2021 Francois Xavier Barc Expression Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on December 20, 2025 by Tony Peters

There’s a certain quiet confidence in Loire Sauvignon Blanc. In a world where the market is flooded with the variety, this one shows some quiet authority when it comes to precision and poise, elegance, and purity. And, at this price point, yes it asks to be taken seriously but I think it is a more of a wine that ultimately invites enjoyment.

Region: Loire Valley, France     Price: $43.00     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Vinsdeloire and Hopscotch Season Groupe 

The nose is lifted with attractive citrus zest, a touch of passionfruit, and a minerally/flinty edge. On the palate, it’s crisp and lively, the acidity bright but balanced by a fine texture that gives it lovely weight and presence. Citrus fruits lead the charge, but there’s a subtle savoury edge that keeps it intriguing.

The finish is clean, refreshing, and persistent, reminding you that this is not just Sauvignon Blanc, but a Sauvignon Blanc requiring your attention.

Posted in Other Whites | Leave a comment

2024 Heggies Vineyard Estate Chardonnay

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Tony Peters

Cricket season is alive and well here in Australia, with the Ashes front and centre as the Poms, as they’re affectionately known, compete for the coveted urn.

I’m not old enough to have seen Don Bradman play, but from articles, documentaries, and the countless references during cricket season, it’s clear he was a master of his craft. His ability to score runs with relentless ease was legendary. He set the standard that players, even his adversaries admired, and he built a following the world over. Consistency was his hallmark, retiring with a batting average of 99.94, and he constantly fulfilled the expectations of those who watched his career.

It may seem an odd comparison, but this wine is no different, albeit in a very different world to cricket. Heggies Vineyard Estate Chardonnay has been consistent over many years, relentlessly fulfilling the expectations of those who have loyally bought and drank it since its inception in 1985. With every release, you know you’ll get the best Eden Valley grapes can deliver. Every time.

Heggies Vineyard Website

Region: Eden Valley, SA     Price: $36     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Heggies Vineyard and  Hill- Smith Family Estates

Elegant and cool‑climate in style, there is a lovely varietal bouquet of stone fruit, some floral notes, and subtle oak spice. The palate is bright, layered with ripe peach, lush pear, and hints of creamy vanilla, crisp delicate acidity and fine minerality. It finishes long and clean, with a touch of spice and youthful freshness that is cleansing. A wine of balance, poise, and, even though it’s perfect for early drinking, good structure for cellaring potential (if you can keep your mits off it). A great part of the Heggies white wine range. Two words. Moreishly attractive.

Posted in Chardonnay | Leave a comment

La Maschera NV Prosecco & 2024 Pinot Gris Releases

Posted on December 6, 2025 by Tony Peters

“La Maschera” refers to an Italian word for “the mask” hence a mask appearing on the labels of these two wines. However, there is nothing being masked here. From the lively sparkle of the Prosecco NV to the textured depth of the Pinot Gris 2024, La Maschera shows how expressive, small‑batch wines can balance freshness with character. Each bottle feels crafted with the intent to be approachable yet distinctive and modern yet respectful of tradition…and it shows with every glass.

La Maschera Store

Price: $23 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

La Maschera Prosecco NV (Region: South Eastern Australia)

It opens with delicate floral aromas then apple, pear and citrus come on board. The palate is light and refreshing, driven by green apple, citrus with tropical fruits leaving subtle touches on the flavour profile. There’s a slight herbal note in there and a clean minerality on the effervescent finish that invites another sip. At around 11% alcohol, this is a classic dry Prosecco with a modern Australian twist. Vibrant, versatile, and perfectly suited to summer gatherings.

La Maschera Pinot Gris 2024 (Region: Limestone Coast)

Fresh and expressive, this Pinot Gris opens with delicate floral aromas, apple, subtle spice notes. The palate is lively yet textured. Honeydew melon and pear lead the way with some lovely apple-like acidity in there too as it finishes fresh and clean with vibrant fruit and the texture lingering nicely. It’s a wine that feels both relaxed and refined. Modern in its character, yet respectful of the variety’s fuller Gris style. Three words. Approachable, distinctive, and versatile.

They remind us that wine is more than flavour. It’s fun and frivolity in a glass, inviting us to celebrate the everyday with a touch of individuality…without the mask.

Posted in Other Whites, Sparkling Wine | Leave a comment

Two Oxford Landing Bargains to Seriously Consider

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Tony Peters

There are a couple of familiar quotes you hear a lot. “Life’s too short to drink bad wine” and “Life’s too short to drink cheap wine.” The first is tricky simply because, how do you know a wine is bad before you open it? The second is easier to follow, since the price is right there on the shelf or on the bottle itself.

