Brave New Wine 2019 Pi-Oui Pinot Noir

 

This might already have sold out - but keep your eyes peeled just in case. Just three barrels of this intriguing pinot noir were made by Andries and and Yoko Lüscher-Mostert, rising stars in West Australia's Great Southern. This is made from Porongurup fruit that was whole-bunch picked, indigenously fermented, unfined, unfiltered and is full of sass and attitude. If this was a band it would be early The Clash. I had a glass at Havilah wine bar in Launceston and quickly snaffled the remainder of the bottle.Greedy me! $38. 

www.bravenewwine.com.au/

Glen Garvald 2019 PB White Blend No.1

 

Glen Garvald is a new label from Yarra Valley standout Levantine Hill, with winemaker Paul Bridgeman given the opportunity to explore the boundaries of lesser-known grape varieties. This is a striking blend of six varieties that deliver an impressive ensemble performance. The make-up comprises muscadelle, roussanne and viognier paired with smaller amounts of sauvignon blanc, semillon and chardonnay to deliver a textural blend that soars when paired with a dish like roast chicken. Asian aromas and spice notes add to the end result. A lovely wine this. $50. www.levantinehill.com.au/

Mitchell 2020 Watervale Riesling

 

Clare Valley producers Mitchell are are one of my RV favourites. R for reliability and V for value. Year in, year out, this is one of the best dry rieslings in Australia, as well as offering formidable value. This is, as always, all about bright, crunchy citrus flavours and tangy acid minerality on the finish. Pair with oysters naturale, or pan-fried King George Whiting. Lovely. An affordable classic. $24. www.mitchellwines.com 

Taylors 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

 

How do they do it? A wine of balance and style for around $20. This is a widely available blend of fruit from the Clare Valley, where the Taylor family planted their first vineyard, and the Limestone Coast region. Classic Australian red flavours of berry, plum and dark currant with a hint of chocolate. This has plenty of presence and personality and is a terrific every drinking red. Versatile, too, with red or white meat dishes. $22. www.taylorswines.com.au.  

Robert Stein 2020 Riesling

 

The Stein family is fast approaching its half century of making outstanding wines across a range of styles at Mudgee in the Central West of New South Wales. Third-generation winemaker Jacob Stein is now at the helm and quality continues to soar. The 2020 vintage was hugely difficult given the dreadful drought and bush fires of 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic. This was handpicked from a vineyard unaffected by smoke taint and the end result is a fresh and lively young wine with a lovely balance. $35. www.robertstein.com.au/

 

Dog Point 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

 

It is not that long ago that Marlborough sauvignon blanc was all the rage. But wine fashion can be fickle and other grape varieties are enjoying their day in the sun. What that means, however, is the best Marlborough savvys offer excellent value for money - and this organically farmed wine always among the very best of the region, vintage after vintage. The recent-release 2020 has power and intensity with classic varietal tropical fruit characters, refreshing acidity and a long finish. Absolutely lovely and a perfect excuse to buck the trend. $30. www.dogpoint.co.nz

Heirloom Vineyards 2018 McLaren Vale Shiraz

 

From the formidable team of wife and husband Elena and Zar Brooks, the Heirloom Vineyards range features grapes from five different regions of South Australia, all sourced from quality sites and clones. This is a bold, expressive McLaren Vale red, slightly less muscular than its Barossa counterpart but equally delicious. Think dark berries, white pepper, chocolate hints and plenty of length and depth of flavour. Unfined and unfiltered; and just a little raffish. $40. https://heirloomvineyards.com.au/