
Baby Rayas
Picked up a 2019 Château des Tours Vacqueyras on a tip from Graham at Le Pont, and it might just be the most elegant Rhône wine I’ve had outside of Rayas territory. Made by the same winemaker, Emmanuel Reynaud, this bottle is all strawberries, cherries, and supple leather wrapped in balance and finesse. At $250 AUD, it’s no bargain bin find but compared to Château Rayas, it’s a downright steal. Here's why collectors jump on it, how it stacks up to the more common Brouilly, and why it’s worth getting to know your local wine shop owner.

Organic Wine and Why I Keep Tipping it Out
I want to like organic wine I really do. But after bottle after bottle of tart disappointment, I’m starting to think the category’s more idealism than substance. This is a plea, not a takedown. Show me the bottle that proves me wrong.

Peregrine Pinot Noir 2021 – Still Good, But Outpaced
We finally opened the 2021 Peregrine Pinot Noir—one of Central Otago’s big names—over a lamb meatball arrabiata. It delivered the cherry, leather, and oak we expected, but left us wondering if it still justifies the price. In this review, we break down the tasting notes, share some context from past vintages, and suggest a few regional upstarts that might be the better buy in 2025.

Brokenwood Indigo Pinot Noir 2023
Discover why the 2023 Brokenwood Indigo Pinot Noir is a must-try cool-climate red from Beechworth. Tasting notes, cellaring tips, and why it’s worth every bit of its sub-$40 price.

Perfecting the Negroni
Over the last three years I’ve been on the hunt to produce the perfect Negroni. One of my favourite cocktails for a long time, it’s the perfect example of balance - sweet and bitter with a solid undercurrent of umami.