Calabria 3 Bridges 2026 Fiano

Calabria winemaker Emma Norbiato is making an impressive range of wines from the family's original vineyards in the NSW Riverina, as well as from their more recent acquisitions in the Barossa. This is an excellent choice for everyday drinking, a young white made from fiano, a grape that dates back to Roman times in Campania and Sicily but is very much at home in warmer regions of Australia like the Riverina. It has some lively palate presence, offering refreshment, but also has some complexity with a melange of citrus and stone fruit orchard notes, along with some subtle oak. This is textural and slightly nutty. Pair with crispy prawn cakes and fried rice. $25. https://www.calabriawines.com.au/

TarraWarra Estate 2026 Pinot Noir Rosé

 

Here's a wine that's perfect for summer sipping, or slurping - a delightful dry rosé from one of the leading estates in the Yarra Valley. Made by Sarah Fagan, one of the region's top winemakers, it is impressively fresh and vital. It is made from hand-picked pinot noir grapes and is aromatic with textural notes on the palate, vibrant acidity and immediate appeal. This should be enjoyed lightly chilled, preferably al fresco with a picnic, a spicy pizza or some fish tacos. $35. https://www.tarrawarra.com.au/

St Hugo Signature 2025 Grenache Shiraz Mataro

 

This is a super impressive, quintessentially Barossa red blend from a label that tends to fly a little under the radar these days. Juicy, fruity grenache is the show stopper and comprises 70% of the blend with 21% shiraz and a small amount of savoury mataro in a support role. This is a wine for those who like their red wines with power and depth, but also some style and sophistication. A James Bond wine, maybe. Dark fruits, hints of mocha and herbs and well integrated oak come together impressively in relatively young wine that finishes with smooth tannins. Pair this with just about any red meat dish. $55.

Kooyong 2024 Nord Pinot Noir

 

I have an issue with wines under the Kooyong label. From founding winemaker Sandro Moselle to Glen Hayley and now Tim Perrin, the Gjergja family invariably produces outstanding Mornington Peninsula wines. It is often hard to know exactly which wine to review but this one stood out with its delightful poise and balance. Like all the Kooyong estate wines it is estate grown, made and bottled - and the grapes here come from a block of under a hectare of close-planted vines that produce exceptional fruit. This is black-fruited, medium-bodied, appealingly earthy and exceptionally drinkable. $85. www.portphillipestate.com.au/product/2024-nord-pinot-noir  

Wickhams Road 2026 Yarra Valley Chardonnay

 

Looking for a stylish cool-climate chardonnay from the Yarra Valley that offers exceptional value for money? You've come to the right place. This is a delightful fresh young thing that winemaker Franco d'Anna says is made with the same care and attention as his Hoddles Creek estate chardonnays. This is made from grapes grown at Bulong Estate at Yarra Junction - the vines were planted back in 1997 - and it is vibrant, fresh and well balanced. There are three chardonnays in the Wickhams Hill range and all are worth a look at the ridiculously low price of $19.99. https://www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au/

Mount Horrocks 2026 Watervale Riesling

 

Mount Horrocks is a seriously boutique producer in the Clare Valley. Vigneron Stephanie Toole makes only 3,000 cases a year, and just 500 cases of this stunning riesling. All her wines are organic and biodynamic and this new release is gloriously vibrant - a classic example of dry Watervale riesling. Crisp, crunchy and extremely food friendly, it is described by Toole as "a wine of immense purity and finesse".  Think floral aromas, lifted citrus notes, river pebble minerality and brisk acid on the finish. Pair this taut number with salt and pepper squid, or pan-fried sardines. Lovely, and great value. $45. https://www.mounthorrocks.com/ 

Jacob's Creek 2026 Le Petit Rosé

I don't pay a lot of attention to wine show results but when a new-release sub-$20 wine that is widely available cracks a trophy at a major shows then my attention is piqued. This snagged the Leslie Kemeny Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Best Rosé at the recent Royal Sydney Wine Show (and later won best rosé in Perth), so I asked for a sample. It's a good 'un: fun, dry and food friendly. It is a fresh and lively blend of pinot noir, grenache and mourvedre with bright acid and some chalky texture. Ideal for enjoying chilled with a picnic, charcuterie plate, Middle Eastern dishes, or a creamy pasta dish. The RRP is $20 but you'll find it cheaper if you search. https://jacobscreek.com/