Good Soul Wines

A new release from a wonderful King Valley winery in North East Victoria . Named in honour of their Nonna.

Adelia Prosecco

A note from the winery…..

“From starting Cavedon wines with traditional method sparkling & deliciously complex prosecco, comes another modern classic to our sparkling wine line up. Our Adelia Prosecco (named after & inspired by Nonna, Adelia Cavedon) is our second take on a fresh, bright & genuinely classic prosecco.

It’s a crisp & pure example of the prosecco fruit we’ve been growing here since 2006 & a new staple/member to the Cavedon core range. We made Adelia Prosecco especially for easy, everyday drinking. One not only to pop for celebration in good company, but to break out midweek or mix into a spritz.

Tasting: Think elderflower, lemon sorbet & crunchy apple. It opens to a beautiful wave of florals & green orchard fruits with zesty, moreish acidity and a touch of minerality.” -

📸

Head to in Fitzroy this weekend and meet one of our favourite wine makers, Stuart from . In conjunction with the Rochy is hosting the next Gen of wine makers and has some fantastic events scheduled across the weekend. Head to the link in bio for tickets.

A weekend well spent in North East Victoria.

2019 Gamay - fruity and light-bodied with light acidity and a soft tannin.

2021 Quasimodo -
Soft fruit, chalky tannin, a good all rounder with the 3 grapes working harmoniously together.

Dinner in Port Fairy with this to accompany it! - Devine!

We knew we were going to love it before we even opened it.
2022 Prōterō Aromatico

🍷

Grana is a micro wine bar / deli attached to Figlia on Lygon Street in East Brunswick. Heavy orientation towards obscure Italians. Quite and low key; does remind me of the Lux Wine Bar in St Kilda (going back 20 years!)

....and a few more weekenders. I've found in recent vintages the La Spinetta has become more slick and oaky (not sure I approve) and Proud 2018 is classic Yarra Valley - mineral fresh and zingy. The Clos Lojen was a first for me with this grape - mild licorice and pongy fruits.

A few weekenders from a few weeks back. I think the Leeuwin Prelude Chardonnay has genuine claims as a leading sub $40 example however couldn't help but feel the 2021 was a little constrained. The Henriques was a rare tasting of Madeira for me (dry, ruby fruits, old wood....despite the 'full rich' moniker). Not (yet) sold on the La Longa (tight as, dry AF) whilst the clubman award goes to the Avignonesi Rosso (think 90s Bin 389, settled, sensible, $7 auction bargain).

A few reds from a few weeks back. As highlighted previously Castagna's Allegro Rose is quite the work of art with a heavy focus on structure. Tahbilk's recent run of 'Old Vine' Cabernets are simply wonderful for those chasing full bodied yet elegant dry reds. The Head Grenache proved a touch tame; game and mineral hints aplenty but time required.

Mixed results from this bunch. Jansz as solid as ever (best Oz sparkling Rose under $30?) and I continue to love the old school chops and longevity of the Nipo. The Loosen should have better (simple and lacking life) whilst the Mosswood is in hard to read stage of life (young, austere).

We discovered a lovely local winery on the weekend. It’s a must visit when you are out and about next. is only an hour and 20 mins from Melbourne near Drysdale on the Ballerine Peninsula. After purchasing an old potato farm in 1995 they got busy planting their vines - Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio. Today the estate has grown to include tasting rooms, a Brewery / Tap house for , a distillery and Eco Villa accommodation for when you have sampled too many delights to drive home 😎. When you stay they treat you to a complimentary bottle of their wine. We got their 2022 Pinot Noir. It was tangy, light on its feet and certainly one of the better ones we have had from the 2022 vintage. Russell and His daughter Jamie were an absolute delight to deal with and gave us such warm, inviting experience. We highly recommend adding to your next road trip itinerary. Long lunches with or with out the furry and human kids are the perfect way to enjoy this warmer weather on its way. Cheers MacGlashen’s 🍷

Viticulturist of the Year award for 2024
- Mark Walpole, Fighting Gully Road.

