, though the pithy bite and texture on the finish brings it back into line. Presented in a fuller, more weighty style, but good in that way too." 90 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Bella Modella Sangiovese 2022
Sangiovese from Puglia! Vino biologico, which sounds nicer than ‘organic wine’. Importer: Fesq

Cherry, liquorice, almond and dried flower perfume. It’s medium-bodied, has some energy too, and presents as Sangiovese, albeit with a southern slant. Tannin offers some grip, and the finish is solid. There’s something of a ferrous quality about it too, which is altogether pleasing. 90 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Auvigue Mâcon-Villages Bourgogne Blanc 2021
"Very juicy stone fruits, honey almond, some mint. It’s a fleshy and ripe wine, quite sweet and juicy, but does have a solid bite of acidity, wheatgerm and bran, some sizzled sage buttery flavours too, with a fruity finish of good length, and it’s a little bit flinty with it. For the synesthetes among us, this is a very yellow tasting wine. It’s slick, opulent and quite a lot, though I find myself coming round to its fruity charms." 91 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Sons of Eden Romulus Shiraz 2021
"Curiously, I’m the only game in town at TWF when it comes to reviewing Romulus – see here. Light Pass 60+ year-old vines | Menglers Hill 60+ year-old vines | Nuriootpa 80+ year-old vines. 45% new French oak. I know it’s the house style, all that creamy oak and richness, though I’d love to see these wines with a bit less oak, because the fruit is really good. Let it roll, baby roll! I’d imagine that quite a few winemakers would like to punch me in the face because of my comments on style, but there you have it!
Chocolate, plum, liqourice, quite a lot of spice and perfume here too, and plenty of creamy mocha oak. It’s full-bodied, opulent, plenty of smooth grained cocoa tannin, a little bit of salt beef savoury stuff here too, and iodine, with a long but slightly warm drying finish, that detracts its overall charm. Still, it’s a wine of plenty, and considerable substance. Good." 93 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Sons of Eden Pumpa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Blackcurrant, blackberry, raspberry, sage, toast and biscuit spices. It’s medium-bodied, juicy black fruit with mint chocolate and some truffle richness, some Spanish black olive in brine, fine-grained tannin, balanced acidity, and good length. Nice wine here." 92 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Sons of Eden Remus Shiraz 2021
"I did three unit ancient history for my final years at school, and I’m proud to say that my eldest son is carrying on this proud tradition by not only doing ancient history, but also modern history. A chip off the old block. Aside that, Central Eden Valley 80+ year-old vines | Central Eden Valley 60+ year-old vines| Flaxmans Valley 80+ year-old vines, with 60% new French oak.

Here’s a sweetly black fruited Shiraz of concentration and density. There’s sage and cocoa, mint/liquorice, sweet spices too, hazelnut, melting chocolaty tannin, balanced acidity, a little bit ferrous too, with a ripe, almost syrupy essence-like finish of excellent length. It’s a lot of wine, bold, and rich, but very good in that way." 94 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Brave Souls The Whaler Shiraz 2022
"Here's a juicy, purpley-splashed little wine with a thick swell of beautifully ripe plum, blueberry and boysenberry fruits. It sports some gorgeous floral tones – I'm thinking jasmine, citrus blossom and dragonfruit flowers – along with notes of blueberry pie, ironstone, a touch of pepper and charcuterie. It's pretty as a picture and a great role model for contemporary Barossa shiraz at a super-sharp price. Great joyful, bouncy drinking." 95 Points - Special Value, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion

Parker Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
"Estate fruit. Maturation in (30% new) oak for 14 months. Blackberries on the bush, blackcurrants and juniper berries. Baked red clay, driftwood and dried bush greens. Bay leaf and caperberry. There is a crackle of dried leaves to the sound this wine gives out. It's as Australian as ’dry as a bone’. Cedar, tea brewing in a billy and all the nostalgia. Oak and saltbush are part of the fabric of the wine. Just splendid." 95 Points - Special Value, Shanteh Wale, Halliday Wine Companion

