Brokenwood 2023 Rosato

The team at Brokenwood produces some outstanding wines, including the flagship Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz, but when it comes to value this is definitely one of the standouts from the Hunter winery's very large range. It is a blend of sangiovese and nebbiolo fruit from two different states: NSW and Victoria, that comes together to produce a wine that delivers immediate fun times; your own private party in a glass. Think bright, sweet wild berry flavours, and hints of Turkish Delight with a bone dry refreshing finish. A taste of the Med with hints of savouriness on the palate. Pale, zingy and devilishly drinkable. Great with hors d'oeuvres. $30. https://www.brokenwood.com.au/

Kooyong 2023 Clonale Chardonnay

 

Vintage after vintage, winemaker after winemaker, this is consistently one of Australia's best "affordable" chardonnay choices. Tim Perrin is the new winemaker in charge at sibling labels Kooyong and Port Phillip Estate and he's not missed a beat, slipping into the role with immediate impact. This is a blend of fruit from estate vineyards in Tuerong and Balnarring on the cool Mornington Peninsula. Think whole-bunch pressing; natural ferment and maturation in large format oak, lees aging and minimal intervention. It is a wine with lively varietal character, youthful charm and bright acid on the finish. Trying pairing it with American-style pork spare ribs. $38. https://www.portphillipestate.com.au/

Greenskin NV Tawny Port

 

Heading out for a winter camping adventure? Fancy a warming drink that is housed in a lightweight, recyclable pouch? Here's the perfect thing: a new limited release from Greenskin, the West Australian company that specialises in quality drinks that are packaged to make them perfect for picnics, or lazy days at the beach. With colder days on the way, this gained almost unanimous approval from my tasting group. The fruit comes from several varieties and multiple vineyards across Western Australia and the wine is made by John Griffiths from Faber Vineyard in the Swan Valley. Sweet, smoky, raisiny and very delicious, this would be brilliant with a cheese platter. Available in two-packs for $95 from https://greenskinwine.com/shop/   

Lyons Will 2023 Gamay

 

Gamay is a perfect wine style for the Australian lifestyle. A lighter red with plenty of flavour that can be chilled on a warmer day. This is one of only a handful of gamays made in Victoria and owner/winemakers Renata Morello and Ollie Rapson have plenty of reason to be pleased. The wine is unashamedly based in the spiritual home of the variety, Beaujolais, with vibrant juby fruit flavours to the fore. Lyons Will, for those not familiar, is a boutique family-run winery in the Macedon Ranges. This wine is estate grown, unfined, unfiltered and Vegan friendly and so ticks a lot of hipster boxes. Stereotypes be damned. Pair this with  a charcuterie plate or a cheese platter. Lively and lovely; stylish and succulent. I liked it a lot. $47. www.LyonsWillEstate.com.au

Even Keel 2022 Cortese

 

The Even Keel range from Mornington Peninsula producer Polperro is looking smart across the board right now, but this one caught my fancy with its beguiling combination of fresh fruit characters and texture on the palate. Old oak and wild ferment add interest. Enticing aromas lead to an energetic palate where tangy citrus flavours jive with mineral notes. Think dry, think interesting, think refreshing. For those unfamiliar with the cortese grape, very little of which is grown in Australia, it emanates from the south-eastern regions of Piedmont and is the star of the Gavi region. It pairs very well with seafood; anything from Thai fishcakes to grilled prawns. There is also an impressive 2023 Pinot Gris in the  range. $35. www.polperrowines.com.au/product/cortese-2022/