An Australian Wine Blog

This Wine Blog

This Australian wine blog was formerly known as thewinewankers.com

I'm a wine drinker, and this blog is about wine, not just Australian wine.

If you wish to contact me, please do so here.
All content of this Australian Wine Blog © Stuart Robinson - The Vinsomniac. Powered by Blogger.

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Huntington Estate Grenache 2024



So far, 2024s from Mudgee are looking denser in their initial presentation. Dark and black fruit, not necessarily jammy on the nose - but it certainly conveys a sense of "fruits of the forest" on the initial fore-palate.


There's a curl of sweetness through the palate and to the spine. It actually builds into something, almost licorice like. There's a smattering of dark cocoa, a lingering bittering counterpoint to the initial fruit burst. 90


Tasted on: Thursday 18th September
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.huntingtonestate.com.au/

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Feudo Arancio Quèto Grillo 2024



I've seen this Grillo a few tunes over the years, it's an intriguing wine of contrasts - pleasantly so - this 2024 rendition no different.


Aromatics are of citrus, florals, with almond husk in the frame too. The palate differs, with glimpses of stonefruit - coming after a dry entry. 


It's on a length of reasonable stature and lingering presence, leaving enough interest before pulling you back in for another sip. 92


Tasted on: Thursday 8th January
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Diam
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro

Pig in the House Cabernet Sauvignon 2024



Simply exudes Cabernet from the get-go: cedar, bay, smidgen of doughy oak over sweet accented black fruit. 


Palate conveys a darker edge, subtle clove and spice in the mix. Dark chocolate and carried on a decent length. Happily smash this mid-week with pretty much anything with a red protein, nothing too rich mind. 91


Tasted on: Saturday 10th January
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/ 

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro

Friday, 7 November 2025

Astrale Chianti Riserva 2021



Deep, almost like a raw beef and blood depth here, over black fruit, subtle herb drawing in. 


Good weight on entry, delicate and balanced. Nice rub of tannin, subtle coarseness. Tannins drive length as they cascade across the finish - latter resurgent red fruits, touch of baked spice. Solid overall package. Almost nudging 92 here. 91


Tasted on: Wednesday 5th November
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro

Thursday, 6 November 2025

Yalumba Y Series Tempranillo 2022



Wine shouldn't be this good for fifteen clams! Fresh and youthful take on Tempranillo, all brambly black fruit, quite primary. 


Light, lithe, supple - a delicate weight to it too, ethereal if you like. Veers towards a savoury bitterness towards the finish. Would stand shoulder to shoulder alongside 'Joven' styles double the price. Not recommended to pair with clams. 90


Tasted on: Wednesday 29th October
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yalumba.com/

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro

Wednesday, 5 November 2025

Terre à Terres Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2021



Almond paste, baked goods, passionfruit - layers of aromatics revealing, unfurling.


Feels a bit lighter in weight - cooler year - yet not at the expense of presence and persistence of flavour. Delightful - almost fruity - acidic remnants about which phenolics hang. Excellent wine, staking a significant claim for the title of Australia's finest. 94


Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd July
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro

Stockman's Ridge Signature Range Cabernet Franc 2022



Another flag bearer for Cabernet Franc in Orange, Stockman's Ridge Wines with a burgeoning reputation for classical "Bordeaux" varieties.


Red and black fruit mix, over doughy oak and milk chocolate. Flecks of fresh green herbs lifts the game further, freshness personified.


Freshness again in the palate, lovely carry of acidity across the spine. Fine grain of tannin - just enough to coat the mouth and give extra carriage. 91


Tasted on: Tuesday 15th October
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://stockmansridge.com.au/

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro