Loire Red Wines with a Focus on Cabernet Franc

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Tony Peters

I’m a big fan of the Northern and Southern Hemisphere set up. It gives those living in the mid-range areas of each sphere a chance to appreciate what they have and what others are experiencing on the opposite side of the globe. And let’s not forget the travel perks. Being able to escape each other’s cooler months is a win-win.

At any given time of year, one hemisphere is basking in warmth while the other embraces the chill. But when it comes to wine, I’d like to think it doesn’t really matter what season it is or what time of year it is. Whether you’re heading into cooler months where red wine pairs beautifully with hearty meat dishes, or gearing up for summer weekends filled with (almost compulsory) barbecues, wine is meant to be enjoyed with frivolity, food, family, and friends.

What I love about Cabernet Franc, especially these three Loire Valley expressions, is how they showcase the variety’s versatility. From the easygoing, budget-friendly bottle perfect for a relaxed barbecue, to the two more refined versions with a bit more punch, all three share an inherent approachability. They’re different, yet united by a sense of place and purpose.

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

2023 Famille Bougrier ‘Confidences’, Chinon, Cabernet Franc ($19.99)

Don’t let the price tag fool you, this is no wallflower. The most affordable of the trio, yet it punches well above its weight. The delightful aromatics really get things started with this wine. On the palate, juicy red fruits (think cherries and currants), a soft herbal influence, and a supple mid-palate texture lead into a savoury finish that makes it effortlessly enjoyable. It’s the kind of wine that doesn’t demand attention but earns it with quiet confidence, just like its name suggests. I am definitely a fan!

2022 Yannick Amirault Bourgueil Cote 50 Cabernet Franc ($39.99)

This Loire Valley Cabernet Franc seemed to tell me what I should expect from it, right from the aromas it sent from the glass, and it got it right! Fresh and delicious red, black, and brambly fruits shine with an earthy character speaks of the region. It’s delightfully creamy across the palate with a slight herbal note and a touch of oak playing a measured part. For me, this particular wine seemed more gentile and conversational while maintaining its varietal presence and, to me, this is a good thing. Just my thoughts but the winemaker has ‘listened’ and the fruit has done its job.

2021 Arnaud Lambert Saint Cyr En Bourg Les Terres Rouge ($44.99)

I tried this one last out of the three and it proved to be quite a treat (taking nothing away from the other two). Delightfully perfumed with fresh red currants, red liquorice, a hint of blackberry, a little earthiness and spice just to top it off. The palate is fruit-full, medium bodied and generous. It’s bright, juicy and fresh with those red fruits showing through with a nice plummy feel on the mid palate with no oak influence. Winemaker, Arnaud Lambert has hit the nail on the head with this Cabernet Franc. Winner!

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Nautilus Cuvée Marlborough Brut NV

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Tony Peters

There’s something quite celebratory about opening a bottle of sparkling wine, don’t you think? It’s not just that ‘POP’ of the cork (not that I mind crown seal on some sparkling wines) or the dance of the bubbles forming the mousse that sits so eloquently at the top of the wine as it’s poured into the glass. It’s the promise of something quite refined, refreshingly delicious, and just a little bit indulgent. This Brut NV from Nautilus, a long-standing favourite in New Zealand since 1989, delivers all of that and more. Made in the traditional method, this Pinot Noir dominant blend (75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay) is aged on its lees for three years, allowing time to weave complexity into its character.

Nautilus Estate Website

Region: Malborough, N.Z.    Price: $40     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

Pouring this Cuvée created a fine bead of tiny bubbles that sat atop of what landed in the glass, all of which released their own aromas of something like apple crumble with a squeeze of lemon. The palate gives a lot of complexity, richness, freshness and excitement alongside an elegant and delicate textural mouthfeel as it finishes with some lovely acidity. It seems to be the ‘complete package,’ never feeling heavy or overworked, and I mean that as a compliment. Bright, flavourful, characterful, inviting and nicely priced too. I can only see its popularity growing here in Australia, whether it’s a celebration or a quiet moment of indulgence. Go on, you deserve it.

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Earthworks New Releases and Grocery Giveaway Promotion

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Tony Peters

Earthworks Wines is a family-owned collection proudly connected to Angaston, South Australia. Partnering with local growers, they source premium fruit that captures the true spirit of the region. Their wines are crafted with care, focusing on the land they come from and the families who tend it. Through deep community collaboration, Earthworks celebrates authenticity, tradition, and value.

