- Winery: John Wallace Wines
- Wine Region: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
- Variety: 60% Sangiovese, 40% Pinot Gris
- Vintage: 2026
- Price: $28
- Find it: from the winery direct
- Alcohol content: 11.5%
- You’ll like this if: you love a sunset Rosé
Body: Light
Mouthfeel: Creamy
Taste: Refreshing, Crisp, Savoury
Flavours: Grapefruit, pear, cranberry
- Enjoy it with: Friends or a sunset
- Food pairings: Grilled salmon, salads
Wine review: John Wallace Wines ‘Tilba’ Rosé 2026
It’s been a while since I’ve had a Hunter Valley wine, so I was pretty excited when the bottles from John Wallace Wines landed on my doorstep. I’d never tried them before, and I decided to start with the Rosé for two very good reasons. One, that label is just too cute to resist. Two, it’s getting seriously warm here in Brisbane, and a Rosé was calling my name.
A bit of background before we get into it. ‘Tilba’ is named after Tilly, Richard and Beth’s much-loved Labrador and constant cellar door companion. What really caught my eye is the blend of Sangiovese and Pinot Gris, which you don’t see in a Rosé very often. It’s also on the lower-alcohol side, making it an easy pour for a long lunch or a lazy afternoon.
On the nose, this wine is a treat, with delicate aromas of pink grapefruit, ripe pear and fresh cranberries. The palate is beautifully textured and creamy, balanced out by bright citrus and subtle savoury notes, before finishing crisp and refreshing. It’s elegant, dry and endlessly drinkable, the kind of Rosé you’ll happily reach for all year round.
Pair it with grilled salmon or a Mediterranean salad, and you’re onto a winner. But you don’t even need to pair this wine with food. You could just as easily crack it open on a hot day, or enjoy a glass while watching the sunset. And with a great price tag to match, this is exactly the kind of wine you don’t need to think twice about opening when friends drop by.
About John Wallace Wines
The name John Wallace might not ring any bells, but the man behind it definitely will if you know your Hunter Valley wines. That’s Richard Done, and he’s been quietly helping craft some of the region’s best drops for over 18 years, working with names like Scarborough Wines, Thomas Wines, Hunter’s Dream Estate and Bimbadgen Estate. He’s got a Master’s degree in Wine Science and Viticulture, a wife named Beth, two daughters, and of course Tilly the labrador, who you’ve already met if you caught the story behind this Rosé’s name. So why the alias? After a lifetime of people botching the pronunciation of his surname (think Ken Done, not Dunn, and definitely not Dunny), Richard decided to name his own label after his two grandfathers, John and Wallace, instead.
Launching John Wallace Wines gave Richard the chance to finally put his own stamp on the industry, after years of making wine under other people’s names. His goal is simple: bring a bit of romance back to wine, and make it feel relevant and enjoyable again, no matter who you are or where you’re at in your wine journey. And honestly, I love that approach. Richard’s philosophy is that the wine will speak for itself, but what really matters is who you’re sharing it with and the memories you make along the way. Sounds like my kind of winery.
Learn more about this wine on their website.
Note: This wine was sent as a sample. I was under no obligation to post about it.