But here’s the thing. There’s plenty of good, even great, wine that’s inexpensive. And of course, “cheap” means different things to different people. This Chardonnay and Merlot are two cases in point. Both are good, both are affordable, and both hit the mark for their variety and for consumers.

Those quotes have their place, but they’re not rules worth abiding by.

Region: Riverland, SA     Price: $13 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Oxford Landing and  Hill- Smith Family Estates

2024 Chardonnay

A wine with good aromatics of peach, nectarine and citrus with a little floral and spice note adding interest. The palate is quite generous thanks to peach, melon and some stone-fruit fleshiness. There’s a lovely creamy undertone delivered by the time spent on lees but there is a nice crisp freshness to the wine bringing balance. A subtle hint of oak adds a complementary touch while some bright acidity chimes in on the refreshingly clean finish. A Chardonnay with charm and clarity that delivers both varietal character and very good value.

2023 Merlot

This Merlot opens with attractive fruity aromas of plum, raspberry, and bright red berries with a spicy, savoury edge as well. The palate is comfortably medium‑bodied yet has a generous fruit profile. Plummy fruit flavours to the fore with red cherry and a touch of blackberry playing a part. It’s a little earthy, there’s some nice texture, the tannins are soft and smooth, carrying through to a persistent finish. Varietally true to Merlot, this is a wine made to be enjoyed young and with laid‑back entertaining in mind. Good stuff!

Posted in Chardonnay, Merlot | Leave a comment

2025 Rogers & Rufus Grenache Rosé

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Tony Peters

Cartoonist, Tom Wilson, is credited with coining the phrase, “A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.” It’s quite simple yet so true, and can be an immediate indicator of happiness in a person.

Well, I have to say, as soon as I put this rosé under my nose, a smile appeared under the rim of the glass. When I removed the glass, it remained across my face and it lingered there for a good while too. You could say I am easily pleased but that would overlook the genuine quality and joy of the wine in the glass.

Rogers & Rufus Store

Region: Barossa Valley, SA     Price: $27     Source: Sample thanks kindly to  Hill- Smith Family Estates

Lovely aromatics rise from the glass after a good swirl, think strawberries, a little spice and slightly floral characters. The palate is fresh, bright and flavourful. Red cherries, strawberries, a little red currant juiciness and a herbal note lead the way, joined by citrusy notes, gentle acidity, and a pleasing texture that lingers just long enough to remind you this is a neat, impressive rosé package. A smile in a glass, right under your nose.

Posted in Grenache, Rosé | Leave a comment

2025 Smith & Hooper Pinot Grigio

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Tony Peters

I’m a big fan of the movie, Forrest Gump, and like many, I can recite the famous line verbatim: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” When it comes to the Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris debate, that quote fits neatly. Often the distinction is clear, though sometimes the style sits (shakingly) on the fence and that can be an interesting for those drinking it who have certain expectations. For winemakers, when it comes to the ‘making’, bottling and labelling, I imagine it requires serious thought especially with the consumer in mind. It can’t be easy.

Shop Smith & Hooper Wines

Region: Wrattonbully, SA     Price: $19     Source: Sample thanks kindly to  Hill- Smith Family Estates

Aromas of pear juice, green apple, and a touch of spice rise with quiet influence. The palate follows with pear and apple at the core (no pun intended), texture building gently as it sits well on the tongue. Delicate acidity lingers without sharpness, while a soft muskiness and subtle richness contribute to a nice, reasonably long finish. A wine of charm and value, sure to please those who enjoy Pinot Grigio’s fuller spectrum. A good, food friendly style. Jump on it I reckon.

Posted in Other Whites | Leave a comment

2025 Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Tony Peters

Let’s lay our cards on the table. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has copped a bad rap for a while, with many wines crossing the ditch to Australia caught up in less-than-complimentary reporting. And yes, some bottles are made more for a market rather than for a discerning palate.

I don’t drink enough of this variety to know whether producers are still making New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the style that has proven to be mighty popular in Australia, or are also making wines to be appreciated for what they are. Food friendly, easy-drinking, flavoursome white wines. They still sell very well here in Australia, and I can understand why.

Thankfully, producers like Twin Island (crafted by Nautilus Estate) are doing a fine job improving opinions when it comes to this variety.

