Bishop by Ben Glaetzer 2021 Shiraz

 

I generally don't drink more than a glass or two of Barossa reds in one sitting nowadays. This was an exception. I enjoy my reds with flavour - but also some elegance. Here is a Barossa shiraz that boasts both - and it is a serious bargain from Ben Glaetzer, made from vines aged between 35-120 years old in Ebenezer sub-region. From a very good vintage, it is made in a style that is approachable when young, but I also reckon this would cellar well. So think concentrated dark fruit flavours, quality French and American oak and a soft, supple finish. Why this doesn't sell for a much higher price I have no idea. $33. www.glaetzer.com    

Saint and Scholar 2021 Graduates Pinot Noir

 

The prices for good pinot noir have gone through the roof. Bottles of fine Burgundy are stratospherically priced, and you can easily pay upwards of $90 for a new-release bottle of one of the stars from Tasmania. Fortunately there are a few options around for pinot lovers on a tight budget - and this lively little number from the Adelaide Hills delivers a lot of bright, fresh pinot enjoyment. From a very good year, this youngster was half matured in French oak barriques, and half kept in tanks. It is a very fruit-forward-style with fresh berry and cherry flavours, some enticing fruit sweetness, hints of Asian spices and a soft palate that encourages a second glass, and then a third. Great with Chinese roast duck, or maybe a mushroom fricassé. $30. https://saintandscholar.com.au/

Hesketh 2022 Rules of Engagement Pinot Grigio

 This might just be the wine bargain of the year so far. A zingy, zesty "drink now" pinot grigio from a family-owned winery. The Hesketh label uses fruit sourced from vineyards across South Australia and aims to match quality with value. This wine features grapes from the cooler coastal part of the Limestone Coast, and boy is it impressive drinking for the price. The Heskeths say their wines are sustainably grown with contemporary style. There is some really attractive natural acidity here in a wine that is consciously made in the fresh, zingy grigio style. Very clean, very crisp,  very enjoyable with both citrus and white stone fruit notes. Pair with pan-fried whitebait, or fish and chips. $15.  https://www.heskethwinecompany.com.au/  

Hahndorf Hill 2022 Brother Nature Field Blend

The team at Hahndorf Hills in the Adelaide Hills has built a formidable reputation for the quality of its varietal wines made from Austrian grapes including gruner veltliner and Saint-laurent. This is the first release of a pretty off-the-wall blend - but it works a treat. Inspired by the Gemischter Satz blended wines of Austria, this is a field blend where the sum is more than the parts. The fruit is co-harvested by hand, and then co-fermented in the winery. Brother Nature's 12 varieties include the standard white varieties commonly found in a Gemischter Satz: pinot blanc, welschriesling, gruner veltliner, riesling, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, gewurztraminer, savagnin and muscat blanc, with the addition of harslevelu , chenin blanc and muscadelle. The end result is a bright and shiny white with deliciously crisp acidity. Think lime juice, Granny Smith apple and river pebble notes that is is extremely versatile and food friendly. Pair with shellfish, a little spice, or sashimi and sushi. Deliciously different. $39. https://www.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au/