There is a huge market out there for big, bold and macho reds; full of vinous testosterone like teenagers on a big night out looking for action. This is a blend of shiraz from McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, two regions of South Australia where they can always get their fruit ripe, and it is a red that demands attention. It is cocky, sweet and juicy on the palate, chock-a-block with dark, inky fruit and full-blooded. Not a wine for wimps, but if you love the style you'll enjoy this. And the price is right. $18. www.theblackchook.com.au
The King Valley in north-east Victoria, once tobacco-growing country, is today proving one of the most successful regions in Australia for Italian varietals like pinot grigio. Brown Brothers, based at nearby Milawa, source a lot of fruit from the Italian growers in the valley and this is a terrifically appealing offering under their 18 Ninety Nine label. Just like the wines of the Alto Adige in northern Italy, this is crisp, fresh, fruity and very quaffable. Excellent value for $18. www.brownbrothers.com.au
Most
of the New Zealand pinot noirs that we see in Australia tend to come
from Central Otago, where the style is generally quite muscular. This Marlborough wine is at the other end of the spectrum; more delicate and elegant, but
still with plenty of black cherry flavour and smoky exoticism. It is
fragrant and unmistakeably pinot, with some bright fruit, savoury
hints and lovely structure. It's made by Kevin Judd, the
ultra-talented winemaker who helped propel Cloudy Bay to worldwide
recognition. $48. www.greywacke.com
A really delightful Margaret River chardonnay from Robert Oatley's Signature Series, this offers remarkable value given that it can sometimes to be found on special for around $20. It is a wine that has the imprint of consultant winemaker Larry Cherubino all over it. The key to all Cherubino's wines is balance and this blend of fruit from several different Margaret River vineyards is charmingly aromatic with fresh white peach flavours, gentle oak and a soft, clean finish. It is a chardonnay that is a real crowd pleaser - embarrassingly easy to drink. $23. www.robertoatley.com.au.
Of all the new and emerging grape varieties being planted around Australia I am most impressed with the way the Austrian white variety gruner veltliner has made itself very much at home in the cool Adelaide Hills - despite the vines still being extremely young. This is just one of several excellent examples; floral, fragrant, citrus, red apple, slatey minerality and hints of pepper can all be detected in a gloriously gluggable white that is perfect for enjoying late in the day on the back deck, or perhaps paired with some delicately-spiced Vietnamese dishes for a truly cross-cultural gourmet experience. Excellent wine; very good vintage, Enjoy chilled. $25. www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.au