Congratulations Mark!!

Good Soul Wines are big fans of Fighting Gully Road wines and the Beechworth wine region. When FGR realised the climactic and geographic similarities between the Alpine town of Beechworth and Northern Italy they sets their sites on producing some of Australia’s best Italian variety wines including Sangiovese and Tempranillo, both styles we enjoy here at Good Soul Wines.

Another reason we are fans of Fighting Gully is they are a sustainable vineyard. Tending to their vineyard with old school practices and low intervention. Below is a word from the winery on their sustainable practices.

“Our goal at Fighting Gully Road is to foster a diverse and dynamic system, within which the vine is only one small part.

In the vineyard we undertake a low-input approach to grape production. We use no insecticides, and our fungicide selection is careful to protect predatory mites and other beneficial insects. Soil structure is maintained through minimal application of herbicide; soil cultivation is not practiced.

The inter-row is sown to a permanent sward of grasses and legumes, which are seasonally slashed and thrown onto the ground immediately under the vine, to preserve moisture and increase organic matter. Vine prunings are mulched back into the ground to degrade naturally. Machinery operations are kept to a minimum to reduce soil compaction and minimise fossil fuel use.

Our climate is changing, even here in the coolest reaches of north east Victoria. Progressively, we are modifying our varietal selection, too, to focus on varietals that perform well in the warmer, drier environment, rather than relying on irrigation.

It’s minimal intervention viticulture. We aim to maintain a smaller footprint by interfering as little as possible.” - Fighting Gully Road

Had this Italian 2018 Curto Marco Barbera d'Alba from Piedmont region. It was good…..could have been better. Had the ripe red fruit flavours with a hint of chocolate in there. Medium-ish body and a dry finish. To be fair, we had consumed our fair share of wines so I may have been on the cusp of joining the “dead palate society” which may have impacted my read on it. Either way an enjoyable experience. Cheers 🍷

Alkimi Syrah 2017
$32.40 in a 6 pack

Vegan / low intervention

“The appearance is vivid ruby. There are funky, flint-like aromas instantly, which then give rise to white pepper and fruit notes of cranberries, and blackberries. Choc-mint, violet, lavender and fresh leather show through along with subtle spice.
The palate is fleshy where white pepper, juniper, blue plum, cranberry and succulent Valencia orange are apparent. The tannin profile is gravelly and the finish is long with characters of freshly picked blueberry, violets and spice.

A vegan friendly food pairing would be salt and pepper tofu, roasted cauliflower and polenta chips” - Stuart, Alkimi Wines

At Alkimi, Stuart employs biological farming, minimal use of sulphur and embraces natural acidity and yeast to create wines that establish a sense of place and value for the quality and purity of the grapes from which they are produced.

Looking for a wine event that the kids can enjoy too? The Yarra Valley winter festival has you covered this July 22nd / 23rd.
We are big fans of so be sure to stop by and try some of his offerings.

Tickets available

“Healesville Sanctuary has teamed up with Fireside Yarra Valley to bring you everything there is to love about wine, food and winter all in one location, on one special weekend.

Wander around the Sanctuary while you taste delicious drops from some of the region's most prestigious producers. Then take your pick of the huge Teepees around the Sanctuary and warm up by the open fires with some live acoustic music.

Participating wineries and breweries

Don't miss the amazing Yarra Valley's premium wine and beer producers here at the Sanctuary.

Banks Botanicals
Boat O’Craigo
CherryHill Orchards
De Bortoli Wines
Four Pillars
Greenstone Vineyards
Helen and Joey Estate​
Jayden Ong Wine
Matilda Bay
Oakridge Estate
Payten & Jones Wine
Punt Road Wines & Napoleone Cider
Spots Drop
St Huberts / Notes Wine
Sutherland Estate
Tokar Estate
Watts River Brewing
Zonzo Estate

Participating food outlets

Babiji’s South Indian Street Food
Lady Paella – Spanish Rice
Little Yarra Creperie
The Greatest Doughman – Gourmet Doughnuts
Healesville Sanctuary Chipperie – hot chips and soft drinks
Stone & Crow - Artisan Cheese
Coffee for Wildlife” - zoo Victoria.

