"You never know you're going to get boned until you do": Bicknell out at Oakridge

Black and white image of legendary winemaker David Bicknell, suddenly ex Oakridge wines in the Yarra Valley. Picture courtesy Oakridge wines.

  • I'm Campbell Mattinson – former chief editor of Halliday Wine Companion, founder of The Winefront, and wine reporter for over 25 years. The world of wine is so big now that it’s easy for it to feel confusing. This site distils it: independent reviews and stories of mostly Australian wine, kept real, kept clear, kept honest.

    Campbell Mattinson.

Latest Wine Reviews

Reviews
Penfolds Grange Shiraz 1952
Penfolds Grange Shiraz 1952

The first commercial Penfolds Grange ever made — a rare 2007 tasting note on the 1952, of which few living people have tasted a drop.

Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024
Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024.

Scotsburn Ancient Sea Pinot Noir 2025
Scotsburn Ancient Sea Pinot Noir 2025

Mattinson review of Scotsburn Ancient Sea Pinot Noir 2025.

Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2024
Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of the superb new Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2024.

Scotsburn Village Pinot Noir 2025
Scotsburn Village Pinot Noir 2025

Mattinson review of Scotsburn Village Pinot Noir 2025.

Scotsburn Ancient Sea Chardonnay 2025
Scotsburn Ancient Sea Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Scotsburn Ancient Sea Chardonnay 2025.

Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon 2021
Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon 2021

"A smash of shells, a crush of citrus" — Campbell Mattinson's 97-point review of Mount Pleasant Cellar Aged Lovedale Semillon 2021.

After Five Wine Co. Aglianico 2024
After Five Wine Co. Aglianico 2024

Mattinson review of After Five Wine Co. Aglianico 2024.

Purple Hands Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Shiraz 2024
Purple Hands Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Shiraz 2024

Mattinson review of Purple Hands Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Shiraz 2024.

After Five Montepulciano 2024
After Five Montepulciano 2024

Mattinson Review of After Five Montepulciano 2024.

Charles Reuben Estate Next Expression Pinot Noir 2025
Charles Reuben Estate Next Expression Pinot Noir 2025

Mattinson review of Charles Reuben Estate Next Expression Pinot Noir 2025.

e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2025
e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2025

Mattinson review of e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2025.

Charles Reuben Estate Parcel 35 Pinot Noir 2024
Charles Reuben Estate Parcel 35 Pinot Noir 2024

Mattinson review of Charles Reuben Estate Parcel 35 Pinot Noir 2024.

Charles Reuben Estate R.S. Series Pinot Noir 2023
Charles Reuben Estate R.S. Series Pinot Noir 2023

Mattinson review of Charles Reuben Estate R.S. Series Pinot Noir 2023.

Charles Reuben Estate The Cellar Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Charles Reuben Estate The Cellar Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

Mattinson review of Charles Reuben Estate The Cellar Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2024.

Charles Reuben Estate Light Oak Chardonnay 2024
Charles Reuben Estate Light Oak Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Charles Reuben Estate Light Oak Chardonnay 2024.

Charles Reuben Estate Light Oak Chardonnay 2025
Charles Reuben Estate Light Oak Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Charles Reuben Estate Light Oak Chardonnay 2025.

Standing Ovation Many Hands Vineyard Shiraz 2025
Standing Ovation Many Hands Vineyard Shiraz 2025

Mattinson review of Standing Ovation Many Hands Vineyard Shiraz 2025.

Cimicky Reserve Shiraz 2021
Cimicky Reserve Shiraz 2021

Mattinson review of Cimicky Reserve Shiraz 2021.

Cimicky Cellar Selection Shiraz 2022
Cimicky Cellar Selection Shiraz 2022

Mattinson review of Cimicky Cellar Selection Shiraz 2022.

e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2025
e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2025

Mattinson review of e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2025.

e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2025
e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2025.

e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Syrah 2025
e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Syrah 2025

Mattinson review of e’Stellar Estate Yarra Valley Syrah 2025.

De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2025
De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2025

Mattinson review of De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2025.

De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Shiraz 2025
De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Shiraz 2025

Mattinson review of De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Shiraz 2025.

De Bortoli Vinoque Riesling 2025
De Bortoli Vinoque Riesling 2025

Mattinson review of De Bortoli Vinoque Riesling 2025.

De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2024
De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2024.

