Clonakilla 2019 Tumbarumba Chardonnay

Clonakilla is a standout Canberra region winery far better known for its red wines than its whites - despite producing small quantities of top-notch riesling and viognier. Here owner Tim Kirk has purchased fruit from high-altitude Tumbarumba to make a stellar cool-climate chardonnay. The fruit comes from a block 700 metres above sea level and offers an amalgam of stone fruit and citrus notes, with plenty of brisk acid adding the spine. Lovely drinking here with elegance and length. $36. www.clonakilla.com.au

Penfolds 2018 Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy one of the recently released Penfolds Collection reds. This is a ripe, generous and unmistakably South Australian blend of fruit from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Wrattonbully, Fleurieu, Robe, Mt Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek. Perfect for serving to anyone from overseas wanting to know what a quintessentially Australian red wine is like, and a terrific present for any serious wine lover. A great choice for Father's Day. $50. www.penfolds.com.au.     

Shaw + Smith 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

Such is the immense popularity of sauvignon blanc in Australia that it seems hard to believe that hardly anyone was growing or making it until Shaw + Smith took the plunge exactly 31 vintages ago. It is now an Australian classic with Shaw + Smith still making arguably the finest example in the cool-climate Adelaide Hills. This is an Australian summer in a bottle, an aromatic, varietal and sophisticated sauvignon blanc with plenty of citrus notes and tangy acid that is in no way over the top. It paired beautifully with pan-fried blue-eye travalla. $30. www.shawandsmith.com 

Chateau Yaldara 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Looking for a red wine with structure and style? This Barossa cabernet is in the groove right now, and is beautifully balanced between youth and maturity. Chateau Yaldara founder Hermann Thumm was one of the Barossa’s first boutique winemakers and today the label offers some excellent-value drinking. This has classic cassis, cedar and mint aromas with a tannin structure and dark fruit flavours that offer bothe immediate enjoyment and promise. Quality French oak adds to the complexity of a delicious red for pairing with casseroles and braises. $50. www.chateauyaldara.com.au.