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo

Having friends that can casually pull a 2008 Barbaresco out of their cellar is the best! What a treat. An earthy nose, think truffle and pine needles. Some say leather but I didn’t find that. It has the juicy black cherry palate it’s known for with a hint of spice in there. We were spoilt. Delightful Saturday night drinking 🍷

Glass - Gabriel Universal

Melbourne folk, here’s one for you…

Wine & Vine was established to bring together some of Australia’s best and boutique wine makers and customers under one roof.

We encourage wine drinkers and makers from all backgrounds to have fun, learn about wine and regions and create new audiences and establish relationships with great brands.

A perfect day out for you and your friends, from wine novices to wine connoisseurs, there will be something for everyone.

With over 20 wineries gathered at the beautiful Abbotsford Convent, you will be able to explore and experience some old favourites and are bound to discover something new.

Ticket Package Options:

General admission:

- Regular tasting glass (option to add on Exclusive Engraved Wineglass)

- 3 hour tasting session

- Tote bag

VIP:

- Exclusive engraved wineglass

- Unlimited all day tasting

- Goodie bag: Gift and samples

Live music and awesome food trucks to set the mood - come along for the perfect Melbourne day out!

Attention Melbourne Wine lovers……

urbanwinewalk Brunswick! @ It's time
for us to bring the walk your
way! We've put together an incredible
line up of venues and winemakers for
you to enjoy on Saturday 5th August!
VENUES & WINEMAKERS
1
- Ft.
(VIC)
2- Ft.wines (VIC)
3- Ft.
(VIC)
4
- Ft.
(VIC)
5 - Ft.
(VIC)
6- Ft.
(SA)
7
- Ft.
(VIC)
8
- Ft.
(VIC)
Taste. Walk. Explore.

Is it Friday yet…..? Decided tonight’s knock off needed to be something spritely to will me along for one more working day. This pink delight from Foxy’s Hang Out on the Mornington Peninsula did just the trick. It was actually a gift from a good friend. She knows if it’s Rosè and bubbly it’s likely I will love it. She was right….

This 2021 sparkling Rosè was ‘saignèed’ (aka….they squeezed the juice from the red skin grapes after resting on the skins for a bit, bleeding colour and structure into the juice from the skins) from Pinot Noir ferment soon after fermentation started. That gives it the lovely pink hue without the tannic taste ( I’m personally thankful for that 😊). It was then fermented in old oak barrels. It has some slight strawberry on the nose but is dry, savoury and has some acidity. Thinking fish and chips for dinner to pair with it……would be wrong not to now the bottle is open. Cheers 🥂

*Foxy’s Hang out is a certified Biodynamic winery.

*drinking from the Zalto White wine glass. I like the wider opening so I get more of the aromatics. Regularly use the Gabriel universal for the same reason.

Huge congratulations to Paul from Eldorado Road who has been nominated for the Halliday wine maker of the year!!!!!! A wonderful accomplishment. Can’t say I’m surprised. Being from the N.E my self I have long been drinking his wines. I’m particularly fond of the Quasimodo. Eldorado Road has a wonderful story built off making wine from vines planted in the 1890’s! A family business that supports its local community and truly is in the game for the love of it. Cheers to you Paul and all the family at Good luck!

We had a great weekend tasting some cracking wine. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it…🍷

Weekend(ers)

A pretty good bunch this. Katnook's Prodigy remains at the top of the tree, or very close to, for Coonawarra Shiraz, and 13yrs is proving no obstacle.

