Rejoice! Spring suddenly seems vibrantly fresh and benevolent, and Victoria has finally joined its interstate siblings by making a break for freedom. It’s been a long, cold, lonely lockdown. Here comes the sun… Fittingly, fresh juice is flowing from all corners of the globe with which to toast more hopeful times. From Germany, we have a brand-new wine from Georg Breuer called ‘Riesling Venture’, as well as the new arrivals from Heymann-Löwenstein and Koehler-Ruprecht. Across the border in Austria, it’s clear that 2019 was a really exciting harvest for Grüner…

2020 marks the 57th year at Wantirna Estate. During that time, the Egans have seen fashions come and go, likewise new ideas on viticulture and winemaking. "Many have been trialled by Reg, many ideas discarded, many implemented," reflects Maryann. Years later some of those same trials have been come up again as ‘new’ thoughts - Maryann's turn to give things a try. “The wheel really just turns and often ends up close to where it started, albeit with some tweaks here and there, some improvements…

So, this is something special. The three pinnacle, single-vineyard wines from the newly anointed Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year. It’s a richly deserved accolade for Nick, who follows in his father’s footsteps, 19 years after Gary Farr wore the same crown. For us, this release represents a chance to drink in the fruits of all the wisdom these Bannockburn slopes have bestowed on these indefatigable farmers over the years. That progression is neatly traced by these wines. Tout Près was Gary Farr’s ground-breaking…

The Terrassenmosel - the dizzying stone terraces over this part of the Mosel Valley - is such a distinctive place. Vineyards managers and pickers have their work cut out on these back-breaking slopes, and the vines don't have it easy. The exposed, rocky, drought-prone hillsides have a lot on their plate in a warm vintage. Vines can shut down at times, giving a shorter period for aromas and flavours to develop fully, and making the balance between ripeness and acidity that bit more precarious. But these…

Hard to remember back when Macedon was a place with interesting potential, or when Shadowfax was “one to watch”. Release after release, Shadowfax has piled on the evidence that Macedon is at least the match of any of Australia’s foremost cool-climate regions. And as it’s done so, it’s ramped up people’s excitement in the nooks and crannies of this rugged, rolling land. As the hits keep coming, the singularity of specific sites has become known and appreciated. Macedon is not simply a region to explore.…

“White Bordeaux blends don’t come much better than this. 96 points.” Gary Walsh, The Wine Front on Triolet “Just when you think the Mount Mary wines can't get any better (at the point of release), they do. 98 points.” James Halliday on Chardonnay “Not a hair out of place, all the boxes with big ticks. The length is awesome. 98 points.” Halliday on Pinot Noir “Mesmerisingly silky, with a kaleidoscope of fruit and secondary flavours. 99 points.” Halliday on Quintet The consensus seems to be…

Midspring, and the first glimpses of a certain summeriness peaking through. The mind turns to those parklife picnicky things – Tassie fizz, racy Riesling, dry rosé, slurpable Beaujolais. And thankfully that ship has come in… The biggest news comes from just outside Geelong, where newly crowned Winemaker of the Year 2020 Nick Farr is lapping up the accolade flowing from Gourmet Traveller WINE. You might want to lap up his Irrewarra Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to help him celebrate. Domestic releases are led by Tasmania’s Stefano Lubiana, and a…

Massive congratulations to Nick Farr, who’s just been named Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year 2020. It’s fitting recognition for Nick, who’s taken amazing strides with these vineyards and wines since effectively taking over – with enormous shoes to fill – some 10 years ago. Nick’s win comes 19 years after his father Gary won this same title. This is the first time two people from the same company - or winemaking dynasty – have won this accolade. Gary was just the fourth recipient…

  It's spring, and what better time to unveil a full range of superb sparkling wines from one of Tasmania's finest growers? Monique and Steve Lubiana had the stage set for celebration in 2020, what with this marking the 30th year since they embarked on their dream on the banks of the Derwent River in Granton. The estate was established with the production of top-quality cool-climate fizz in mind, and the Lubianas quickly made good on that promise. They've honed their craft since, becoming one…

To call this release bittersweet would miss the mark by miles. Nothing can make up for the tragedy of losing vigneron Frédéric Mabileau so young and so suddenly. What this does represent is continuity… and that is some kind of solace. Frédéric was killed aged 53 in a light aircraft accident in Saumur on the eve of harvest 2020. And harvest ensued. We have to reckon with the loss of a bright star of the Loire, but the fruits of his labour are here to…

Exciting times at Balnaves! We’ve always loved everything about this venerable grape-grower, terra rossa cheerleader and all-round fab family. And with spring in the air, the sense of renewal adds a thrilling frisson to the mix. Outgoing winemaker Pete Bissell leaves the range on absolutely top form. Pete’s consistency across the range was remarkable, and in recent years he added to his perfectly executed classics with a few modern twists. The Entav Bordeaux blend is a modern, stylish and bright take on Coonawarra, while his…

The Vaira family of Vergne has firmly established itself as one of Piedmont’s most assured, stylish and elegant producers. The Vairas effortlessly straddle the line between tradition and modernity, celebrating the beauty of their home and its alluring grape varieties while serving up wines that are expressive and downright delicious. Their G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana labels have their feet planted in the communes of Barolo and Serralunga d’Alba respectively. Both bear a small but perfectly formed range of wines that is recognised and revered.…

"Aromatic white wines and Te Whare Ra are synonymous with the phrase ‘high quality’. They just seem to nail it all the time. Organic grown, made by legends." Mike Bennie, The Wine Front The mishaps of 2020 have really clipped the wings of biodynamic Marlborough producer TWR, which deserves to be riding the crest of a wave. Jason Flowerday, one half of this inspiring husband-and-wife team, was named NZ Viticulturist of the Year back in February by Gourmet Traveller WINE. A few months later, the estate…

Spring is in the air! Dare we be hopeful? Hell, yeah! For what else is there to do? And here are some wines to fuel optimism. We have a few high-profile releases this month, led on the mainland by the sensational second coming of Julian and Alana Langworthy of Nocturne‘s sub-regional wines from Margaret River. And then, from Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, we have the annual release of the Stoney Rise and Holyman wines from Lou and Joe Holyman. From New Zealand, PJ Charteris has released just his second Chardonnay in four years,…

The year 2020 marks the second of our partnership with Lou and Joe Holyman of Tamar Valley’s Stoney Rise and Holyman labels. This, more importantly, is the second spring release of the full range – and range is an apt term, given the array of delights on offer. It begins with the naked immediacy of the ‘No Clothes’ Pinot Noir, made with no SO2 and bursting with newness and nowness. Grüner Veltliner, meanwhile, flies the flag for alternative varieties. It’s a grape that has shown…