De Bortoli 2023 The Estate Vineyard Chardonnay

 

There is a gradual passing of the baton at De Bortoli Yarra Valley with Kate Webber, daughter of winemaker Steve Webber and Leanne de Bortoli, the winemaker of this precise and pristine chardonnay. The Estate Vineyard released are hand-crafted wines that aim to reflect the characters of the family vineyards - and this is outstanding with nectarine and grapefruit notes to the fore. A cool 2023 vintage has resulted in bright acidity, pure fruit flavours and impressive length. I could drink bucketloads of this, paired with old school roast pork, crackling and all the trimmings; or maybe some pan-fried fish. Very good buying for $25. https://www.debortoli.com.au/

Tahbilk 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

Australians are blessed to be able to enjoy wines of this quality at such reasonable prices. This is one of the stars of a new release package from Tahbilk, a Central Victorian winery that was established back in 1860 and is one of Australia's oldest family-owned wineries. It has been owned and operated by the Purbrick family for a century. Think dark blackcurranty fruit matured mainly in older oak, hints of herbs, spice and classic mint. Very food-friendly and versatile and extremely affordable for a wine that could grace any dinner party. $24. www.tahbilk.com.au.

Craggy Range 2024 Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc

 

Craggy Range is based in Hawke's Bay but this appealing sauvignon blanc is made from fruit sourced from the Te Muna Road vineyard in Martinborough. Most of the top Kiwi savvys come from Marlborough, but this is well worth looking out for with its intense palate and impressive minerality. I'm told the cooler climate of Martinborough aids its aromatic appeal and steely characters. Matured in a combo of stainless steel tanks and French oak barriques and puncheons that have added texture, it pairs well with everything from pan-fried scallops to a Thai stir fry. It also has more personality than a lot of its Kiwi siblings. Lovely stuff. $38. https://craggyrange.com/ 

Terre a Terre 2021 Crayeres Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Shiraz

If you need a wine for a special occasion but don't want to take out a mortgage to pay for it then this new release from Terre a Terre is well worth considering. Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser have crafted an impressive red blend that manages to be both powerful and elegant. Estate-grown fruit from Wrattonbully: cabernet sauvignon (58%), shiraz and cabernet franc (both 21%) have been blended seamlessly to create a dark-fruited red with complexity and immediate appeal. Oak plays a key role in a wine that unfolds across the palate and finishes soft and spicy. I'd give this one a year or two in the cellar, but if you can't wait maybe pair it with a steak and kidney casserole. 95 points from me. $90. https://terreaterre.com.au/

2021 Crayères Vineyard

Reserve Cabernet Shiraz

$90 per bottle | $540 per six pack

The Reserve is made each time using the best parcels of Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) and Shiraz from our estate vineyard.

2021 provided perfect growing conditions in Wrattonbully; slightly cooler than the 40-year average and a classic vintage in line with 2019 and 2020. It is an eminently Australian wine style, with black and red fruit and floral aromas, velvety tannins and superbly balanced palate texture.

Castle Rock Estate 2024 Diletti Pinot Noir

 

Winemaker Rob Diletti's wines have been on fire over recent vintages. I've tasted some stunning riesling releases from Castle Rock Estate - the winery his parents founded - and the 2024 pinot noirs are similarly impressive. The 2024 Castle Rock Estate ‘Diletti’ Pinot Noir was made with a combination of whole-bunch fermentation, semi-carbonic maceration and pigeage. What is much more important, however, is that is is disarmingly drinkable, even in its youth - a satisfying result from a vintage in the Great Southern region of West Australia that Diletti describes as "challenging". The final product is a very lively, bright-fruited pinot with impressive length and structure. Pair with grilled gourmet sausages. $55. www.castlerockestate.com.au