The Blue Poles Alluoran 2019 was exactly as expected with serious dry fruits and grainy tannin (still underrated?) and the Sons of Eden Remus 2000 was a surprise packet for Barossa Cabernet with herbs, red berries and minerals.

If you like rich Rhone Whites the Tellurian Marsanne 2021 is worth a look albeit is strays a little into party mode with sweet minerals and apricots.

Higher Plane Syrah 2022

$28.00
$25.20 in any 6

Vegan,
Certified sustainable winery

The winery was established in 1997 by the Smith family and then sold to the owners of Juniper Estate in 2006. The brand has been retained with the intention of maintaining the unique and special aspects of the site in the south of Margaret River distinct from those of Wilyabrup in the north. The close-planted vineyard is sustainably farmed using organic principles.

“Vibrant deep purple in appearance. Aromas of raspberries & blueberries jump out of the glass with a hint of black pepper. Medium-bodied, rounded, generous, inky, & energetic. Lifted, expressive aromatics of deep rich fruit notes are coupled with a suggestion of sherbet confectionary. A lick of whole-bunch tannin ties the palate together on a long finish. Delicious with Italian bean casserole or Margaret River venison tenderloin with porcini mushrooms, served with polenta & a root vegetable salad”- Higher Planes

“One of those wines that have a purple tinge and smell purple too. Violets and Damson plums, blackberries, cherry blossoms. Very juicy in flavour, but stays on the sour side, with just a hint of spice and slightly grainy tannins for a good crunch and textural bite. Finishes meaty and savoury. A lot happening quickly and upfront, but this doesn’t take away from tasty succulence and enjoyment.
Drink: 2023 – 2028
91 Points” - Kasia Sobiesiak, The Wine Front, 13th June 2023

Alkimi Marsanne 2021
$36.00

Stuart Dudine settled in the Yarra Valley in 2012 after years of study and travel that took him from cellars here in Australia to wineries through Europe. The experience he gained on his journey sparked his love for Rhone varietals and formed his winemaking philosophy, based in ‘basic principles’ that aim to enhance the natural characteristics of wine with minimal intervention.

At Alkimi, Stuart employs biological farming, minimal use of sulphur and embraces natural acidity and yeast to create wines that establish a sense of place and value for the quality and purity of the grapes from which they are produced.

“The Marsanne grapes were sourced from Wattle Glen Vineyard. A one-acre block of unirrigated vines located in Mount Evelyn, which is at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley. Mount Dandenong is an extinct volcano which is some 373 million years old. The grapes were handpicked on the 20th March at ripeness when the pear, honey, mascarpone notes with bright acidity were present. A smaller, second pick was conducted on 26th March to provide richness and riper and deeper tones.
The wine is a story of three batches. The first pick was split in two where one batch saw a foot stomp prior to pressing, the other was a direct whole bunch press. The second pick was whole bunch pressed. All batches were kept separate until assemblage in December 2021, bottled unfiltered. All batches had no additions aside from the anti-oxidant/preservative sulphur dioxide. The palate shows grapefruit, lemon, mandarin citrus notes with richer, more forward tones of apricot and fleshy peaches with cream. The ripe phenolic and acid weave around palate which give presence to the wine and are layered around notes of white pepper, charred greens and toffee apple.
This wine pair wonderfully with umami rich dishes, such as chilled tofu with soy, ginger and bonito flakes.
Although drinking well as a young wine, this wine shall reward careful cellaring for 10 or more years. Serve with a modest chill, not cold.” -

Castagna 'Allegro' Rose 2021
$37.00

With out a doubt, the best Rosè I have ever tasted! It is a must try - Good Soul Wines

“ALLEGRO – A WICKED ROSÉ MISTRESS OF LAYERED COMPLEXITY. " LA DONNA DEL VINO

Julian Castagna planted his Beechworth vineyard at a time when most Australian wineries were being seduced by Robert Parker’s gushing praise of thick, high-octane Shiraz. But that was not his style. Instead, with his son Adam they created wines of finesse, elegance and tension.