To thank the wine lovers who have supported them, Earthworks has launched a promotion that could land you a year’s worth of groceries valued at $12,000. Surely that must have grabbed your attention and provides a reason to raise a glass of their wines.

Sam Wigan, Head of Winemaking, says: “Earthworks is a network of families who work in regional communities, and we understand what matters. This promotion is a way of giving back to the people who support Earthworks by helping to fill their fridges, just as they’ve filled their glasses with our wine.” As Sam Wigan suggests, this is about giving back and frankly, their wines are more than just good, they’re part of something truly special.

Earthworks Wines

Region: Various, S.A.     Price: $20 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates 

2025 Earthworks Riesling

Everything you would want in a value packed Riesling. It is invitingly fresh, varietally appealing and quite delicious. Aromas of lemons and limes with a delicate floral note there too. The palate offers up plenty for the price. It’s all about the citrussy characters providing a good flavour hit here too with good acidity and a pretty impressive finish.

2025 Earthworks Rosé

Aromas of freshly ripe strawberries are the star here but, I must add, it’s not that basic. The palate exudes freshness and vibrancy with a bright red fruit profile, there’s a surprising richness, yet is nicely balanced with some refreshing acidity and a nice flavourful finish. A very neat Rosé package. Another Rosé that may well earn constant residency in our drinks fridge.

2024 Earthworks Tempranillo

I wish you could see the colour. For an early drinking red, the colour is so bold and deep! Aromas? Plenty of blue fruits give you a lovely introduction. The flavours on the palate are juicy, plush and delightfully medium-bodied. Red fruits with a dark berry influence, hints of dark chocolate, a touch of oak, ‘just-enough’ savoury characters and fine tannins. A really good example at this price point. Yes!

2023 Earthworks Barossa Shiraz

Another in this lineup of Earthworks wines that hits the mark. Aromas of plum, dark berries, and a touch of spice lead the way. This medium-bodied Shiraz bursts with juicy red fruits, while black fruits add some good depth. There’s a freshness and vibrancy on the generous palate with soft tannins and a little oak adding a nice touch to the smooth finish. This is more of a charming and approachable Barossa Shiraz as opposed to a heavy hitting example from the region and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

2023 Earthworks Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine hits the Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon brief perfectly in a fruit-forward, varietally expressive and ready to drink style. Black and blue fruit aromas sing in tune along with a subtle herbal note. The palate is juicy and dark fruity with a plumminess sitting in the (usually missing) mid-palate and complementary herbal characters. There’s a smooth textural feel to this wine across the palate too that sits nicely with the delicate tannins as it tails off quietly. This is good!

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Other Reds, Riesling, Rosé, Shiraz | Leave a comment

2019 Levantine Hill Katherine’s Paddock Chardonnay

Posted on August 16, 2025 by Tony Peters

We have had the pleasure of visiting Levantine Hill on a few occasions now, whether it be for an informative wine tasting or a decadent yet relaxing lunch. Every time, regardless of the weather, no matter where we sat, we had a lovely view across the green lawns and vineyards, and the picturesque Yarra Valley.

As quoted by Jane Austen, “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” Just reading that quote potrays a sense of relaxation in my mind. I would go as far to add to this Jane Austen quote, “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure, with a glass of 2019 Levantine Hill Katherine’s Paddock Chardonnay in hand, is the most perfect refreshment.”

Levantine Hill Website

Region: Yarra Valley, Vic     Price: $125     Source: Retail Purchase

This is quite intense on the nose even to the point of saying complexity is not just something you taste in a wine. You can experience it in your olfactory senses. Aromatically, everything is delightfully ripe yet not overtly so, like a big hello from a friend rather than a capital letter text message that demands your attention. The flavours fill out the palate in such a profound way. Though medium to full-bodied for a Chardonnay, it delivers richness, elegance, and balance into every facet of its characteristics. Think stone fruits wrapped in a silken texture, obvious oak but is complementary, white chocolate like creaminess (if that’s a thing). The acidity sits neatly in the background as it finishes so amazingly long. Yes, it speaks luxury but has an approachability factor that speaks louder.