De Bortollo Vinoque Nebbiolo 2025
De Bortollo Vinoque Nebbiolo 2025

Mattinson review of De Bortoli Vinoque Nebbiolo 2025.

Bekkers Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Bekkers Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

Mattinson review of Bekkers Cabernet Sauvignon 2024.

The Hedonist Amicus Golden A Shiraz 2021
The Hedonist Amicus Golden A Shiraz 2021

Mattinson review of The Hedonist Amicus Golden A Shiraz 2021.

  • "Every day I open bottles of wine at my office and think: this is someone’s land, someone’s story, someone’s heart."

    Campbell Mattinson.

New Features

  • Graphic advertising the Best Australian Grenache dynamic list.

    Best Australian Grenache

    A dynamic list of Australia’s best grenache wines, now. Every 94+ grenache I review, lands here, immediately, automatically.

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  • Graphic advertising the Best Australian Chardonnay dynamic list.

    Best Australian Chardonnay

    A dynamic list of Australia’s best chardonnays, now. Every 94+ chardonnay I review, lands here, immediately, automatically.

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  • Penfolds Grange: alcohol levels, every vintage, listed

    The alcohol reading of every vintage of Penfolds Grange is listed here, to see if there’s a trend.

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  • Advertisement for the Penfolds Hub, where all Penfolds content lives.

    Penfolds Content Home

    All Penfolds content from across this site – reviews, articles, analysis – is collected in one place, here.

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Latest Stories

STORIES
Some wines bowl you over: Lovedale Semillon 2021
Some wines bowl you over: Lovedale Semillon 2021

Lovedale Semillon is from a special place, with a special history. The past is important but the now is everything. And this wine has the now sewn up – and the future too.

Read more →
Wine That Gets You High: The Curious World of THC-Infused Wine
Wine That Gets You High: The Curious World of THC-Infused Wine

THC-infused wine is real wine — dealcoholised, then dosed with cannabis. It gets you high, not drunk, and faster than an edible. Campbell Mattinson explains how it's made, what it tastes like, where it's legal, and why the window to try it may be closing.

Read more →
"You never know you're going to get boned until you do": Bicknell out at Oakridge
"You never know you're going to get boned until you do": Bicknell out at Oakridge

Twenty-five years ago I wrote the first article on the "new" Oakridge and its just-appointed winemaker, David Bicknell. This week Endeavour Group let him go, ending one of the great runs in Australian wine: winery of the year, winemaker of the year, wine of the year. The industry reaction — and that 2002 article — tell the story.

Read more →
Penfolds Grange Alcohol Levels: A Vintage-by-Vintage Study (1951 to Present)
Penfolds Grange Alcohol Levels: A Vintage-by-Vintage Study (1951 to Present)

Every Penfolds Grange vintage's alcohol level, from the experimental 1951 release to now — compiled and tracked by Campbell Mattinson.

Read more →
Nat White, founder of Main Ridge Estate, dies
Nat White, founder of Main Ridge Estate, dies

Nat White — founder of Main Ridge Estate and one of the founding fathers of Mornington Peninsula wine — has died. Vale, Nat.

Read more →
World’s First 100% Certified Organic (Major) Wine Region
World’s First 100% Certified Organic (Major) Wine Region

Penedès, the spiritual home of Cava, has become the world's first major wine region where every single producer farms organically.

Read more →
Photographic Portraits of Winemakers
Photographic Portraits of Winemakers

Photographic Portraits of Winemakers by Campbell Mattinson.

Read more →
Best Value Pinot Noir of 2026
Best Value Pinot Noir of 2026

Campbell Mattinson's evolving list of 2026's Best Value Pinot Noir — topped by Hoddles Creek, unbeaten in this category for over two decades.

Read more →
Three Mattinson images Shortlisted in the World Food Photography Awards 2026
Three Mattinson images Shortlisted in the World Food Photography Awards 2026

Three of Campbell Mattinson’s images have been shortlisted in the World Food Photography Awards 2026.

Read more →
Grange La Chapelle 2022 rushed to market
Grange La Chapelle 2022 rushed to market

Mattinson tastes and reviews the Grange La Chapelle 2022.

Read more →
Australia’s Most Expensive Wines of 2026
Australia’s Most Expensive Wines of 2026

Campbell Mattinson ranks Australia's most expensive wines for 2026, from Penfolds Bin 180 to the eye-watering Seppeltsfield 100 Year Old Para.

Read more →
Blood on the Werkstatt floor: The story of a heart-breaking winery accident
Blood on the Werkstatt floor: The story of a heart-breaking winery accident

A winery accident has put one of Australia’s brightest wine producers in financial jeopardy.

Read more →
The sad passing of Yangarra winemaker Peter Fraser, 51 (1974-2025)
The sad passing of Yangarra winemaker Peter Fraser, 51 (1974-2025)

Yangarra winemaker Peter Fraser, 51, has sadly been found dead in his Clarendon home.

Read more →
My Marco Lubiana journey starts now
My Marco Lubiana journey starts now

Marco Lubiana has had his own wine label since 2018, but I’m only catching up with it now.

Read more →
A Photography Festival in a Wine Region?
A Photography Festival in a Wine Region?

A photography festival in a wine region raised questions for Campbell Mattinson.

Read more →
How sustainable is Californian wine? Video feature
How sustainable is Californian wine? Video feature

Earlier this year I spent five days travelling from Los Angeles to San Fransisco – following California’s Central Coast regions – to look at ongoing efforts to make the Californian wine industry more sustainable. This 10-minute video gives some idea of the what, the how, and of the impact of this trip had on me.

Read more →
Peter Dredge is not a winemaker by accident
Peter Dredge is not a winemaker by accident

Peter Dredge is not a winemaker by accident.

Read more →
Photo Essay: Wine Georgia
Photo Essay: Wine Georgia

Photo essay of a trip to wine Georgia by Campbell Mattinson.

Read more →
Portrait of Georgian winemaker, Iago Bitarishvili
Portrait of Georgian winemaker, Iago Bitarishvili

Portrait of Georgian winemaker Iago Bitarishvili by Campbell Mattinson.

Read more →
Came for the wine, left with the water
Came for the wine, left with the water

Mattinson falls in love with Borjomi Mineral Water, from Georgia.

Read more →
Ori Marani, Georgia
Ori Marani, Georgia

Georgia's Ori Marani blends traditional qvevri winemaking with an unexpected Champagne sensibility — "elegance has entered the building."

Read more →
Giant Steps Applejack Pinot Noir 2024: How the legend started, and how it now continues
Giant Steps Applejack Pinot Noir 2024: How the legend started, and how it now continues

The Applejack Vineyard in the Yarra Valley has slowly but steadily become a legend of modern Australian wine.

Read more →
Travel: Strawberry jam with a hint of rough-as-guts
Travel: Strawberry jam with a hint of rough-as-guts

Campbell Mattinson discovers a “wine cellar” in the most unlikely of places: a fantasy theme park called Sun World in Danang, Vietnam.

Read more →
Ten Things You Need to Know about The Penfolds Collection 2025
Ten Things You Need to Know about The Penfolds Collection 2025

10 things worth knowing about the Penfolds Collection 2025 — from a rare Grange price freeze to Penfolds' first French cabernet-shiraz blend.

Read more →

  • "Wine at its most essential is a simple story, written in soil, onto our hearts."

    Campbell Mattinson.

Latest News

News
Yangarra moves forward without Peter Fraser
Yangarra moves forward without Peter Fraser

No outside hire, no reset — just Yangarra's own people stepping up. After Peter Fraser's death, the estate has promoted Guillaume Camougrand, Shelley Torresan and Cliff Wickman to carry his Grenache-focused philosophy forward.

Read more →
The Vineyard Maurice O'Shea Planted, Reborn in the Glass
The Vineyard Maurice O'Shea Planted, Reborn in the Glass

The vineyard Maurice O'Shea planted in 1946, by candlelight, with no electricity — and the Mount Pleasant Semillon that stopped me at my desk, decades later.

Read more →
Australian Women in Wine Symposium 2026 Announced
Australian Women in Wine Symposium 2026 Announced

The Australian Women in Wine Symposium will be held in Melbourne in September. The theme of this year’s Symposium is Rising Together – Shaping What Comes Next.

Read more →
Domaines Jacques Thienpont buys into Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard
Domaines Jacques Thienpont buys into Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard

A major Bordeaux producer expands into McLaren Vale: Le Pin's owner acquires parcels of the historic Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard.

Read more →
Big win for Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon
Big win for Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon

Big win for Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon.

Read more →
Party is over at Pinnacle Drinks
Party is over at Pinnacle Drinks

Pinnacle Drinks is cutting wine production by 80% and selling Oakridge — a stark sign of how far Australia's big wine businesses have fallen.

Read more →
Marta Vidal Makes History as First Woman to Lead the CAVA DO
Marta Vidal Makes History as First Woman to Lead the CAVA DO

Marta Vidal has created history by becoming the first ever woman president of Spain’s Cava DO.

Read more →
Four Winds releases Australia’s first ‘circular wine’
Four Winds releases Australia’s first ‘circular wine’

Four Winds vineyard in Canberra and the Hyatt Regency in Sydney – along with Goterra – are using food waste to fertilise a vineyard, and then return the resultant wine to the restaurant. The result, Australia's first ‘circular wine’, is called The Circular Vintage Shiraz 2025.

Read more →
Sevenhill Cellars Names Ben Marx Chief Winemaker
Sevenhill Cellars Names Ben Marx Chief Winemaker

Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley has appointed Ben Marx as its chief winemaker.

Read more →
New Wine Tech Cuts Smoke Taint
New Wine Tech Cuts Smoke Taint

New technology developed by Adelaide University cuts smoke taint, while keeping the fruit flavours.

Read more →
Wirra Wirra buys world-famous Trott Vineyard
Wirra Wirra buys world-famous Trott Vineyard

Wirra Wirra buys the world-renowned Trott Grenache vineyard in McLaren Vale.

Read more →
Cliff Royle ends 16-year winemaking reign at Flametree wines
Cliff Royle ends 16-year winemaking reign at Flametree wines

Flametree’s Cliff Royle will leave his post as head winemaker at the end of the 2026 vintage – after 16 years in the role.

Read more →

Latest 10-Star Wineries

10-Star Wineries
Paringa Estate
Paringa Estate

Paringa Estate is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Xanadu
Xanadu

Xanadu is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Garagiste
Garagiste

Garagiste is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Stonier
Stonier

Stonier is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Dr. Edge
Dr. Edge

Dr. Edge is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Henschke
Henschke

Henschke is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Gentle Folk
Gentle Folk

Gentle Folk is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Shaw + Smith
Shaw + Smith

Shaw + Smith is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Bannockburn
Bannockburn

Bannockburn is a Mattinson 10-Star winery.

Bindi
Bindi

Campbell Mattinson explains why Bindi is one of Australia's Best Wineries, and profiles Bindi wines.

Paralian
Paralian

Paralian has been classified as a Mattinson 10-Star winery.

Sami-Odi
Sami-Odi

Sami-Odi has been classified as a Mattinson 10-Star winery.

Vasse Felix
Vasse Felix

Vasse Felix has been announced as a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Vinya Vella
Vinya Vella

Vinya Vella is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Chatto
Chatto

Chatto is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Agricola Vintners
Agricola Vintners

Agricola Vintners in the Barossa Valley is a Mattinson 10-Star winery.

Deviation Road
Deviation Road

Deviation Road is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Adelina
Adelina

Adelina is a Mattinson 10-Star winery.

By Farr
By Farr

By Farr is a Mattinson 10-star winery.

House of Arras
House of Arras

The House of Arras is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Bekkers
Bekkers

Bekkers is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate
Wynns Coonawarra Estate

Wynns Coonawarra Estate is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Pooley
Pooley

Pooley is a Mattinson Ten Star Winery.

Giant Steps
Giant Steps

Giant Steps is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Yarra Yering
Yarra Yering

Yarra Yering is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Rieslingfreak
Rieslingfreak

Rieslingfreak is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery — Campbell Mattinson's highest honour.

Mount Mary
Mount Mary

Mount Mary is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Tolpuddle
Tolpuddle

Tolpuddle is one of Australia’s best wineries, and is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Tyrrell’s
Tyrrell’s

Tyrrell’s is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.

Latest Sparkling & Champagne Reviews

This Sparkling Life
Champagne Bollinger B16
Champagne Bollinger B16

Elegance is the key feature of Bollinger's B16, the third release in a series that began with By 2003 – but this is a champagne of intensity, length and presence too. 94 points.

Billecart-Salmon Le Blancs de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut NV
Billecart-Salmon Le Blancs de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut NV

"It doesn't ask to be liked so much as respected" — Campbell Mattinson's 95-point review of Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut NV.

Louis de Grenelle Saumur Ivoire Brut NV
Louis de Grenelle Saumur Ivoire Brut NV

Mattinson review of Louis de Grenelle Saumur Ivoire Brut NV.