Twin Islands Wine Website

Region: Malborough, NZ     Price: $21     Source: Sample thanks kindly to  Hill- Smith Family Estates

This 2025 release is very aromatic, showing classic varietal characters of passionfruit, fresh herbs, and a bright line of acidity. The palate is fresh and flavourful, with green apple, citrus, and a hint of grapefruit-like notes. There’s a touch of texture and a clean, citrusy finish. Well priced and sure to please Sauvignon Blanc drinkers.

Posted in Other Whites | Leave a comment

New Releases from Oxford Landing for the Summer

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Tony Peters

Who doesn’t enjoy summer? Not just for the warmer days, the less clothes we have to ‘carry’ around on our bodies or the amount of daylight we have thanks to daylight saving (in most states of Australia). As the days stretch longer, the shirt sleeves get shorter and trousers are left hanging in the wardrobe for a while, Oxford Landing has released a quartet of wines that feel tailor-made for the summer season ahead.

From a cheerful fizz to fruitful still wines, each bottle brings something different to the table for anyone and everyone yet they all share a common thread. Simplicity, charm, drinkability and honest value. Put them all on your bottle-shopping list for Christmas, New Year and anything in between because this lot suits any occasion.

Region: Riverland, SA     Price: $13 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Oxford Landing and  Hill- Smith Family Estates

Oxford Landing Sparkling Cuvée NV

There’s a cheerful nature to this sparkling, beginning with aromas of citrus and crisp apple. The palate follows being creamy, appley, and bright with acidity. A softness to the mousse gives it a quiet, celebratory feel. It’s not a ‘simple’ wine, but it’s not trying to be complex either, and that’s exactly the point it makes. Well made, well priced, and all the better for it. Eye-catching label, appealing flavours, and a price that will also attract attention. Nicely done I say.

2025 Moscato

I’ll admit, I don’t often reach for Moscato but I gave this one its moment in the glass. A gentle fizz opens into a floral bouquet and ripe stone fruit like peach, and pear. Sweetness leads, but soft acidity keeps it lively. There’s a surprising texture on the mid-palate, and the clean finish leaves just enough fruit to linger. Not my usual pick, but for lovers of lighter, sweeter styles, this will hit the right note. Easygoing, approachable, and made for sunny afternoons. Think garden party in a bottle.

2025 Rosé

Not a good start (sorry), the colour lacked a little excitement for me but, I’m never one to judge a book by its cover. Things changed from then on. While not especially aromatic, it offered just enough varietal character to hint at promise. Delicate red berries give this a good level of flavour that is persistent. It’s refreshingly crisp with a creaminess that adds a nice dimension to this bargain wine and finishing with a gentle sweetness that is sure to charm lovers of Rosé.

2024 Juicy Red

I hope I don’t offend the winemaker when I say, this wine is all about being the easy decision on any given day of the week. It’s a trackie dacs, t-shirt, feet-up kind of red wine for when white wine won’t do. Juicy and fruity, thanks to an abundance of red berries, it carries a charismatic charm that’s inclusive rather than showy. Don’t be afraid to chill it down a little. It’s flavourful yet soft on the palate, vibrant while still holding its red wine persona. Most importantly, it’s delicious to drink. That’s what it does well.

Posted in Other Reds, Other Whites, Red Blends, Rosé, Sparkling Wine | Leave a comment

Huntington Estate Sparkling Wine Releases

Posted on November 12, 2025 by Tony Peters

If you’re old enough to remember Kool & the Gang, you’ll recall their 1980 disco hit, “Celebration!” It is catchy, upbeat, and full of effervescent vivacity. I watched the film-clip and the band members were definitely celebrating alright, and dancing too. Giorgio Moroder is quoted as saying, “Disco is music for dancing, and people will always want to dance.”

And let’s be honest, nothing pairs with a celebration on the dance floor quite like a bubbles. It lifts the moment, elevates the mood, and brings people together in good times.

What better way to honour that spirit than with these two sparkling wines from Huntington Estate, each with a different take on effervescence, both made to “Celebrate good times, come on…Yahoo!”

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

2025 Estate Methode Charmat Grenache Rosé ($35)

With its pale pink hue and fine, persistent bubbles, this wine looks like celebration in a glass. Apple and cherry aromas tease the olfactory senses in a subtle yet confident way. On the palate, those same fruits return with more presence, fresh and flavourful, joined by a hint of creaminess that softens the crisp, dry finish. It’s got the rhythm of a disco earworm. Catchy, joyful, and hard to forget.  I can see why the Huntington Estate team are happy with this wine. It’s delightfully drinkable, and then some.

