Maitre Renard 2007 Pinot Noir Burgundy

A drinkable burgundy at an affordable price? Sacre bleu! But this one ticks all the boxes and is undeniable French. It's medium-bodied with cherry and red berry fruit characters, has subtle oak, hints of forest floor characters, earthiness and softness. There are a lot of Australian pinots at two or three times the price that are not half as good. Absolutely delicious and a great bargain at $25.

Pfeiffer 2009 Gamay

Gamay is the French grape used to make the wonderfully vibrant wines of Beaujolais. This is an Australian version of Beaujolais; a light red wine that is designed to be served well chilled - and hasn't winemaker Jen Pfeiffer done a cracking job. This tastes like a bowl of fresh red berries with hints of dark cherries. It’s zingy, it’s lively and I'm not ashamed to admit I drank the whole bottle! A fabulous wine for warm summer evenings. $18.

Josef Chromy 2009 Pepik Pinot Noir

Who says good pinot noir has to be expensive? This is an excellent Tasmanian pinot for everyday drinking with lovely varietal characteristics and youthful approachability. A wine for enjoying without too much thought, it has vibrant cherry fruit, subtle oak and a soft, enjoyable palate. Grab a barbecued duck on the way home, pair it with this and you'll have a feast fit for a king (or queen). $20.

Brown Brothers NV Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier

Family-owned Brown Brothers have a huge range of wines with something to suit every palate but you won't find many better than this outstanding bubbly - a blend of the three classic Champagne grapes. This is a superb wine for the price - as good as many domestic sparkling wines costing twice the price. It offers delightful citrus aromas, a refreshing, zesty palate and hints of brioche and yeast characters adding complexity. Clean, crisp and very drinkable. $23.

Howard Park 2009 Riesling

This rates among the very best rieslings I've tasted all year. It has freshness, crispness, pristine fruit and the potential to age. Released a few months later than many of its contemporaries, this wine from the Great Southern of Western Australia straddles the territory between delicacy and intensity with brilliant fresh lime juice flavours and zingy acid on the palate. Due out any day now and worth snapping up to enjoy with summer seafood dishes. $25.

Wyndham Estate George Wyndham 2007 Shiraz Tempranillo

There’s a new zest to the recent Wyndham Estate releases and this is an absolute standout with some lovely savoury elements and nice mouthfeel. Sourced from Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley fruit, it’s full-blooded with intense berry fruit flavours and hints of pepper. A thoroughly modern style of wine that would be great with Spanish dishes, cheeses and Middle Eastern cuisine. $21.

Mr Riggs 2007 Yacca Paddock Tempranillo

I'm seeing an increasing number of impressive tempranillos from a variety of regions, suggesting the Spanish grape has a bright future in Australia. Made by McLaren Vale winemaker Ben Riggs from Adelaide Hills fruit, this is a very appealing wine that demonstrates precisely why tempranillo holds such promise. It has savoury notes, dark cherry flavours and plenty of big tannic oomph. Extremely enjoyable. $25.