Shy Susan Blanc De Blancs 2019
Shy Susan Blanc De Blancs 2019

Mattinson review of Shy Susan Blanc De Blancs 2019.

PJ Dredge Blanc de Noirs 2020
PJ Dredge Blanc de Noirs 2020

Mattinson review of PJ Dredge Blanc de Noirs 2020.

Dr Edge Tasmania Brut Nature NV
Dr Edge Tasmania Brut Nature NV

Mattinson review of Dr Edge Tasmania Brut Nature NV.

Parés Baltà Rosa Cusiné 2021
Parés Baltà Rosa Cusiné 2021

Mattinson review of Parés Baltà Rosa Cusiné 2021.

Giro Ribot a Divinis Brut Nature Reserva 2016
Giro Ribot a Divinis Brut Nature Reserva 2016

Mattinson review of Giro Ribot a Divinis Brut Nature Reserva 2016.

Gembrook Hill Blanc de Blancs 2012
Gembrook Hill Blanc de Blancs 2012

Mattinson review of Gembrook Hill Blanc de Blancs 2012.

Codorníu Ars Collecta Josep Raventós Cava Gran Reserva Brut 2015
Codorníu Ars Collecta Josep Raventós Cava Gran Reserva Brut 2015

Mattinson review of Codorníu Ars Collecta Josep Raventós Cava Gran Reserva Brut 2015.

Codorníu Ars Collecta 459 Cava Gran Reserva Brut 2010
Codorníu Ars Collecta 459 Cava Gran Reserva Brut 2010

Mattinson review of Codorníu Ars Collecta 459 Cava Gran Reserva Brut 2010.

Avinyó La Ticota Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2017
Avinyó La Ticota Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2017

Mattinson review of Avinyó La Ticota Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2017.

Oakridge Blanc de Blancs 2019
Oakridge Blanc de Blancs 2019

Mattinson review of Oakridge Blanc de Blancs 2019.

Yarrabank Cuvee 2020
Yarrabank Cuvee 2020

Mattinson review of Yarrabank Cuvee 2020.

House of Arras Rosé 2017
House of Arras Rosé 2017

Mattinson review of House of Arras Rosé 2017.

Delamere Late Disgorged 2014
Delamere Late Disgorged 2014

Mattinson review of Delamere Late Disgorged 2014.

Carles Andreu L'Era del Celdoni Cava Gran Reserva 2016
Carles Andreu L'Era del Celdoni Cava Gran Reserva 2016

Mattinson review of Carles Andreu L'Era del Celdoni Cava Gran Reserva 2016.

Blancher Teresa Blancher Gran Reserva Cava de la tieta 2014
Blancher Teresa Blancher Gran Reserva Cava de la tieta 2014

Mattinson review of Blancher Teresa Blancher Gran Reserva Cava de la tieta 2014.

Vins El Cep Claror Paratge Qualificat Can Prats 2016
Vins El Cep Claror Paratge Qualificat Can Prats 2016

Mattinson review of Vins El Cep Claror Paratge Qualificat Can Prats 2016.

Rovellats Masia Segle Gran Reserva 2016
Rovellats Masia Segle Gran Reserva 2016

Mattinson review of Rovellats Masia Segle Gran Reserva 2016.

Mestres Coquet Brut Nature 2021
Mestres Coquet Brut Nature 2021

Mattinson review of Mestres Coquet Brut Nature 2021.

Pares Balta Bassegues 2010
Pares Balta Bassegues 2010

Mattinson review of Pares Balta Bassegues 2010.

Pere Ventura Gran Vintage Brut Paraje Calificado Can Bas 2016
Pere Ventura Gran Vintage Brut Paraje Calificado Can Bas 2016

Mattinson review of Pere Ventura Gran Vintage Brut Paraje Calificado Can Bas 2016.

Can Sala Vinyes de Can Sala 2015
Can Sala Vinyes de Can Sala 2015

Mattinson review of Can Sala Vinyes de Can Sala 2015.

Stefano Lubiana Prestige 2011
Stefano Lubiana Prestige 2011

Mattinson review of Stefano Lubiana Prestige 2011.

Stefano Lubiana Grand Vintage 2013
Stefano Lubiana Grand Vintage 2013

Mattinson review of Stefano Lubiana Grand Vintage 2013.

Mumm Marlborough Brut Prestige NV
Mumm Marlborough Brut Prestige NV

Mattinson review of Mumm Marlborough Brut Prestige NV.

