Tapanappa 2019 Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc

 

This is a stunning Australian nod to the wines of St Emilion on Bordeaux's right bank, a compelling blend of two red grape varieties that often take a back seat but shine here with waves of flavours gently cascading onto your tongue in a very stylish way. This is a masterclass in balance with the 55% merlot and 45% cabernet franc from Wrattonbully in South Australia spending almost 18 months in French oak (50% new) adding to the palate interest but never intruding. There is dark layered fruit here from a warm vintage, along with savoury and earthy nuances, herbal interludes, dark olive notes and some spice hints. This is at its best when paired with food. We paired it with roast lamb en croute, which worked a treat. $90. But worth it. Excellent drinking. 95 points from me. https://tapanappa.com.au/

De Bortoli 2020 Noble One

For over four decades, De Bortoli's Noble One botrytis semillon has been Australia's benchmark dessert wine. Darren de Bortoli's inspired creation remains at the very top of its game, offering luscious sweetness with brisk acid on the finish. A thing of beauty. Sure, you can match this with pastries, tarts and other desserts, but it also pairs brilliantly with pates, terrines and blue cheeses. Trust me. A team led by senior winemaker Julie Mortlock is carrying on Darren's good work with the 2020 vintage right in the zone. Think rich stone fruit/marmalade ripeness with a citrusy zestyness on the finish. 97 points from me. $38 for 375ml. debortoli.com.au 

Nerissimo Primitivo Salento IGP 2022

 

They've done it again. Here is yet another excellent import from the supermarket chain ALDI that offers stupendous value for money. From Puglia, in Italy, this is labelled as primitivo, a grape variety that we usually call zinfandel in Australia. This is rich and flavoursome, cellar-worthy, too, with some savoury characters that make Italian reds stand out from the crowd. It is dark and serious but with some juicy fun elements along with impressive length and tannin structure. Bottled under screwcap for the Australian market, this is a formidable wine bargain in any language. Pair with Mod Med dishes. $12.

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Henschke 2023 Louis Semillon

The Henschke family is well known for its innovative vineyard practices - and its superb high-end wines including Hill of Grace Shiraz and Cyril Cabernet. What is less recognised is that Henschke also produces several very good wines at much lower price points than its vinous stars. This lovely semillon made using fruit from 50-year-old vines is a case in point. It shares the six generations and 150 years of winemaking history but offers both affordability and drinkability. This Eden Valley semillon is super-food friendly, and less aggressive when young than its Hunter Valley counterparts. Think a cohesive blend of florals, citrus, apple, honey, lemon curd tart and herbal notes with plenty of palate length and some refreshing acidity on the palate. Pair with fish or poultry dishes and chill lightly. Deliciously slurpable. $35. https://www.henschke.com.au/