Kirrihill 2023 Regional Series Riesling

Is this one of the best wine buys out there in retail land right now? Undoubtedly. It is a thrilling, zippy Clare Valley riesling that has starred on the wine show circuit and offers formidable value. At one year of age it has settled comfortably into its skin with classic lemon/lime/grapefruit character and brisk minerality, along with acidity that has settled comfortably. The fruit comes from the elevated Schobers Vineyard overlooking Watervale; prime riesling territory. This would pair brilliantly with anything from pan-fried flathead to spicy Asian stir fries. Available in most BWS and Dan Murphy stores for around $20. www.kirrihill.com.au 

Atze's Corner 2021 'Mob' Montepulciano

A piping hot lasagne. Crisp green salad. Grissini. And a bottle of this. You have the perfect midweek winter dinner treat. Montepulciano is a red wine grape grown widely in central Italy, most notably in the Abruzzo and Marche regions. It has also proved very well suited to warmer regions of Australia, like the Barossa Valley, where it produces flavoursome wines like this one, with an impressive balance between fruit and savoury characters. Think black fruits, hints of chocolate and some impressive composure. The name does not refer to the Mafia, but a mob of sheep who broke into the vineyard and destroyed some of the Kalleske family's vines. This vintage is sold out at cellar door, but check the shelves of your local bottle shop. Good drinking for  $35. https://atzes.com/

Oakridge 2022 Henk Vineyard Chardonnay

 

There is something about the fruit from the Henk vineyard at Worri Yallock in the Yarra Valley that I find particularly captivating; vintage after vintage. This is a searingly good recent release that I found evaporated in my glass. A couple of sips and the bottle was empty. There is nothing revolutionary here. just a very good, well-balanced cool-climate chardonnay for under a pineapple from David Bicknell and his consistent team. The grapes were hand-picked and whole bunch pressed into large oak puncheons for a wild ferment - and the juice then spent 10 months on less. An excellent example from a long, late and cool growing season. Pair with American pork spare ribs for gourmet treat. $48. https://oakridgewines.com.au/

Mayfield Vineyard 2023 Mrs Crawford Pinot Noir

What a great discovery. Good Australian pinot from cooler regions can easily set you back $75 or more, so by my calculations this one is criminally under priced. It is a very elegant pinot but also has impressive structure thanks to the inclusion of 39% whole bunch material and a year in French oak. This offers typical cool-climate pinot notes; wild berries, mushroom and a nit of undergrowth. The high-altitude vineyard has delivered a little gem here, and the wine is named after Margaret Crawford, who lived on the vineyard property for 65 years. Lovely balance. Great price. $37. https://www.mayfieldvineyard.com.au/

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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