Tin Shed 2021 Melting Pot Shiraz

You could pay twice much for Barossa shirazes that are not half as good as this little gem; a wine that is bursting with flavour but finishes with restraint. Tin Shed was founded by chef Peter Clarke in 1997 and is now owned by local couple Claire Doughty and Daniel Killey, although Clarke still lends a deft winemaking hand. From a single vineyard in Gomersal, this delivers generous, dark fruit flavours without being heavy on the palate. There are hints of Asian spices and dark pepper with oak in the background of a wine that is beautifully balanced despite its 15% alcohol. It went a treat with an old-fashioned steak and kidney pie. It's also promoted as Vegan friendly, should that be of concern. $32. https://www.tinshedwines.com 

De Bortoli 2023 Chill No Chill

An unusual name and a rarely seen blend of grape varieties but De Bortoli Yarra Valley has come up with an excellent red wine for summer enjoyment. Chill No Chill is a blend of pinot noir and syrah (shiraz) made so that it can be enjoyed at traditional temperatures, or enjoyed chilled on a warm summer day. An each-way bet, if you like. Vegan friendly and made in a "hands off" style, I very much enjoyed the taut vibe of this wine. It is supple, perfumed, vital and very gluggable. A couple of glasses of this on the deck in the evening comes highly recommended, and it would be great with turkey leftovers, or a pizza. Fun, fun, fun. $25. https://www.debortoli.com.au/

Collezione Oro 2022 Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut

 

It is that time of the year. It's Bellini time. It's Mimosa time. And it is party time, for which this Aldi seasonal special would be a very good fit, delivering some exceptional quality and value for money as part of a collection that will only be sold until the end of the month. This is pretty classy Prosecco, DOCG rather than entry level DOC, and bursting with fresh, lively white fruit on the palate, with plenty of length on the finish. This is from the under-rated Asolo sub-region of the Veneto, which is perhaps why it delivers so much for so little. $14.99. https://www.aldi.com.au/

Wickhams Road 2023 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

Another vintage; another superb value pinot noir from Franco d'Anna family at Hoddles Creek. This is the first Wickham's Road pinot to use mainly estate fruit after the d'Annas prepared for the pinot boom by planting another 30 acres of vines. This is, as it always is, one of the best wine bargains in the country, particularly if your tastes extend to paler pinots full of varietal character and charm. This is a lovely summer wine, one you could easily chill for a bit on a warm summer day. There is 20% whole bunches in the ferment to give spice and tannin structure and the blend spends about 20 days on skins. It is bottled without fining or filtration. Pair with picnics, salads, or just about anything summery. $20. https://www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au/