Oakridge 864 2023 Drive Block Funder & Diamond Chardonnay

 

The 864 collection represents the very best of Oakridge's Yarra Valley portfolio, which is legendary for its almost obscene consistency of quality. The name 864 pays homage to the winery's Coldstream street address and the 2023 vintage marks the 12th release of this single-block chardonnay - a wine that many would pick as fine Burgundy when tasted blind. It is a vinous superstar - as its sibling the Henk Aquaduct Block. The grapes are hand harvested, whole-bunch pressed to large format French oak (20% new), wild-yeast fermented, matured for 10 months on lees then transferred to tank for an additional six months on lees prior to bottling. The end result: stunningly precise, pure and citrus-guided chardonnay with length, elegance, linearity and immediate appeal. Super stuff. $100. www.oakridgewines.com.au.

Devil's Lair 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

 
This was my personal standout at a recent Treasury Collective portfolio tasting event for wine media. Drinking brilliantly in its youth, it is fresh, vibrant and ready to enjoy with red meat dishes. It is dark with blackberry and cassis flavours allied to classy French oak, showcasing fruit from the warmer north of Margaret River. What is immensely impressive is how stylish and elegant it is. There is serious poise and structure here. With a retail price of under $50 it is no surprise that this is virtually sold out at cellar door, but there is still some in retail land if you move quickly. Highly recommended. 96 points. $50. https://www.devils-lair.com.au/

Rewild of Murray Darling 2025 Sauvignon Blanc

 

This is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a cheap and cheerful bottle of white wine in the fridge for when friends drop around. Or for quaffing well chilled on the back deck after a long day at work, It is a bargain buy from the "sustainable" wine brand from Duxton Vineyards in the Murray Darling region, presumably picked early to preserve some zingy, zesty varietal fruit characters. I like its clean, pure tropical fruit notes, bright acid - and the price. It is available nationally at Dan Murphy’s and selected BWS stores nationally at an RRP from $9.99. Pair with fish and chips. https://rewildwine.com.au/

Chateau Tanunda 50-Year-Old Vines 2022 Shiraz

Château Tanunda is an icon of the Barossa; established in 1890 and home to some of the region’s oldest vineyards. In 2025, Château Tanunda is celebrating its 135th anniversary and the wines being produced by the Geber family are outstanding; made in traditional forceful but balanced Barossa style. The wines are exported to over 35 countries - a success story by any measure. This is an impressively big and bold Barossa shiraz with a twinkle in its eye. While it can be enjoyed now, this could easily be cellared for a decade or two. A wine for pulling out for a special birthday or anniversary. Pair with a lamb roast, or T-Bone steak. $80. https://chateautanunda.com/