Embracing his Italian roots, Julian drew inspiration from the great wines of the old world, creating wines that pair well with food and thrive in our warmer climate. From the high altitude foothills of the Australian Alps, just outside of Beechworth, he championed the biodynamic principles set down by Rudolf Steiner.

Embracing biodynamics from early on, Julian worked closely with biodynamic author Nicholas Joly in learning to understand micro-bacterial activity and living soils. No chemicals are used and companion crops are planted so that the entire vineyard works as a thriving ecosystem.

Greywacke 'Wild' Sauvignon Blanc 2020
$40.00

Kevin Judd, the winemaking wizard responsible for 24 vintages of Cloudy Bay, the world's most famous sauvignon blanc, is behind this new label.

Greywacke's heavily worked Savvy - wild yeast, old French oak barrel aging, extended lees aging. Changes your perception about just how serious the style can be.

The Greywacke approach is one of minimal intervention wherever possible and strong focus on both soil and vine health. The majority of Greywacke’s fruit is sourced from organically farmed sites, with long-term aspirations to be 100% certified. All vineyards are certified sustainable through sustainable winegrowing New Zealand. All limited-edition releases are natural ferments on indigenous yeasts and bottled with minimal sulfur.

“TASTING NOTE Imagine a summer fruit salad of paw paw, honeydew melon and ripe, golden quinces – drizzled with citrus flower water and a squeeze of orange skin oil. A delicious floral fragrance and juicy tropical fruit, infused with a fennel-like herbal thread and a faint whiff of wood smoke. Fermented entirely with naturally occurring yeast, this is an alternative style of sauvignon blanc that is both intricate and textural, with a rich, succulent palate finishing crisp and long with a flinty dryness.

WINEMAKING Some vineyards were harvested by machine during cool (often cold) night- time conditions and others by hand during the day. The grapes were lightly pressed to yield a modest volume of high-quality juice, which was then cold-settled prior to racking into French oak barriques, a small percentage of which were new.
The juice was allowed to undergo spontaneous indigenous yeast fermentation, the tail end of which continued for well over six months. The wine had occasional lees stirring and approximately two-thirds underwent malolactic fermentation. It was transferred out of oak prior to the following harvest and left on yeast lees for a further five months. The wine was bottled in September 2021 with alcohol 13.5%, pH 3.16 and acidity 6.3 g/l.” - Greywacke

Place of Changing Winds 'Harcourt' Syrah 2021
$55.00

Organic vineyard (currently undergoing certification)

Place of Changing Winds – the place and the vineyard – may well be the most exciting ‘new’ development in Australian wine. It will jump straight on to elite lists of Australian wine producers. You could describe this endeavour in one word: uncompromised." Campbell Mattinson | WineFront

This is the first Place of Changing Winds release from the soils and climate of Harcourt North in the Bendigo G.I. With its pure, sandy, granite soils and its mild climate, this specific place stands apart from the rest of Bendigo. It’s a vineyard that can grow wines of tremendous perfume and finesse, even if the 2021 is a deeper and more structured release, reflecting the season. The wine underwent almost two years of maturation: one year in neutral wood (barrique through to 1000-litre) and one year in an unlined concrete tank. Bottling was in late February 2023. The result is a wonderfully perfumed, yet layered Syrah with blackcurrant fruit, anise, bay leaf and thyme notes and a super-long, lingering finish.