Sons of Eden Zephyrus Shiraz 2021
"Sweet black fruit, brown spice (cloves and nutmeg), sage and mint, black olive. It’s supple, kind of sweet and nutty, sage brushed, some truffle and tobacco, acidity is a little orange juicy too, with a zesty finish of solid length. Good in its way, but you have to enjoy all that Eden sage and minty stuff. On the upside, tannin has a sure grip to close it out." 91 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Peregrine Pinot Gris 2023
"Pear and musk perfume, medium weight, good acid cut, chalky texture, a tonic/citrus rind bitterness on a finish of good length. A bit more understated and lively than many NZ Gris, and nice to drink."91 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2023
"A dense and spicy riesling with sliced apples, lemons, grapefruit and flint. Full- to medium-bodied, layered and minerally. One of the best rieslings in New Zealand." 94 Points, James Suckling, James Suckling Wine Reviews

Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked Riesling 2023
"A dense and sweet riesling with plenty of flint, clove, sweet apple and melon flavours. It’s medium-bodied with a dense palate and flavourful finish." 92 Points, James Suckling, James Suckling Wine Reviews

Pierro Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020
"There seems to be a lightness of touch to the 2020 Pierro offerings. This is quiet and quite ethereal, laced with red currants and blueberries, cedary oak and spices, dark chocolate and forest floor aromas. A touch shy of medium bodied, the tannins are supple, there’s chalky acidity throughout and a lot to like." 95 Points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache Rosé 2023
"From an old bush-vine vineyard in the Riverland. The fruit was destemmed and crushed, with three and a half hours of skin contact before pressing and cool fermentation in tank. A vibrant rose gold in appearance, this is fruitful and lifted, with notes of pink pomelo, guava, musk and rosewater. Extended time on lees (six months) has yielded a quiet generosity of texture, with a little pithiness and a fresh – but, pleasingly, not highly pitched – line of acidity arriving at a suitably dry conclusion." 91 Points, Special Value, Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion

Mr Riggs Valerie Pinot Noir 2023
"This wine is named after the mother of Ben Riggs – Valerie – who is now 90 years old. It smells of Campari and flowers, comes draped in herbs, pushes bright cherry-berry fruit scents and flavours at every turn, and is well shaped through the finish. Indeed the finish feels grapey, which is pretty much never a bad thing. As a result this drinks pretty well." 90 Points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Elsa 2023
"The plan was to revamp how they made Sauvignon Blanc. They had an eye on the great whites of the Loire Valley as a template. Well 2023 Elsa is their best yet. Handpicked and sorted, the grapes get the luxury treatment in the vineyard and winery. Elsa ’23 is disciplined and tought and emphasises zest rather than ripe fruit salad flavours. Moss Wood don’t make skinny wines. Elsa has richness and broadness courtesy of the picking dates as well as oak ageing and fermentation. The combination of palate weight, complexity and length tells me they’ve got it just right." 4.5 Stars, Fergal Gleeson, Great Wine Blog

This is a wine which takes us into a different realm of Sauvignon Blanc, with whole bunch pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks before transfer to oak. 225 litre French oak barriques, 7% new, with nine months maturation. The nose offers florals and seabreeze notes, a real oystershell character to be found here. A minerally backing with notes of white peaches and grapefruits, there is a seductive and yet slightly crunchy texture with very good length. Good complexity here. Fine balance and some real energy right through the length of the wine. A good future, at least four to six years.” 93 Points, Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Chardonnay 2023
"This young, vibrant 2023 Chardonnay Ribbon Vale offers piercing aromas of grapefruit, nectarine and preserved lemon wrapped in prominent but well-balanced oak. Tangy tutti-frutti flavors follow with impressive focus before nutty barrel fermentation and maturation build through to the finish. It’s too young to drink right now, but it has good potential." 93 Points, Angus Hughson, Vinous.com

“This is the third release of the Ribbon Vale Chardonnay, which hails from Wilyabrup, though a cooler location than the MW Chardonnay. Fermentation and maturation was in French oak barriques, 23% new. This is a fine Margaret River Chardonnay. The nose exhibits notes of peaches, apricots and some tropical characters. Hints of mango and a touch of cashew. There is good intensity on the palate and excellent length. Fine balance, good concentration and a persistent finish. Will provide pleasure over the next six to ten years.” 94 Points, Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot

"Restrained and poised, the inviting bouquet shows white flesh stone fruit, lemon pith, roasted cashew and oatmeal nuances, followed by a brilliantly focused palate delivering creamy texture with firm acidity, making it refined and splendidly structured at the same time. Beautifully flowing to an impressively long, sophisticated finish. At its best: 2026 to 2038." 96 Points, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards - Short List
Best Value Winery: The Finalists: BILLY BUTTON WINES

