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/