Mumm Tasmania Brut Prestige NV
Mumm Tasmania Brut Prestige NV

Mattinson review of Mumm Brut Prestige NV.

Mumm Brut Rosé NV
Mumm Brut Rosé NV

Mattinson review of Mumm Marlborough Brut Rosé NV, part of Mumm’s Terroirs range, from Marlborough.

House of Arras Grand Vintage 2017
House of Arras Grand Vintage 2017

Mattinson review of Arras Grand Vintage 2017.

Winemaker Portraits

Photographic Portraits of Winemakers
Eleana Anderson
Eleana Anderson

Mayford winemaker, Eleana Anderson.

Steve Lubiana
Steve Lubiana

Stefano Lubiana winemaker, Steve Lubiana.

Michael Hall
Michael Hall

Michael Hall Wines winemaker, Michael Hall.

Jo Marsh
Jo Marsh

Billy Button winemaker, Jo Marsh.

Julian Grounds
Julian Grounds

Stonier winemaker, Julian Grounds.

Justin Purser
Justin Purser

Winemaker, Justin Purser.

Magan Kunin
Magan Kunin

Kunin Wines winemaker, Magan Kunin.

Tim Shand
Tim Shand

Voyager Estate winemaker, Tim Shand.

Peter Gago
Peter Gago

Penfolds chief winemaker, Peter Gago.

Melanie Chester
Melanie Chester

Giant Steps winemaker, Mel Chester.

Iago
Iago

Iago Wines winemaker, Iago Bitarishvili.

Sierra Reed
Sierra Reed

Reed Wines winemaker, Sierra Reed.

Simon Osicka
Simon Osicka

Paul Osicka wines winemaker, Simon Osicka.

Sandro Kurdadze
Sandro Kurdadze

Papari Valley winemaker, Sandro Kurdadze.

Sarah Fagan
Sarah Fagan

Tarrawarra Estate winemaker, Sarah Fagan.

Tyler Thomas
Tyler Thomas

Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards winemaker, Tyler Thomas.

Adrian Sparks
Adrian Sparks

Mount Pleasant winemaker, Adrian Sparks.

Peter Dredge
Peter Dredge

Dr Edge winemaker, Peter Dredge.

Adam Foster
Adam Foster

Syrahmi winemaker, Adam Foster.

James Halliday
James Halliday

Portraits of James Halliday at Coldstream Hills, the day his celebrated Domaine de la Romanée-Conti collection was boxed up and driven away.

Best Australian Grenache (Latest)

Reviews
Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024
Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2024.

Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2024
Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of the superb new Head Wines Old Vine Grenache 2024.

MMAD Blewitt Springs Grenache 2024
MMAD Blewitt Springs Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of MMAD Blewitt Springs Grenache 2024.

Alkina Estate Fractures Grenache 2025
Alkina Estate Fractures Grenache 2025

"Pure, exotic, controlled and uncontrollable at once" — Campbell Mattinson's 96-point review of Alkina Estate Fractures Grenache 2025.

Adelina Estate Grenache 2025
Adelina Estate Grenache 2025

Mattinson review of Adelina Estate Grenache 2025.

Chalk Hill Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache 2024
Chalk Hill Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Chalk Hill Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache 2024.

Ulithorne Singularis Grenache 2024
Ulithorne Singularis Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Ulithorne Singularis Grenache 2024.

Oria-Riff Old Vine Grenache Dry Red 2025
Oria-Riff Old Vine Grenache Dry Red 2025

Mattinson review of Oria-Riff Old Vine Grenache Dry Red 2025.

Cape Barren Old Vine Grenache 2024
Cape Barren Old Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Cape Barren Old Vine Grenache 2024.

Ulithorne Aureus Grenache 2024
Ulithorne Aureus Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Ulithorne Aureus Grenache 2024.

Alkina Estate Grenache 2025
Alkina Estate Grenache 2025

Mattinson review of Alkina Estate Grenache 2025.

Bekkers McLaren Vale Grenache 2024
Bekkers McLaren Vale Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Bekkers Grenache 2024.

Adelina Estate Grenache 2023
Adelina Estate Grenache 2023

Mattinson review of Adelina Estate Grenache 2023.

Curtis Family Vineyards Small Batch Grenache Shiraz 2021
Curtis Family Vineyards Small Batch Grenache Shiraz 2021

Mattinson review of Curtis Family Vineyards Small Batch Grenache Shiraz 2021.

