Kirrihill 2020 Partner Series Shiraz

 

Kirrihilll's Partner Series range not only offers some very good value, it also showcases some of the unsung heroes of the wine industry; the growers who nurture the grape vines. This one pays tribute to Clare Valley grower Matt Lawson and his family. Lawson also happens to be the Kirrihill CEO. It is a generously flavoured red with plenty of personality that would probably be best enjoyed with a juicy steak. Think dark currant fruit flavours, some smoky oak characters, a hint of pepper and lashings of fruit sweetness allied to plenty of length. Impressive value. $30. https://www.kirrihill.com.au

Pikes 2022 The Merle Riesling

 

One of the great joys of classic Clare Valley rieslings is that they can either be enjoyed in their vibrant youth, or as mature wines full of personality. This one is drinking brilliantly right now - and was a star turn when matched with lobster rolls and perinaise sauce. This flagship wine is at a delightful stage of its development and has come together brilliantly while retaining its delicate and delicious zingy citrus flavours, alongside some slatey minerality and a lovely fresh acid core. It is named after the family matriarch and is made using selected parcels of fruit from the Pike family's Polish Hill River Estate. $55. https://www.pikeswines.com.au/

Brand's Laira 2016 Stentiford's Old Vines Shiraz

 

This is an absolute pleasure to drink; a very classy, mature Coonawarra shiraz that's in the zone right now. It is made from grapes grown on the Laira vines that are over 120 years old and producing a wine that offers plenty of depth, lovely complexity on the palate and lots of drinking pleasure. Dark, with subtle hints of spice and an impressive tannin structure, it finishes satisfyingly soft and smooth. This one deserves to be enjoyed at a dinner party with friends, or family, preferable paired with a rare steak, or a mushroom fricasée. Very classy. $80. https://www.brandslaira.com/  

Pommery Brut Rosé NV

A glass or two of Champagne is often enough for me, but not with this delicious wine, which was prodigiously potable. Currently available in an attractive Mandala gift box, this is a lovely aperitif-style bubbly with a Bouzy Grand Cru pinot noir added to the traditional blend of the Brut Royal. It is a delightfully pale pink in colour and very fresh and elegant on the palate, which offers strawberries and cream flavours alongside a delicate, lively finish. Perfect with canapes, or maybe some smoked salmon blinis. $110. www.champagnepommery.com

Vinaceous 2022 Vaudeville Range Sirenya Pinot Grigio

 

Superb summer drinking here, best enjoyed chilled on a warm day. This ultra-refreshing white wine utilises fruit from Mount Barker in Western Australia's Great Southern Region. There is nothing too complicated here; just lip-smackingly delicious fresh fruit flavours. Fresh, lively, and bright, this has pear and green apple characters on a palate that has mineral elements but is most noteworthy for fresh, vibrant acidity. Pair this with a seafood platter or salt and pepper squid. One for enjoying while it is young and juicy. You certainly won't miss the label. $22. www.vinaceous.com.au/