Peter Lehmann 2022 Portrait Sauvignon Blanc

 

With warmer days around the corner, just about every wine drinker needs a couple of bottles of a wine like this for when friends drop around, or for emergency thirsts. Peter Lehmann is long gone, his winery is in new hands and the fruit for this wine is not even sourced from Lehmann's beloved Barossa. But...this is made from cooler Adelaide Hills fruit and offers some excellent refreshment with its vibrant, tangy tropical fruit flavours and fresh acid. Perfect for enjoying well chilled on the deck after work, or with some takeaway fish and chips. No oak, no lees contact, just freshness pure fruit characters. There is also a pinot grigio in the range that is pretty decent. $20. www.peterlehmannwines.com/

Grosset 2022 Polish Hill Riesling

This is consistently Australia's finest dry riesling; organic, biodynamic and made in a style that is constantly evolving. From a single vineyards site in the Clare Valley - Australia's riesling heartland - this is tremendously vibrant and spectacular drinking even in its infancy. It has an intensity on the nose that leads to a core of citrus, steeliness and enticing minerality. Powerful, yet beautifully balanced, this is a world-class wine from a maker who never sets on his laurels. Tight, taut and terrific like a vinous ballet dancer, it skips across the palate. Jeff Grosset says you can cellar it for 20 years of more - if you have the self control. It also vegan friendly. Released September 1. Be quick or miss out. $75. www.grosset.com.au/

Hay Shed Hill 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

 

Summer in a glass from the team at Hay Shed Hill in Western Australia, whose wines offer reliably good value across the board. This is a classic Margaret River white blend of 58% sauvignon blanc and 42% semillon that offers freshness and vibrancy with floral aromas and brisk, crisp tropical fruit and citrus flavours and a bright acid finish. It would be delightful with fish dishes, spicy Asian plates or simply as an after-work pick me up. Serve well chilled, drink while young and lively - and maybe buy a dozen to see you through the warmer months. $22. https://hayshedhill.com.au/

El Valiente 2020 Organic Tempranillo

 

It is a mystery to me why Australians do not drink more wines from Spain and Portugal, given they offer terrific value and are very compatible with Australian cuisine. This organic tempranillo (the main grape in the red wines of Rioja) is part of the Elefante range imported by Fourth Wave Wines and has some medium-bodied fruit with a dry finish. It combines brightness and savoury notes. The bullfighting theme might not be to everyone's taste, but the $15 price tag is a definite winner and the wine can be found for even less on special. Pair with a chorizo dish for maximum pleasure.     

Taylors 2021 Estate Chardonnay

 

Many wine lovers have a “midweek” favourite for which they pay around $20 a bottle – and then splurge out on the weekend. This is a perfect midweek drinking choice, an impressive chardonnay from the Taylor family in the Clare Valley, whose wines are something of a byword for value. Winemaker Adam Eggins has blended grapes from Padthaway with fruit from the Clare Valley to produce a very food-friendly, fruit-driven chardonnay with classic peach and citrus notes that would pair with anything from quiche to roast pork. $22. https://www.taylorswines.com.au/