Purple Hands Wines Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Grenache 2025
Purple Hands Wines Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Grenache 2025

Mattinson review of Purple Hands Wines Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Grenache 2025.

Kaesler The Fave Grenache 2023
Kaesler The Fave Grenache 2023

Mattinson review of Kaesler The Fave Grenache 2023.

Vinya Vella Old Bush Vine Grenache 2024
Vinya Vella Old Bush Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Vinya Vella Old Bush Vine Grenache 2024.

SC Pannell Little Branch Grenache 2023
SC Pannell Little Branch Grenache 2023

Mattinson review of SC Pannell Little Branch Grenache 2023.

SC Pannell Sunrise 99 Grenache 2022
SC Pannell Sunrise 99 Grenache 2022

Mattinson review of SC Pannell Sunrise 99 Grenache 2022.

Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2024
Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson reviews Yangarra’s Old Vine Grenache 2024.

Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2021
Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2021

Mattinson revisits Yangarra’s Old Vine Grenache 2021.

Oria-Riff Old Vine Grenache Dry Red 2024
Oria-Riff Old Vine Grenache Dry Red 2024

Mattinson review of Oria-Riff Old Vine Grenache Dry Red 2024.

Thistledown Our Fathers Smart Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2024
Thistledown Our Fathers Smart Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Thistledown Our Fathers Smart Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2024.

Alkina Estate Grenache 2024
Alkina Estate Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Alkina Estate Grenache 2024.

Paralian Marmont Vineyard Grenache 2024
Paralian Marmont Vineyard Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Paralian Marmont Vineyard Grenache 2024.

Thistledown She’s Electric Old Vine Grenache 2024
Thistledown She’s Electric Old Vine Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Thistledown She’s Electric Old Vine Grenache 2024.

Paul Osicka Heathcote Grenache 2024
Paul Osicka Heathcote Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Paul Osicka Heathcote Grenache 2024.

Barons of Barossa Grenache 2024
Barons of Barossa Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Barons of Barossa Grenache 2024.

Thistledown’s This Charming Man Old Vine Grenache 2024 is one of the wines of the year
Thistledown’s This Charming Man Old Vine Grenache 2024 is one of the wines of the year

Mattinson review of Thistledown This Charming Man Old Vine Grenache 2024.

Duff Blewitt Springs Grenache 2024
Duff Blewitt Springs Grenache 2024

Mattinson review of Duff Blewitt Springs Grenache 2024.

  • The wines that will endure, will be the real. And for this real, we will crave.

    Campbell Mattinson

Best Australian Chardonnay (Latest)

Reviews
Howard Park Allingham Chardonnay 2024
Howard Park Allingham Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Howard Park Allingham Chardonnay 2024.

Coppabella Chardonnay 2025
Coppabella Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Coppabella Chardonnay 2025.

Coppabella Procella II Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2025
Coppabella Procella II Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Coppabella Procella II Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2025.

Moppity Atrius Chardonnay 2025
Moppity Atrius Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Moppity Atrius Chardonnay 2025.

Moppity Emprise Chardonnay 2024
Moppity Emprise Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Moppity Emprise Chardonnay 2024.

Shadowfax Midhill Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024
Shadowfax Midhill Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Shadowfax Midhill Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024.

Victory Point Chardonnay 2023
Victory Point Chardonnay 2023

Mattinson review of Victory Point Chardonnay 2023.

Flowstone Queen of the Earth Chardonnay 2024
Flowstone Queen of the Earth Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Flowstone Queen of the Earth Chardonnay 2024.

Pierro Chardonnay 2024
Pierro Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Pierro Chardonnay 2024.

Singlefile The Vivienne Chardonnay 2023
Singlefile The Vivienne Chardonnay 2023

Mattinson review of Singlefile The Vivienne Chardonnay 2023.

Patrick Sullivan Bull Swamp Chardonnay 2025
Patrick Sullivan Bull Swamp Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Patrick Sullivan Bull Swamp Chardonnay 2025.

Bicknell FC Applecross Chardonnay 2024
Bicknell FC Applecross Chardonnay 2024

"The vigour. The swagger. The lot." — Campbell Mattinson's 96-point review of Bicknell FC Applecross Chardonnay 2024, from Diamond Valley's St Andrews site.

Gentle Folk Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2025
Gentle Folk Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Gentle Folk Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2025.

Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2024
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2024.

