Riddoch Coonawarra 2022 The Representative Cabernet Merlot

 

There are few regions of Australia that produce consistently excellent cabernets and cabernet blends than Coonawarra, and this new release from Riddoch winemaker Matthew Reimann offers excellent weekend drinking at a price that might allow you to also enjoy the occasional bottle midweek. This is a wine that manages to combine both power and elegance, with dark berry flavours allied astutely judged oak that aids and abets rather than dominating. There is plenty of flavour here, plenty of length and lots of drinking pleasure for $40. A nice foil for calves' liver and onions. www.riddochcoonawarra.com.au   

Domaine Jean Defaix 2023 Chablis

 

I'm old school in that I prefer my Chablis wines to be crisp and clean with purity, clarity, minerality and acid to the fore. If you are a traditionalist who likes your Chablis vibrant and wood free then this delivers in spades. It was one of the stars of the recent Negociants Imported Wine Odyssey tastings. Made by Daniel Dampt, who also produces his own range. Completely unoaked, as is the tradition with the domaine, this is a thrilling example of unadulterated chardonnay. Pair it with a roast pork and crackling for a winter wine and food treat. $65. https://www.negociants.com/au/home

Ekin 2023 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

 

It is hard nowadays to find quality cool-climate pinot noir that is affordable, but this one delivers in spades. Ekin is a joint venture between wine industry duo Mark Vella and Brad Case, producing impressive-value wines from Langhorne Creek and the Adelaide Hills. The range also includes a very decent Adelaide HIlls chardonnay but this was the standout for me: a mellifluous, well-mannered pinot that strikes just the right balance between bright fruit, subtle oak and savoury notes. It went down with considerable ease and is well worth checking out at just $25. https://ekinwineco.com.au