Unico Zelo 2025 Pastafarian

Fresh and vibrant, this Clare Valley sangiovese from innovator Brendan Carter and the team at Unico Zelo in the Adelaide Hills is disarmingly drinkable. I had had a couple of sips with my spaghetti bolognaise and the bottle was mysteriously half empty. That might be because this is the unofficial wine of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, or be simply because it is a damn good drink. Distributed by Franc About Wine, the most recent vintages have been sangiovese based after the wine started out as a nebbiolo. Looking for a wine to take to your local pizza or pasta joint? You've come to the right place. $36. https://www.unicozelo.com.au/

Hurley Vineyard 2024 Garamond Pinot Noir

 

The 2024 Hurley Vineyard Garamond Pinot Noir is my favourite pinot of the year so far. The other three Hurley wines from the vintage are all outstanding, but this one has that faint tinge of rusticity that distinguishes the great burgundies. I've been enjoying wines from this tiny domain for close to a quarter of a century now; this is the 24th vintage from legal eagles Kevin Bell and Tricia Byrnes and during that time their pinots have become much sought-after by aficionados. This is my pick of the three individual vineyards, which comprise just 3.5 hectares on the Mornington Peninsula. All fruit is estate grown and all wines made on sight by Bell, a former Victorian Supreme Court judge. This is basket pressed and bottled after 20 months French oak with zero fining or filtrations. Super satisfying. A wine of balance, style and character well worth splashing out on. $130. www.hurleyvineyard.com.au 

Cote Mas 2024 Syrah

 

Bastille Day is just around the corner on July 14 and what better way to celebrate France's national day on a budget than with this excellent Languedoc syrah from innovative French winemaker Jean-Claude Mas, also known as the Arrogant Frog? This is delightfully easy to drink: what Mas describes as describes as "expressive and accessible".  It reflects the sunshine of the south of France with its generous flavours, but also offers some chic style and suppleness on the finish. You could pair this with anything from a barbecue to a picnic - and the price is certainly right at $17.99 at Dan Murphy's stores. https://www.cote-mas.fr/en/