2024 Special Reserve Methode Traditionelle Chardonnay Pinot Noir ($55)

Upon pouring, the bubbles rise with gentle persistence, fine and elegant. The nose begins a little subdued but, give it a swirl to get the beads of bubbles going again and they release a light citrusy, yeasty and slightly toasty aromas. The palate unfurls with grace and sophistication. Citrus characters provide the foundation while pear and subtle tropical notes join the chorus. There’s a creamy softness through the mid-palate, and a crisp, dry finish that lingers like a well-placed chord.  Taking absolutely nothing away from the previous wine, this is indeed a quality sparkling wine. While the Charmat Rosé leans toward youthful vibrancy, this Special Reserve sparkling is crafted with complexity and generosity. It carries depth, elegance and refinement.

Together, these two sparklings from Huntington Estate offer more than just effervescence. They offer mood, movement, and meaning. One dances with youthful charm, the other glides with graceful elegance. Whether you’re raising a glass on the dance floor or toasting quietly among friends, they remind us that celebration comes in many forms. And when the bubbles rise, so too do the good times. Yahoo!

Posted in Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine | Leave a comment

4 New Releases from Aristotelis ke Anthoula

Posted on November 1, 2025 by Tony Peters

“The greatness of art is not to find what is common but what is unique,” said Nobel Prize-winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer. I can’t recall where I first saw this quote, but it clearly struck a chord. I wrote it down without hesitation.

That sentiment echoes through every sip of Aristotelis ke Anthoula’s new release wines. These are wines that don’t follow, they lead. They’re not trying to be familiar, pedestrian. They’re trying to be unforgettable, memorable. And that’s the lens through which I tasted each of these four new releases. Each one had its own voice, its own rhythm, and its own individuality, saying, “Can you meet me where I am? Not where you think I should be.”

So, here are my thoughts. Not from comparisons, but from curiosity, and from when uniqueness triggered my taste buds and exposed the ‘art’ of these wines that only Aristotelis ke Anthoula can do.

Aristotelis ke Anthoula Website

Region: Various, NSW     Source: Samples courtesy of Aristotelis ke Anthoula Wines

2024 Chenin Blanc (Gundagai, NSW) ($39)

I am a fan of Chenin Blanc. I can’t remember who introduced me to it but I am so glad they did. Seeing examples like this one pique my interest in the variety even more.  This one is varietal yet it has a fresh and exciting feel to it. Plenty of peach, pear and apple characters get things up and running. Lovely clean citrus notes stimulate the palate as some lovely skinsy like texture comes in to balance it all out very nicely. Bright yet savoury, generous yet restrained, it’s not trying to be anything other than itself and that’s its strength. It’s a fascinating wine that I really enjoyed.

2024 Retsini (Riverland, NSW) ($42)

I have to admit, I didn’t know how to approach this wine. Reading the notes, it is something so far removed from anything I have tried but it drew me in. Made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes and fermented with Aleppo pine resin from a small mountain village in Greece (I’ve got your attention now I bet) but don’t be alarmed. That ‘resin’ is subtle and complementary, adding to the vibrant and juicy fruit. There’s ripe apricot, concentrated peach juice and a gentle herbal influence too. It’s complex, yes, but also clear in its intent and easy to enjoy. Sorry, but it’s hard to describe, but that’s part of its charm. It is so interestingly and thought provocably drinkable. Go for it I say!

2024 Blood Orange (Gundagai, NSW) ($38)

There is something profoundly cool about this wine. It defies easy categorisation and I mean that in a good way. Made from two white varieties (50% Fiano, 30% Vermentino) and one red variety (20% Nero d’Avola) that have clearly enjoyed being co-fermented, comes a wine with quiet confidence and a playful vivacity. Juicy dark cherries are nicely balanced by some red berry freshness, if you like, with a citrus ‘lift’ that rounds things off on the finish giving it a refreshing touch to go out on. This is a wine that doesn’t ask for patience. Far from it. It is present and accountable and sometimes that’s exactly what we like in our wines. Good gear!

2024 Nanima Road (Murrumbateman) Pinot Noir ($45)

I am, unashamedly, a Pinot Noir lover! I will also openly admit to very much looking forward to tasting this wine. Coming from a state that makes very special Pinot Noir, I found this one from Murrumbateman quite compelling. A lovely colour in the glass, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Cherry and plum fruits, and a little earthiness on the nose when poured spoke of its variety. Tick! Those same fruits lead the way on the flavourful palate and let you know that’s what it’s all about. Some gentle spice notes and a touch of oak play a part, even the acidity and tannins have a quiet say in the wine’s attractive character. Gee I liked this wine. So silky smooth, elegant, refined and lovingly lengthy.

Posted in Other Reds, Other Whites, Pinot Noir, Red Blends | Leave a comment