Producer Margan
Winemaker Ollie Margan
Varietal Semillon
Region Broke Fordwich NSW
Wine List 3
Sommelier Alex Kirkwood

The Winemaker

'Ollie Margan has more experience in vinous treats than most and, having now returned to the family estate, is creating something very special of his own as well as a continued pursuit of top-tier winemaking with the family label. There is immense excitement about his new wines, which take an approach of working with healthy vines to make better wine.'

The Wine

The Margan Semillon shows light-bodied and brisk. Green tea and lemongrass on the nose. Mineral water with steeped lemon peel and lime leaf on the palate. Slightly grippy and entirely refreshing. Just in time for summer. As we have enjoyed together, a large tray of Sydney rock oysters and ice-cold Semillon is a local treat. 

- Alex Kirkwood

Producer Mada
Winemaker Hamish Young
Varietal Pinot Gris
Region Hilltops NSW
Wine List 3
Sommelier Alex Kirkwood

The Winemaker

'A great human making great wines. It is rather interesting how often good energy flows through into grapes, and Hamish Young's infectious passion ensures he surrounds himself with like-minded people, sourcing fruit from local growers from around the Canberra region. His early wines were instant hits, and his 2022 Pinot Gris is bang on.'

The Wine

Picked early while the fruit holds natural acidity and then a bit of skin contact to build the wine's texture. Lemon guava, spiced pears, mandarin peel with tear drop texture which lends itself to hitting the mark alongside spaghetti vongole.

- Alex Kirkwood

Producer MMM
Winemaker Aaron Mercer
Varietal Organic Rosé
Region Central Ranges
Wine List 3
Sommelier Alex Kirkwood

The Winemaker

'It is so exciting to see collaborations like this because you know every angle of the project has been considered. The three wise men behind the label: Aaron Mercer (the Maker), Ned Goodwin MW (the Master) and Andrew Jamieson (the Merchant) are passionate about the wines they make and the land they tend. Their vineyards, organically certified and looked after with a gentle hand, produce wines that show us a better future.'

The Wine

'Put simply, this is a delicious summer treat, as their 2022 Organic Rose is all fun. Campari and orange juice vibes and packed with flavour. A sluice of subtle sweetness, beautifully nestled amidst a generous mouthfeel and skein of jittery acidity, slaking long. Bucket of prawns and a glass of this!'

- Alex Kirkwood

Producer Harrison
Winemaker Riley Harrison
Varietal Grenache 
Region Barossa Valley, SA
Wine List 3
Sommelier Alex Kirkwood

The Winemaker

'Another local superstar in the making, Riley Harrison, continues to deliver in his own, unconventional Harrison way. He has a few rules for making Grenache, which are unsurprisingly the opposite of how it was once made in the region. A less is more approach to respecting the fruit, less oak impact, crunchy, vibrant and aromatic new age Grenache.'

The Wine

'Loaded with ripe cherry, wild strawberries. Sweet baker's spice and sage leap from the glass. All wrapped up with a nice bunch inclusion that provides a savoury lift to the aromatics and fine, silty tannins to the palate. Steak Tartare with all the trimmings.'

- Alex Kirkwood

Producer Moondarra
Winemaker Neil Prentice
Varietal Pinot Noir
Region Gippsland VIC
Wine List 3
Sommelier Alex Kirkwood

The Wine

'There is balanced fruit on the nose and then a line of spice through the middle of the palate. Plus, great acidity which makes his Pinot very good friends with food. Drink with Beef Carpaccio, Beef Tartare or with anything you want to throw on a BBQ.'

- Alex Kirkwood