Pierro VR Chardonnay 2022
Pierro VR Chardonnay 2022

Mattinson review of Pierro VR Chardonnay 2022.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2023
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2023

Mattinson review of Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2023.

Flowstone Queen of the Earth Chardonnay 2023
Flowstone Queen of the Earth Chardonnay 2023

Mattinson review of Flowstone Queen of the Earth Chardonnay 2023.

Flowstone Chardonnay 2023
Flowstone Chardonnay 2023

Mattinson review of Flowstone Chardonnay 2023.

Bradley Hutton Wildberry Chardonnay 2024
Bradley Hutton Wildberry Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Bradley Hutton Wildberry Chardonnay 2024.

Bradley Hutton Wildberry Chardonnay 2019
Bradley Hutton Wildberry Chardonnay 2019

Mattinson review of Bradley Hutton Wildberry Chardonnay 2019.

Hutton Reserve Chardonnay 2024
Hutton Reserve Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Hutton Reserve Chardonnay 2024.

Tapanappa Tiers 1.5M Vineyard Chardonnay 2025
Tapanappa Tiers 1.5M Vineyard Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Tapanappa Tiers 1.5M Vineyard Chardonnay 2025.

Shaw + Smith Lenswood Chardonnay 2024
Shaw + Smith Lenswood Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Shaw + Smith Lenswood Chardonnay 2024.

Moss Wood Chardonnay 2024
Moss Wood Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Moss Wood Chardonnay 2024.

The Lane Vineyard Heritage Chardonnay 2024
The Lane Vineyard Heritage Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of The Lane Vineyard Heritage Chardonnay 2024.

The Lane Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2024
The Lane Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of The Lane Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2024.

Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2024
Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2024.

Cullen Kevin John Flower Day Legacy Series Chardonnay 2024
Cullen Kevin John Flower Day Legacy Series Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Cullen Kevin John Flower Day Legacy Series Chardonnay 2024.

Briar Ridge Block 7 Chardonnay 2025
Briar Ridge Block 7 Chardonnay 2025

Mattinson review of Briar Ridge Block 7 Chardonnay 2025.

Dr. Edge Tasmania Chardonnay 2024
Dr. Edge Tasmania Chardonnay 2024

Mattinson review of Dr. Edge Tasmania Chardonnay 2024.

Latest Penfolds

Penfolds
Penfolds Grange — Alcohol Levels, Vintage by Vintage
Penfolds Grange — Alcohol Levels, Vintage by Vintage

Seven decades of Penfolds Grange, tracked by one number: alcohol. Campbell Mattinson's full vintage-by-vintage compilation.

Grange 1990 — Now My Favourite Vintage
Grange 1990 — Now My Favourite Vintage

One vintage now sits at the very top of Campbell's personal Grange ranking. Find out which, and why, in the full review.

Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet 1996 — 18 Years Between Drinks
Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet 1996 — 18 Years Between Drinks

The vineyard that shaped Grange itself, revisited nearly two decades later. Campbell Mattinson on Penfolds Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon 1996.

10 Things About the Penfolds Collection 2025
10 Things About the Penfolds Collection 2025

A Grange price freeze, a secret French cousin to Bin 389, and nine other things worth knowing about the Penfolds Collection 2025.

Browse All Penfolds Grange Reviews
Browse All Penfolds Grange Reviews

Every Penfolds Grange vintage Campbell has reviewed, in one place.

Grange La Chapelle 2022 — Rushed to Market
Grange La Chapelle 2022 — Rushed to Market

Penfolds rushed its 97-point Grange La Chapelle 2022 to market, ahead of its own embargo. Campbell Mattinson asks why.

Grange La Chapelle 2022 — The Full Review
Grange La Chapelle 2022 — The Full Review

The full tasting note: Grange La Chapelle 2022, Penfolds' $3,500 Rhône-Barossa blend, scored 97 points by Campbell Mattinson.

Campbell's Personal Top 5 — Penfolds Collection 2025
Campbell's Personal Top 5 — Penfolds Collection 2025

Five wines from the Penfolds Collection 2025 that Campbell Mattinson would personally buy — including one he never saw coming.

The Penfolds Collection 2025 — Full Coverage
The Penfolds Collection 2025 — Full Coverage

The Penfolds Collection 2025, headlined by the 2021 Grange — Campbell Mattinson's full coverage of all 24 wines.

Portrait of Georgian winemaker, Iago Bitarishvili

Black and white photograph of Georgian winemaker Iago Bitarishvili.