“Deep red with a tinge of purple and a bouquet that is highly perfumed and emphasising floral/violet and fresh-herb aromas, brooding spices too, while the palate is very full bodied and concentrated, deep and firm, framed in robust tannins. A big strong wine with terrific structure for ageing, the plush fruit balanced perfectly by serious tannins. Impressive shiraz.” 96 points, ( #1 out of 73, 2021 Shiraz from Victoria), Huon Hooke, The Real Review

“Very floral in the perfume, violets and lavender, whiffs of eucalyptus and loads of raspberry, cherry and strawberry, in a fog of scent too. Lots of concentration to taste but with a glossy wash of acidity under the tart red cherry, game meat, dried herbs and white pepper characters. Beautiful flavours, fine, satiny tannins, great extension of flavour, a cool, minty finish. Spot on medium weight fragrant and spicy style.” 94 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front

Place of Changing Winds Marsanne 2021
$55.00

Organic vineyard (currently undergoing certification)

Place of Changing Winds – the place and the vineyard – may well be the most exciting ‘new’ development in Australian wine. It will jump straight on to elite lists of Australian wine producers. You could describe this endeavour in one word: uncompromised." Campbell Mattinson | WineFront

This year the Marsanne comes from the same vineyard as the Harcourt Syrah. There is also a fair dollop of Roussanne in the blend, from the same site. Following previous practice with this wine, the grapes were picked fully ripe, pressed hard and sent straight to barrel (500 and 228-litre) for fermentation and aging. Primary fermentation and malolactic were left to happen naturally. After 12 months in cask, the wine was racked to tank for an additional 10 months, before the wine was bottled at the start of February 2023.

As with previous releases, this wine is the opposite of what you would typically expect of an Australian Marsanne regarding harvesting dates, winemaking and style. It will certainly age well—gaining more and more honeyed characters—but it’s delicious now. Rob and Remi believe this to be their best ‘Rhône’ white thus far. Who are we to disagree? It has the same power and richness of previous releases yet with perhaps more vibrancy thanks to Harcourt’s granitic soils and climate, as well as the inclusion of some Roussanne.

“Really textural, rich and potent, a savoury edge and more on the preserved lemon, ginger, buttery honey toast with cool acidity underlying. It’s very complex, a layered and intense experience with Serious White Wine written all over it. Mouth-coating and lush in the most wonderful sense. Multi-dimensional wine. A full and fantastic white wine.” 94 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front

Brokenwood
2023 Semillon
$29

Certified Sustainable

Tasting notes from the winery -

“Vibrant in colour, with lots of luminous green tints. Lovely florals and lemongrass aromas. Mouth filling flavours of green apple and lemon pith balancing the zesty acid backbone. The flavours linger on for quite some time, similar to the 2021, a classic Hunter Valley Semillon to enjoy now or age gracefully.”

2022 Semillon - Recieved a Gold Medal in the 2023 TexSom Awards

“Harvesting was all done by hand. The fruit was crushed, chilled and pressed immediately. Neutral yeasts were used for the fermentation in stainless steel and bottled in May. No oak or malolactic fermentation.
Food Pairing
Asian food, any seafood especially freshly shucked oysters.
Drink
Drinking well now but will improve with” - Brokenwood

We were treated to this little gem last night. What a delight! Fresh on the palate with lovely lime / lemon notes and medium acidity.
You won’t find any more 2011 but certainly worth grabbing a bottle of the current vintage. Broken wood is in the Hunter Valley and are a certified sustainable winery.

Redline Shiraz 2021
$27

Certified Organic

“Aerial views of Heathcote show a red line of Cambrian soils formed over 500 million years running north-south over 60km through the centre of the region. Tellurian Redline Shiraz captures the essence of Heathcote, dark berry shiraz with savoury minerality; an approachable early drinking style.” - Tellurian

WINEMAKER NOTES

Deep crimson-red colour. The nose displays charcuterie notes, slightly chary oak, and expressive dark fruit. The medium bodied palate is round and plush with dark fruit, and blackberry combining with and spice and soft tannins, making it a wine that's very approachable in its youth.

VINEYARD

Block 2 and Block 3 of our Tellurian vineyard growing on Cambrian soils formed over 500 million years. Deep, rich, decomposed greenstone rock and limestone with soil depths up to 2m allow roots to reach deep, while relatively low fertility controls vigour and yield.