Bremerton Molly and Merle 2022 Verdelho

 

It is a bit of a mystery why the Portuguese grape variety verdelho is not more popular in Australia. It is a lively, fresh variety that can be enjoyed young and goes well with spicy Thai and Vietnamese dishes. This tastes like a liquid fruit salad with bright, natural fruit sweetness and vibrant acidity. Mollie and Merle are the grandmothers of Bremerton creators Rebecca and Lucy Willson and this Langhorne Creek offering is terrific value at $18. www.bremerton.com

Port Philip Estate 2021 Red Hill Pinot Noir

 

It does not pay to be colourist when it comes to pinot noir. This is a pale but flavoursome wine crafted from fruit grown on five estate blocks at Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, the oldest of which were plated 35 years ago. The fruit was fermented in a combination of large-format wooden foudres and stainless-steel tanks and the end result weighs in at just 13% ABV. It is an aromatic and pretty wine with red fruits to the fore, but has plenty of depth and would pair brilliantly with roast duck and cherry sauce. A delightful young wine that will also cellar well. $40. www.portphillipestate.com.au/

Longview 2020 Vista Shiraz Barbera

 

Take Australia's most popular red wine grape and blend it with an Italian variety. The end result is a quite delightful midweek drink; a blend of Adelaide Hills shiraz and barbera that is thoroughly modern in its appeal - and terrific value, too. Think a spicy, savoury and crunchy vibrant young red wine that is ready for immediate enjoyment and ideal for quaffing with a barbecue or a burger. $23. www.longviewvineyard.com.au/

Tyrrell's 2021 HVD Chardonnay

I tasted this new release from venerable family-owned Hunter Valley wine producer Tyrrell's alongside several other Hunter chardonnays over lunch - and this blew them all the others out of the water. The Old Vines Chardonnay block on the HVD (Hunter Valley Distillery) vineyard was planted in 1908 and is among the oldest in the world. This possesses a real style and swagger, with purity and intensity alongside true varietal character. Tight, crunchy and pristine. A superb example of Australian chardonnay. $80. https://tyrrells.com.au/

The Old Vines Chardonnay block on HVD was planted in 1908 and is believed to be the oldest producing Chardonnay vineyard in the world.