Posted in Chardonnay | Leave a comment

Nautilus Estate Pinot Noir Releases

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Tony Peters

I was listening to an interview with Clive Jones, winemaker at Nautilus Estate, and it was easy to see how much he enjoyed working there. You could tell it in his voice. There was excitement, exuberance, and a genuineness about everything he said and his down-to-earth quality is very relatable. Greek philosopher, Aristotle, is quoted as saying, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” It was clear to me that Clive Jones gets a great deal of pleasure out of his job and it shows in the wines he makes. Such is evident here with these two Pinot Noirs. He seeks perfection and it doesn’t get much closer on both counts.

Nautilus Estate Website

Region: Malborough, New Zealand    Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

2020 Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir (RRP $40)

Well hello to you, you luscious Pinot Noir you! What a delight, especially for the price. It offers up plenty on the nose that captivates your thoughts on just what this is going to taste like…and it does not let you down. It is concentratingly (not a real word I know) varietal while sitting in the medium-bodied realm . Dark cherry, mid-palate enriching plumminess, black pepper and spice, finishing elegantly smooth, and long with lovely balanced mouthfeel.

2020 Nautilus Clay Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir (RRP $110)

This is a Pinot with presence. While the Southern Valleys Pinot Noir is terrific, this Clay Hills Vineyard wine elevates the experience into a more complex territory. The aromatics are immediately engaging, blackberries, ripe cherries, a trace of spice, and an earthy note, all of which really get things off to a perfect start. On the palate, those dark fruits show their quality along with plum-like softness, hints of red berries and a nice subtle herbal note. It is beautifully balanced, with silky tannins that glide to a finish of impressive length. It’s generous yet poised and lush without being overindulgent. Quite simply, a standout Pinot Noir. Elegant, expressive, and thoroughly delightful.

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2023 Nautilus Estate Chardonnay

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Tony Peters

I’ve yet to experience a New Zealand summer firsthand. On the two occasions we’ve visited, it’s been during the cooler-ish months, each time layering up to combat the chilly days. Not that it stopped me from sampling the local whites, of course. As a Chardonnay fan, I’m pretty certain I tried many although my memory fails me if asked which ones exactly. What I do remember, rather embarrassingly, is not visiting Nautilus Estate. Why? Honestly, I have no excuse. Having now had the pleasure of tasting their Sauvignon Blancs and this Chardonnay (so far), I can’t help but feel a sense of regret. So here’s my advice. Don’t repeat my mistake. Make time for Nautilus Estate when you’re in New Zealand. Their wines are absolutely worth it.

Nautilus Estate Website

Region: Malborough, N.Z.    Price: $36     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

From the very first swirl, this wine lets you know it means business. The aromatics are absolutely charming. Ripe stone fruits take centre stage, with some flintiness and just the faintest trace of oak coming through. The palate doesn’t let those aromatics do all the heavy lifting though. There’s that beautiful stone fruit again, joined by the subtle fleshiness of pear, gentle macadamia creaminess, and a hint of citrus that adds freshness. A delightful textural feel across the palate balances everything out as it finishes with terrific length asking for another sip (and maybe another after that). There’s elegance, complexity, richness and finesse. Gee it’s good! A winner in our home.

Posted in Chardonnay | Leave a comment

Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc Releases

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Tony Peters

Let’s be honest. A lot has been said about the wine commonly referred to as Sav Blanc or SB from across the ditch. And let’s be honest again, much of it was ‘cheap and cheerful,’ well received by a particular demographic (no offence intended). As I’ve said before, Sauvignon Blanc deserves credit for introducing wine to the younger generation and nudging them away from RTDs. Thankfully, many New Zealand producers are now sharing their quality wares with us, proving they’re not just about volume but serious craftsmanship. Here are two standout NZ SBs that show how far the variety has come and why it deserves to be taken seriously.

Nautilus Estate Website

Region: Malborough, New Zealand    Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

2024 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc RRP $24 (40th vintage)

Expressive and so varietal aromatically, this Sauvignon Blanc does not hold back on the nose. Ripe grapefruit, hints of passionfruit, citrus notes and asparagus get things started. The palate continues the story with lime zest, hints of lemon dialling up the citrus intensity while minerality and texture give it structure and a lovely mouth-feel. Bright acidity keeps it fresh while some ripe fruit characters add complexity and with a good finish. Bang on target I reckon. A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc that holds nothing back.