Mount Pleasant Mothervine Pinot Noir 2023
MB: "Has a smoky, dusty overlay that does old spice cupboard and turned earth and gravelly rocky notes and graphite with dark cherry and dried leaf too. Quite dry reddy to taste, edgy acidity, juiciness through the finish but a leaner profile and a distance from pinosity. In that, pleasing drinking with decent structure." 90 points

KS: "I’m pretty sure I pinched some of that fruit straight from the vine earlier last year and it was hot and the fruit was sweet. Love both, the heat and the sweet. Roses and rose jam first, violet pastille, compact powder, lipstick and red liquorice. Power is here in the intensity of flavour and the backplate is where it peaks. Textural stream of tannins, a bit sticky and earthy-gritty. It’s not all smooth but with warming black pepper, peppermint, cumin and cinnamon-choc finish. It’s a good Pinot but perhaps missies on the finesse this year, reflecting the warmth of the vintage but the flavour intensity does not disappoint and it’s reflected in the vines age." 92 points

GW: "Dark cherry, earth, spice, and under that some rosy perfume, as slight peppery and dusty perfume. Medium-bodied, quite dark and brooding, with grainy tannins, distinct earth and spice. Finish is firm. Needs some time to come around and relax a bit and I reckon more red fruits will rise. Good though, albeit in a more robust style this vintage." 92+ points
Rated : 92+ Points

Mount Pleasant Old Hill Vineyard 1880 Shiraz 2023
Reviews by: Mike Bennie, Kasia Sobiesiak and Gary Walsh at the Wine Front
Amazing to think that Maurice O’Shea was using 40 to 50 year old vines by the time he got around to this vineyard. Now we get it at 140-plus years, or winemaker Adrian Sparks does.

MB: "Chewy, chunky, rich and dense. A potent and deeply scented and flavoured wine, robust in sandy tannin, vivid in purple and black berry fruitiness, forest floor, gum leaf, a touch or stewed rhubarb, clove, black olive, dark chocolate. A sweetness ebbs and flows. It does all this with control, however, a sheath of fine, suede tannin. Multi-dimensional. Proper stuff here, an old school, good school idiom, nailed so well." 97+ points.

KS: "Painted in shades of black and blue fruit. A smidge of caramel oak comes first, nutmeg then figs, aniseed, violet and blue plum. It’s clear from the first sip that this needs a lot of time to unfurl, in the glass, in the bottle… Dark slate smooth texture, feathery almost, bloody, salty, very fine velvety tannins, tight, yes, all at once, carrying flavour detail long and in a savoury manner. English Breakfast tea perfume lingering long in the aftertaste. Elegant and deeply satisfying. Stunning wine." 97 points

GW: "Deep, dark, liquorice and iodine, still has perfume though. Medium to full-bodied, a powerhouse of inky Hunter Shiraz, with black and red fruit, ferrous tannin, concentrated, some savoury bits, very long, and what an emphatic statement of old vine Hunter Shiraz in a great vintage it is." 97 points

NB: "All the 2023 Mount P wines now come in Bordeaux shaped bottles, though I don’t have a bottle image to hand."
Rated : 97+ Points

Mount Pleasant Mount Henry Shiraz Pinot Noir 2023
Reviews by: Mike Bennie, Kasia Sobiesiak and Gary Walsh at the Wine Front
This is somewhere in the vicinity of 82% shiraz, the shiraz off 1946 Rosehill vines. The pinot is old vines too. “We’ve got no shit fruit anymore”, says winemaker Adrian Sparks, “we just have old, high quality vines left now”.

MB: This has mojo. Sappy, savoury, a pleasing bitterness and tension of tannin and minerally acidity in tow. Some pencil shaving oak overlaid but that tart red fruit, Italianate tannin, herbal inflection and light, botanical elements all feel harmonious and compelling. Slinky texture then tugs to firm. Really good. 94 points.

