Thomas 2009 The O.C. Semillon

Not Orange County - Oakey Creek. Andrew Thomas is the master of Hunter semillon, both with wines designed for drinking young - like this one - and those made for ageing. This has just 12.3% alcohol, fresh, zingy citrus flavours, searing minerality and refreshing acid. Chill this, pair it with some oysters or prawns and you won't go far wrong. $23.

Wild Oats 2008 Tempranillo

There are few wines better suited to the Australian lifestyle than the Spanish varietal tempranillo. This fruit-driven number from the King Valley in Victoria is soft, smooth and terrifically easy to drink. It can even be chilled a little on hot summer days. It's a bright, cheerful wine with oak playing an almost subliminal role and it would be great with a barbecue, or with pasta and pizza dishes. A wine for enjoying rather than analysing. Terrific value at $18.

Voyager Estate 2007 Chardonnay

Balance is the key to this beautifully-made wine - one that demonstrates precisely why chardonnay is on the way back. Barrel-fermented and matured in 40% new oak, it has all the bells and whistles but it is the quality fruit that shines through with pear and grapefruit flavours to the fore. A wine of purity and finesse that has much in common with some of the great white wines of Burgundy. $42.

Elderton Ashmead 2006 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Barossa Valley producers Elderton certainly hit a rich vein of form with their 2006 reds; the estate shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and merlot all earned high marks from me. This is the Ashmead family's reserve cabernet from the same vintage. It spent almost two years in French oak and was then given further time to mature in bottle. Blackcurrant and plum favours are most obvious on the palate of a stunning red that's notable for its plushness and richness. One for the cellar. $90.

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.