Words from a Wine Glass

I’m going to go out on a limb and say Yalumba must surely be the Viognier champions of Australia. That’s not to take anything away from the many producers who grow the variety and make outstanding wines from it, but Yalumba were the ones who took an unfamiliar grape and introduced it into the Australian mainstream. They planted the first commercial Viognier vineyard in the Eden Valley back in 1980 and, under the steady hand of Louisa Rose, now make five expressions, from the value‑packed Y Series right through to the incomparable Virgilius, the benchmark for Australian Viognier.

I’ve long had a soft spot for Viognier as a stand‑alone variety. I introduced it to my late mum, who became a fan in her own right and absolutely loved pronouncing the name… even if she rarely got it quite right (insert cheeky, smiley emoji here). There’s something about that memory that always brings me back to a glass on a more than regular basis.

With that in mind, I’m turning my attention to the 2022 Samuel’s Collection Viognier.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $28    Source: Retail Purchase

There’s an immediate lift of apricot and a gentle floral note on the nose, the kind of aromatics that remind you why Yalumba treats Viognier as a signature variety. The palate is rich and silky, with ripe peach and apricot leading the way and a touch of citrus keeping things bright. A subtle warm spice adds intrigue, but it’s the texture that really shows this wine’s class. A texture that glides effortlessly across the palate, carrying the fruit through to a clean, fresh, and persistently flavoursome finish. Balanced, expressive, and confidently Viognier. At this price, it’s hard to argue with the value. A modern Australian expression that delivers generosity without excess and freshness without losing its varietal charm. I loved it!

I don’t know what ‘Gen’ I am in this world, but whatever ‘Gen’ comes after me is unlikely to know what Gewürztraminer is, with all due respect of course. They probably wouldn’t even recognise it as a word, let alone a wine variety and then let’s see them try to pronounce it. Fair enough though. It’s rarely seen on a wine list, and if it is, it’s usually tucked beneath the more popular varieties. In bottle shops it tends to be relegated to the bottom shelf, and at tasting events it’s almost never poured. Why? I will never know.

As much as I haven’t reviewed this variety much in the last ten years (my bad), it’s one I genuinely enjoy and this wine is the perfect reminder of why. If you think Gewürztraminer isn’t your ‘thing,’ you need to track this down, because it could very well become your ‘thing.’

Slow Wine Co Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Price: $29    Source: Wine Swap (Thanks Jen)

It’s delightfully delicate from the outset. The aromas are refined yet intense and unmistakably varietal. I know exactly what I’m in for (besides reading the front label), and the anticipation builds with every swirl and sniff. The palate delivers a bold, expressive stone‑fruit profile while keeping that pretty Gewürztraminer character front and centre, with a gentle spice thread adding intrigue. There’s texture, some nice acidity to keep things lively, and above all, sheer likeability. The wine finishes clean and persistent, just enough grip to remind you it’s not here to be dismissed.

Pour this blind for white‑wine drinkers and they’ll be hooked…guaranteed. And who knows… maybe the next ‘Gen’ will thank you for the introduction.

“Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” I saw this quote recently (thank you American football coach, Bear Bryant) and I couldn’t help but like it.

In the world of wine, the same holds true. When a producer has pride in their vineyards, a winemaker shows class in their craft, and each bottle carries true character, the results speak for themselves. This year, First Ridge has let their wines do exactly that. Quietly, confidently, and with the kind of authenticity that doesn’t chase trophies or medals, yet somehow ends up collecting them anyway.

When you taste these wines, you too will realise the character, the pride, and the class in every sip. They are going to be popular so get in quick!

First Ridge Website

Region: Mudgee, NSW    Source: Sample thanks kindly to First Ridge and Define Wine

2025 Fiano ($30.00)

Fresh, youthful, and inviting aromas of peaches, pears, and a splash of melon with a little lime-iness thrown in. The aromas do not prepare you for what is in store when you taste it. It’s great! I can’t put it any other way. It’s vibrant and lively, yet richly flavourful and beautifully textured. It has lovely balance between abundant tropical fruit flavours, refreshing minerally notes, and bright acidity on the delightfully attractive finish. I could easily go on and on about this wine. No wonder it took home a Gold Medal and the Trophy for Best White Italian Variety, 2025 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. 

2025 Vermentino ($28.00)

Lovely tropical aromas get things off to a great start, with a little herbal/grassy note. The palate follows through with youthfulness and brightness, showing a restrained vivacity that keeps you coming back for another sip. It’s mainly citrus‑driven, but apple and pear notes add welcome texture and palate presence. As I tasted it, the flavour and texture kept building subtly but confidently then finishing with impressive length and clarity. It’s a beautifully balanced Vermentino, and a worthy companion to its award‑winning Fiano sibling. Mind you, this wine itself can proudly boast having won trophies at both the Mudgee Wine Show and the Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Awards.

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.