Clonakilla 2024 Shiraz Viognier

 

You'll need to get a wriggle on if you want to secure some bottles of the new release of this cult favourite - available from Thursday. A wine of impressive energy and flow, it is high on quality with deep, dark spice notes to the fore, but volumes are low after a difficult year marked by severe frosts. From Murrumbateman, outside Canberra, this cool-climate classic offers harmonious fruit/spice notes and fabulous length. "It is undoubtedly one of the great SV vintages for us, but one made in more limited quantities than usual," the Kirk family, which has been pioneering winemaking in the region since 1971, says. This is certainly worth a splurge - and a spell in the cellar for those who are so inclined. $130. https://clonakilla.com.au/

Kooyong 2025 Clonale Chardonnay

If you like your chardonnays big, oaky, aged, leesy and yeasty then please look elsewhere. If, however, your preference is for vibrant, fresh, pure young chardonnays in the Chablis mould then this will be right up your alley. Full of carefree exuberance, there is subtle, mainly older French oak laying down the background vibe, but this is all about a zingy citrus tang, hints of rockmelon and plenty of acidity and length. is a blend of Chardonnay from Tuerong and Balnarring vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula that would pair well with anything from a pork chop to a bowl of paella. A very good wine for $38. https://www.portphillipestate.com.au/