Amigo de la Tierra 2018 Tempranillo Syrah

 

An extremely tasty slice of Spain for a bargain price. What's not to like? This is a certified organic blend of tempranillo and syrah (shiraz) that is also vegan friendly. It's a terrific midweek choice; savoury and bouncy with vibrant black fruit flavours very much to the fore. You could pair this with anything from a cheese platter to a gourmet burger. Imported by Single Vineyard Cellars, who have several impressive imports in their range. This one is under screwcap, too. $20. www.singlevineyards.com/  

Wickhams Road 2020 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

If there is a better-value pinot noir to be found anywhere in Australia I would be gobsmacked. Wickhams Road is the entry level label for the brilliant Hoddles Creek wines produced by the d'Anna family of Boccaccio Cellars fame. With mainly cool Upper Yarra fruit and 20% whole bunch adding complexity, this has oodles of pinot personality with fresh dark berry aromas and mixed red berries on the palate. It is vibrant, varietal and very food-friendly. $21. www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au/

Domaine Felines Jourdan 2019 AOP Picpoul de Pinet

 

Picpoul (or Piquepoul) de Pinet is a star grape variety in the deep south of France, producing oyster-friendly white wines in the style of Muscadet. This is the upmarket version from Domaine Felines Jourdan, based in the village of Meze on the edge of the Thau Lagoon in the Languedoc. It is perfumed, fresh and vibrant and pairs well with just about any seafood dish. It is unoaked (lees stirring adds palate interest) with tangy lemon zest notes, the merest hint of sea spray and delightful crisp acid on the finish. Well worth sampling. Imported by Red & White, who distribute it nationally. $35 http://www.felines-jourdan.com/

Taylors 2020 Estate Riesling

 

Wines don't get much more reliable than this one from family owned and operated Clare Valley producer Taylors. Year after year they come up with lively, fresh, vibrant and dry rieslings with lime. lemon and tropical fruit notes - and the estate version can sometimes be found for under $20, which is ridiculous value. This a crisp and refreshing, all-purpose white that finishes with lively balanced acidity. It would pair with anything from fish and chips to Asian dishes. Great work by winemaker Adam Eggins and his team. For those overseas, Taylors is known as Wakefield Estate to avoid confusion with the port producers. $22. 

www.taylorswines.com.au/

Wolf Blass 2019 Grey Label Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

 

There are so many colours and labels in the Wolf Blass/Eaglehawk wine range that it is all too easy to become confused. Platinum, Black, Grey, Yellow, Red, Brown. You name it, there is a Wolf Blass range in tat colour. This, however, is where the value sweet spot lies. This Adelaide Hills chardonnay offers all all the pizzaz and excitement of a boutique label for around $30. The fruit for Grey Label Chardonnay is sourced from Piccadilly and Lenswood and this has a real buzz about it; cool-climate purity and lovely balance with French oak providing support without stealing the show. Lees stirring has added complexity to a really lovely drink. 93 points for this one. $32. www.wolfblass.com/

Yangarra 2018 King's Wood Shiraz

 

Sorry Team Yangarra. I cheated a little with this one. I read couple of reviews saying it was a long-term prospect, so put it away for a few months. The wait was well worth it, however, with this organic and biodynamic shiraz from McLaren Vale drinking superbly right now. A portion of whole-bunch fruit adds texture, while aging in a big oak foudres has contributed style to savoury/spicy wine that would grace any dinner party. Plummy fruit is to the fore; there is plenty of length and it would be a brilliant match for a winter casserole. You might find some left in retail outlets. Happy to give 96/100. $55. www.yangarra.com

 

Pertaringa 2019 Undercover Shiraz

The Pertaringa range - now part of Bec Hardy Wines - has tended to fly a little under the radar but that won't be the case for much longer with wines of this value on offer from the McLaren Vale operation. As the temperatures start to drop, a few bottles of medium-bodied, soft dry red are essential in every cellar. This is a versatile drink; soft, smooth and pleasingly complex with plum and berry flavours to the fore, a hint of spice and a dash of sass. French and American oak adds to a very pleasing overall package for $25. https://bechardy.com.au/our-wines/pertaringa/undercover-shiraz-2019/