2023 Nautilus ‘The Paper’ Sauvignon Blanc RRP $36

This wine opens with a fresh, fragrant, elegant and inviting bouquet of lifted citrus characters, honeydew melon and a hint of lime zest.The palate follows with ripe tropical fruits and a soft nuttiness, a lively burst of bright citrus-based acidity (mouth-watering not mouth-puckering), carried beautifully by a creamy texture that adds both weight and a lovely balanced feel to the wine. It’s a Sauvignon with presence, complexity and admirability. One you’ll be glad to have on your table when the food’s good but the company’s even better.

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2024 Castle Rock Estate ‘A&W’ Pinot Noir

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Tony Peters

Every year, people from all walks of life across Australia are recognised for their contributions in the New Years Day Honours List, the Australia Day Honours List, or the King’s Birthday Honours list and, in most cases, deservedly so. Yet, taking nothing away from the honour bestowed upon them, I couldn’t tell you who received an award this year let alone five or ten years ago.

This wine is named in recognition of Angelo and Wendy Diletti, who planted the first vineyards at Castle Rock Estate in 1983, as a lasting personal tribute to them. Those who visit cellar door will be introduced to the story behind the name. And, whoever purchases this wine will remember the people it honours every time they open a bottle. That’s not to mention the impression the contents are bound to have on anyone who tastes it.

Castle Rock Estate Website

Region: Porongurup, WA     Price: $60    Source: Thanks kindly to Castle Rock Estate and Define Wine

This may be a contradiction in terms, but the aromas are subtle yet so intensively inviting! Everything your olfactory senses tells you about this wine is a great prelude into the pleasurable experience on the palate. Dark cherries, a mid-palate pluminess, a blue fruit softness and a red fruit like freshness on the flavourful palate along with touch of oak and spice coming through. There is a generous, textural mouthfeel to this wine, a lovely intensity and complexity while maintaining its Pinosity, and it’s silky smooth on the elegant and long finish. A ripper wine!

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2024 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Pinot Noir

Posted on July 5, 2025 by Tony Peters

Bravo to Angullong for venturing into the territory of this delicate grape variety with its first-ever Pinot Noir release. It’s a move that I think is both brave and refreshingly confident. Pinot can be a notoriously fussy bugger of a grape in the vineyard but the crew at Angullong clearly embraced the challenge. The result? This debut carries the hallmarks of Orange’s cool-climate grace and finesse that is instantly appealing. This may be their first release but they have certainly made a statement, and the resulting wine is delicious.

Angulong Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Price: $30     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Angullong Wines and Define Wine

This is so easy to like and to drink, right from the youthful aromas to the juicy palate. It all starts with attractive red fruit characters on the nose complemented by a touch of oak. The palate is invitingly fresh and energetic with juicy cherries and raspberries leading the way. Subtle hints of dried herbs, spice and earthy notes add plenty of interest to this light bodied, and quite charming, Pinot Noir. Quite an impressive debut from Angullong. Undeniably unputdownable.

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2023 Running With Bulls Tempranillo ‘Bagnum’

Posted on June 29, 2025 by Tony Peters

Lucy Peng, a Chinese billionaire, once said, “Consumers expect a safe, convenient, and affordable globalised payment platform.” A quote that is easily moved across to the wine world. This Running with Bulls Tempranillo ‘Bagnum’ is the perfect case in point. However, in relation to this wine, I would change it to, “Consumers expect a safe, convenient, and affordable wine when it comes in a bagnum.” This is exactly the kind of convenience younger wine drinkers are starting to embrace today because of its portability due to being lighter than glass.

The Hill-Smith family, who have Running with Bulls as part of their portfolio, have embraced this ‘format’ releasing a Tempranillo offering convenience and freshness in a soft pack container, a “Bagnum.” Having tasted it, there is a definite appeal when it comes to the fruit forward nature of the wine and it sits in a really good price point too adding a ‘value-for-money’ aspect.

Shop Running With Bulls

Region: Barossa, S.A.    Price: $40     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

Medium bodied, varietally expressive on the nose and palate, and pretty damn moreish sum it up I reckon! Blackcurrant and a touch of spice aromas set the stage for a lush, fruit forward palate. Dark berries sit pretty-as-a-picture while that touch of spice and a hint of chocolate complement the fruit on a silky smooth, mouth-watering, fruit forward finish. The bright, lively style makes it perfect to enjoy as is, or slightly chilled for a refreshing twist.  Nicely done, I reckon.

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