KS: Can’t deny, it’s one of my fave blends, the Shiraz/Pinot, if one can generalise like this, and Mt Henry is sort of a benchmark for me. I’m trying hard not to be biased. But who can ever be in 100%? Black cherry scented, violet, blackberry leaf, granite and dark leather, some dead flower umami note and dark slate tannin, it’s an alpine amaro drink with a bitter-salty seaweed finish. Cool stony texture and quite smooth and evenly spread but focused drive. High drinkability! Tip top! 94points

GW: Boysenberry, biscuit spice, violet and dried rose perfume. Medium-bodied, purple fruit, some grain and grip to tannin, structure is good, acidity sits very well, and there’s quite a volume of fruit, and the length is excellent, and savoury too. Lovely wine, and I think it offers something different that lifts it above, hence the score. 95 points
Rated : 95 Points

Mount Pleasant O.P & O.H. Vineyard (Old Paddock & Old Hill) Shiraz 2023
Reviews by: Mike Bennie, Kasia Sobiesiak and Gary Walsh at the Wine Front

MB: There were blocks planted after initial plantings but this wine now is only the original blocks involved. Or again.
A refreshing, frisky shiraz with good concentration, some ferrous notes, clove, cinnamon toast, dark cherry, choc-raspberry and faint cola characters. Has a bit of sinew and chew to texture, refreshing, pleasingly bitter acidity, a touch of blood orange. Even, balanced, energetic. Very good. 94 points

KS: Aromatic red and black fruit, orange peel, maraschino cherry. Ripe and sweet-toned but cool in flavours. A chewy mid-palate with fine-grained but textural tannins and creamed coffee core. Sticky too with an iron-like edge and finish. Doesn’t show as much finesse and fine detail as the others of the 2023 release but the bar is high. Maybe needs time. 93+points

GW: Dark fruit, liquorice/aniseed, iodine, but also has spice and gentle earthiness. Medium to full-bodied, plenty of weight, and there’ a lot of rich dark fruit here, some red, ferrous, shows some nutty oak, but the fruit is good with it. Finish is long and firm. Very good. 95 points.
Rated : 95 Points

Mount Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz 2023
Reviews by: Mike Bennie, Kasia Sobiesiak and Gary Walsh at the Wine Front

From the vineyard or Rosehill, established in 1946; this a blend of 1946 and 1965.

MB: Medium weight, supple and succulent, a sense of density and concentration, quite sweet-fruited with a core of black olive, ginger biscuit, sage leaf, aniseed and choc-liquorice. Feels dense but sits high in the palate, satiny and then a fine trill of grainy, tensing tannins. Indeed, tannin quality is great here. Almost a pinosity to this wine too. Great charm. 95 points.

KS: Immediate appeal. Cherry pie and black olive, rose water. It’s quite plummy too, a mix of dried bitter herbs, pink peppercorn, black tea tannins, cool, soft, with bergamot orange lift, full-flavoured, filles the mouth, slightly broad in that way but translucent in the flow making it medium-bodied at best but impactful flavour with a ferrous and peppery finish. Has a bit of a chew to the end and dusty aftertaste. Just feels a bit obvious, but very good. Good appeal. 93 points

GW; Boysenberry, dark raspberry, violet and dried rose, some sweet damp earthiness and biscuit spice. Medium-bodied, ripe black and red fruit, a bit richer and more brooding this year, black olive savoury, some dried herb too, tannin is fleshy and there’s a spicy finish of good length. Nice. 94+ points
Rated : 95 Points

Mount Pleasant Rosehill Vineyard 1946 Shiraz 2023
Reviews by: Mike Bennie, Kasia Sobiesiak and Gary Walsh at the Wine Front

From a portion of the 1946 plantings, a select block on the middle of the hill.

MB: Lithe and bright fruit characters, more red berry orientated, still holds earthiness and woody spices, an almost alpine herb element in the mix, some sarsaparilla sweet-bitterness and a swish of drying, chewy, fruit tannins to finish. A kind of levity here, vivid and shimmery fruit and spice, a lift and almost floral nature to the wine. Exceptional tannin and structure and freshness. 97 points

KS: Raspberries and blackberries, sweet herbs, graphite and ferrous tones in the perfume and in the flavour. Focused flow, salt and iodine line carrying the fruit in the main stream and along the cheek line. A hint of vanilla bean and lavender appears with time. Tannins are very fine, chalky, with an edge of pumice stone and a black tea feel overall. Juice it bright and with red fruit sparks throughout. Great vivid energy and persistence. 97 points

GW: Lots of rosy perfume, dark fruit, raspberry, slight earthiness, aniseed. Powerful but only medium-bodied, tannin is thick and ripe, and there’s such charm and sweetness to this old vine fruit. The finish has some savoury stuff, but by and large this is like the essence of Rosehill. Terrific wine. 97 points
Rated : 97 Points

