Barwang Hilltops Tempranillo 2025 scores 93 points from Mike Bennie in WBM. “A vibrant, juicy Tempranillo, joven-esque in style with red berries, cola, tart plum, salted liquorice and gentle, sweet spice notes doubling back through palate and bouquet. It sits at medium bodied and does a good job of subtle savoury character, though the wine is fruity and upfront for sure. Super gluggable, give it a chill, watch it fly.” $25. @barwangwines @hilltopsregion @mikebennie101 #vibrant #juicy #gentle 😊❤️

McWilliams Tumbarumba Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 scores 93 points from Mike Bennie in WBM. “This jumped out of left field. Pure-fruited and expressive, delivering nectarine, limey citrus and gentle vanilla-creamy notes gently waving across a finely balanced yet juicy palate. Touches of talc-like texture lend shape, perky acidity does the uplift. Some oakiness rolls through the finish, but it feels neat in the drive of the wine. Pretty polished in its feel too. A good turn for the stalwart producer.” $40. @mcwilliamswines @tumbarumbawine @mikebennie101 #balanced #polished #93 😊❤️

Starting a small independent wine brand isn’t easy. Nor is naming it, but life sometimes has a way of forcing your hand. In the May/June edition of WBM, Brokenwood and Bani Vino’s Kate Sturgess talks to Katie Spain about grief, joy and the Hunter’s next chapter. @brokenwoodwines @bani.vino @kate_sturgess