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