2021 Leeuwin Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon
“Immediately captivating: the nose is vibrant and energetic, while simultaneously the epitome of elegance and poise with restrained fruit power. This is a silk evening gown of a wine: form-fitting, precisely tailored, mellifluous and effortlessly chic.
Abundant in aromatics and lifted perfume, fine red fruits include wild strawberry tip, bramble and just-ripe blackcurrant, alongside hints of piquancy: Szechwan pepper, clove and a fine dusting of deep, lightly toasted cocoa powder. There’s a charismatic iodine weave, the savoury and slightly saline minerality proving a foil to both the fruit flesh and the floral hues. Displaying extremely fine-grained tannins, it's firm, focused and delicate, with a graphite line, fresh acidity and plenty that will reveal itself in good time.” 96 points, Cassandra Charlick, Decanter

“The 2021 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon will be released in the winter of 2024, and it's an interesting timeline, given the 2020 will be released this February. The 2021 season in Margaret River was frequently wet, and as a result, the character of the red wines is lighter in body and fruit weight. This 2021 wine is lighter in the glass than the 2020 (no surprise, given berry sizes in general in 2020), and the nose introduces dried herbs and exotic spice, alongside the raspberry, cassis and nori. Block 8 and block 9, which make up the backbone of this wine, are dry-grown, and this is an important point in the years that are markedly wet (2021, 2006) and dry (2024, 2022, 2020, etc.). On the palate, the wine is perfumed and fine, lightweight and flowing. It's a beautiful wine to drink now, thanks to its powdery tannins. It's all about the tannins here; it's whippy, like fresh new growth on a plant. I would drink this anytime from release; it offers tremendous pleasure just as it is.” 95 points, Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Peregrine Chardonnay 2022
"A wine of finesse with great mouth-feel and 'hands-off' craftsmanship. The silken texture was first to capture my attention, followed by gentle layers of ginger, toasted nut and yeast lees influence and subtle, classy oak." 94 points. Bob Campbell, The Real Review

"Ripe, pure fruited bouquet with layers of complexity from outstanding fruit condition, select barrels and expert winemaking. Aromas and flavours white peach and apricot, grapefruit and a fine lees autolysis with textures from acidity and oak, tannins and fruit concentration. Flavours and textures are persistent adding length and panache to a lovely example. Best drinking from late 2023 through 2030."95 points, Cam Douglas MS

Mr Riggs Sticky End Viognier 2022
"Late-harvest viognier from the estate vineyard pressed to oak, old and new, to ferment, then transferred to tank to stop the ferment with about 5 baume of sugar left, where it remained on gross less for six months. Sticky, yes, but not cloyingly so, with a burst of acidity in support of the luscious profile of oozingly ripe apricot, honeyed lemon tea and orange blossom water. It’d be apt with fruit-based desserts, but I fancy this is an even better foil for dolce gorgonzola with new-season walnuts. 500ml." 92 Points, Special Value, Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion

Sons of Eden Notus Grenache 2022
"I’ve not had this wine from SoE before. This is from a range of sub-regions (Trial Pass, Light Pass, Vine Vale), with the vines all 60+ years old, some 90+.A bolder style of Grenache that lays on the ripe red berries, cherry liqueur, baking spice and dried herb. It’s fleshy and ripe, with plenty of grainy tannin to chew on, some choc-cherry flavour, balanced acidity, and spicy finish of good length, albeit maybe a little salty and drying. Good though. No shortage of impact." 93 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Riesling 2011
Top scoring white, Judgement of London at London Wine Fair
Top scoring wine, Judgement of London at London Wine Fair

Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay 2023
"I think this will be released in July, and I think this will be the new price. I tasted it at the winery last Friday, prior to a little vertical of LEAS Chardonnay 2021, 2020, 2018, 2016 and 2015. This gets about 30% new oak. It’s the best Prelude I can remember tasting, I’ll say that much straight off. A little struck match, very spicy (some pepper and cinnamon), bright citrus and green pear, hazelnut, fine flinty grip, with a cool finish of excellent length. Fine-boned, but delivers just enough flavor. I was so taken by its balance and charm. Superb drinking." 95 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz 2021
"While this has a core of ripe, sweet fruit, it’s very much a savoury wine. A hint of pepper and exotic spices with grainy yet persistent tannins flush across the fuller-bodied palate. There's cedary oak in the mix with a slight bitter green walnut note on the finish, so do order a juicy steak to assuage that."90 Points, Special Value, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

