Vasse Felix 2025 Classic Dry Red

 

We are in bargain basement territory here with the new release of a "drink now" red from one of Margaret River's pioneering wineries. Previously made using shiraz grapes, this is now a slurpable cabernet sauvignon-driven blend (there's also some merlot and malbec in the mix) with vibrant fresh fruit flavours the driving force. Estate grown and made to meet the growing demand for lighter, uncomplicated red wines, this is unoaked, saw wild yeast fermentation and spent eight months in stainless steel tanks before release. Immediately approachable at 13.5% alcohol, it would be a fine choice for a barbecue, or pasta night with friends. $20. www.vassefelix.com.au 

Terre a Terre 2022 Crayeres Vineyard Reserve

 

Terre a Terre has built a formidable reputation for higher echelon South Australian reds with just a touch of French swagger added by winemaker Xavier Bizot. From the first sniff and sip this identified itself as something special; a wine of style and substance to grace any dinner table. Think length, power and balance with dark fruits to the fore. This is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (66%,) shiraz (17%) and dollop of cabernet franc - a classic Claret style made entirely from estate fruit grown at Wrattonbully on the Limestone Coast. I liked this a lot and gave it 97 points. Pair with Moroccan roast lamb.  $90. https://terreaterre.com.au/

Clonakilla 2024 Shiraz Viognier

 

You'll need to get a wriggle on if you want to secure some bottles of the new release of this cult favourite - available from Thursday. A wine of impressive energy and flow, it is high on quality with deep, dark spice notes to the fore, but volumes are low after a difficult year marked by severe frosts. From Murrumbateman, outside Canberra, this cool-climate classic offers harmonious fruit/spice notes and fabulous length. "It is undoubtedly one of the great SV vintages for us, but one made in more limited quantities than usual," the Kirk family, which has been pioneering winemaking in the region since 1971, says. This is certainly worth a splurge - and a spell in the cellar for those who are so inclined. $130. https://clonakilla.com.au/

Moss Wood 2024 Amy's

Calling all lovers of Bordeaux-style red blends. This is cabernet-driven wine from one of Margaret River's best producers that offers an excellent each way bet: drink now or cellar for a decade or more. It is a blend of 72% cabernet with the remainder of the blend made up of merlot, malbec and petit verdot. A wine of impeccable balance with classic currant/berry/plum notes allied to violet, dark chocolate and cedary oak characters. There is impressive structure here, but also bright acid that aid immediate accessibility. Concentrated but beguiling. $40. www.mosswood.com.au 

Terre a Terre 2023 Crayeres Vineyard Cabernet Franc

 

It is a mystery why cabernet franc is not more popular in Australia given the grape variety is a perfect fit for our climate, lifestyle and food choices. The Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2023 is the ninth vintage of a cabernet franc-based release from Xiavier Bizot and Lucy Croser's Wrattonbully (Limestone Coast) vineyard. From a cool and wet vintage, this a very chic, food-friendly release that has seen 8% shiraz added to the final blend to lift the middle palate. A Bordeaux/Rhone marriage of convenience. The end result is bright, medium bodied and enticingly gluggable. Pair with old school roast chicken, or other poultry dishes. $35. https://terreaterre.com.au/

Terre a Terre 2021 Crayeres Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Shiraz

If you need a wine for a special occasion but don't want to take out a mortgage to pay for it then this new release from Terre a Terre is well worth considering. Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser have crafted an impressive red blend that manages to be both powerful and elegant. Estate-grown fruit from Wrattonbully: cabernet sauvignon (58%), shiraz and cabernet franc (both 21%) have been blended seamlessly to create a dark-fruited red with complexity and immediate appeal. Oak plays a key role in a wine that unfolds across the palate and finishes soft and spicy. I'd give this one a year or two in the cellar, but if you can't wait maybe pair it with a steak and kidney casserole. 95 points from me. $90. https://terreaterre.com.au/

2021 Crayères Vineyard

Reserve Cabernet Shiraz

$90 per bottle | $540 per six pack

The Reserve is made each time using the best parcels of Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) and Shiraz from our estate vineyard.

2021 provided perfect growing conditions in Wrattonbully; slightly cooler than the 40-year average and a classic vintage in line with 2019 and 2020. It is an eminently Australian wine style, with black and red fruit and floral aromas, velvety tannins and superbly balanced palate texture.

Henschke 2022 Keyneton Euphonium

 

Henschke makes some of Australia's most sought-after wines, including the $1000-a-bottle Hill of Grace, regarded as the best single-vineyard wine in the country. But the Henschke family - six generations in - also offers a range of far more affordable wines; like this red blend that would grace any dinner party table. A blend of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, along with small amounts of cabernet franc and merlot, it is a very stylish amalgam of fruit from the Barossa and the cooler Eden Valley. The name pays tribute to an instrument used by the former Henschke Family Brass Band. This is a very sophisticated drop that be enjoyed now, or cellared for decades. Bright and beautifully balanced with oak playing a role in creating impressive structure. $67. https://www.henschke.com.au/ 

Angullong 2022 Cossing Reserve Harriet

 

This is a pretty spectacular reserve release from a small producer in the NSW Central West. The vineyard is in the foothills of Mount Canobolas outside Orange. The property has been in the Crossing family since 1950 and was a sheep and cattle station before grape growing and winemaking started in 1998. The wines are made by the talented Canadian Jeff Byrne and this is a smooth but assertive blend of Italian varieties sangiovese, montepulciano and sagrantino that is named in honour of the family matriarch. It is a lovely, food-friendly release that is drinking very well right now; fruit and oak are in impressive harmony. Decidedly moreish. 94 points from me. $50. www.angullong.com.au.