Leeuwin Estate Classic Dry White 2023
"Whether on a summer’s afternoon or at an al-fresco lunch, this crisp, crunchy and simple white fits the bill as the go-to drink. Hints of tropical fruit, zesty and tangy, with fine, zinc-like acidity. Refreshing too." 90 Points, Special Value, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

Moss Wood Semillon 2023
"This is so savoury, I wondered where all the fruit had gone, and found just a smidge of citrus and unripe honeydew melon. It’s crisp, refreshing, a little phenolic, with vibrant, crunchy acidity. It finishes a bit too firm and parchingly dry, but with time, this will be more harmonious." 90 Points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

Parker Estate First Growth 2020
"First Growth celebrates its 25th vintage release with the 2020 vintage and it’s a ripper. It’s pure, 100% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon as evidenced by the strong, invigorating herbal presence. A rush of thyme, rosemary, fennel mesh with mulberry, black berry and loganberry aromas – quite an exotic, attractive berry feature – and warm woodsy spice notes. Still a mere babe at this young age, such is always the case with First Growth which is traditionally built for the long haul. The palate opens invitingly in crushed leaves, fennel, thyme and herbals surrounding black fruits, bay leaf and cedar. Tannins are bold. Herbals amplified on the finish. Resist the urge to open now, if you can. Further time in bottle will be rewarded big time." 96 points, Jeni Port, Wine Pilot

"Patience yields reward and this Parker Coonawarra First Growth is an excellent case in point. It took three days of tasting to find its groove and how good was it to wait it out. I'm pleased to report that it is a brilliant Cabernet.
Tight, tense and leafy early, it's absolutely humming with some air under its wings. But wines like these are made for the long haul so ride it out. Buy it, tuck it away and you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
Quite savoury and herbal initially, roasted capsicum, black olives, red earth, black tea and some undergrowth. Tense and coiled, black fruits and berries aren't far from the action as dense plums build momentum. Blackberry compote and cigar box characters slowly move forward after some time to compose themselves. Finishing with a gorgeous spice tease, give it the time it deserves. Drink 2027 to 15 years+." 95 Points, Steve Lescyzinski, QWine

"From the Parker Estate Abbey vineyard; 12 days fermentation and 28 days on skins, 80% new oak for 18 months. Bewitching from start to finish. A mix of ripe boysenberry, pomegranate molasses and rooibos tea. Sweet paprika, ochre earth and morello cherries. Cumin, caraway seed and roasted arabica beans. Vanillin and mocha tones give way to maple and blackened grass tree trunk. Sweet cherry pit and carob on the palate; the acidity lingers in wisps. Flavours idle for an age after you’ve put the glass down. Granular tannins. This is showing its style but has a long way to evolve. What a wine!" 97 Points, Shanteh Wale, Halliday Wine Companion

Parker Estate 95 Block 2021
"Combines Cabernet Sauvignon (74%) with Petit Verdot (26%) and the two Bordeaux grape varieties seem to really hit it off. The outstanding vintage helps, as does the tannin management. Petit Verdot can be a bit of a repeat offender when it comes to high, aggressive tannins, but here the tannins are ripe and savoury and in total harmony. Blackberries, cinnamon, clove, bay leaf, red earth and cigar box, smoky, woodsy spices abound. The 95 Block blend, sourced from a sub-section of Parker Estate’s Abbey Vineyard, arrives as a complex whole, well-rounded and integrated. The potential for further ageing is incredible, to put it mildly, but that dusty, earth, smoky spiciness and solid fruit appeal is mighty tempting now." 96 points, Jeni Port, Wine Pilot

"Boom! Like a face plant into a blackberry jube. Delicious!
From Parker Coonawarra's Abbey vineyard, this 95 Block Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blend (74/26) sees 16 months in French oak (60% new).
Opening with leafy Cabernet notes, cigar box and Bay leaf, brace for the blackberry and black fruit explosion. Rounded with a fabulous drive, there is a little dusty road, meatiness, and Memphis meat rub adding to the savoury aspect of its personality. Sure the percentage of new oak used is high, but the handling is supreme to ensure it plays nothing more than a supporting role. The fusion of the two varieties elevates the experience no end with well handled tannins offering fine brick dust feels. Although I love the freshness now on release, this will age comfortably for as long as you want. Drink to ten years+." 94 Points, Steve Lescyzinski, QWine