Dandelion Vineyards 2022 Lion's Tooth of McLaren Vale Shiraz Riesling

A rather unusual blend, but this melange of 94% shiraz and 6% riesling from McLaren works a treat with the addition of the white grapes turning down the dial on the typically powerful shiraz fruit from the region and giving it immediate approachability. This is a reinvention of a blend from decades ago - and is sure to find favour with those looking for something just a little bit different. Whole bunches of shiraz were fermented on stalks in open fermenters on top of some riesling skins for 11 days, then hand plunged and basket pressed into mainly older oak barrels. Refreshingly fragrant, bottled unfined and unfiltered. A very solid 93 points. Pair with macaroni cheese. $40. https://dandelionvineyards.com.au/

 

 

Yalumba 2023 Vine Vale Grenache Blanc

 

Grenache blanc is a close relative of grenache noir that is grown mainly in the Rhône Valley and in north-east Spain. It also appears well suited to the Barossa Valley, where its red kin stars. Yalumba has just one hectare of grenache blanc from which winemaker Sam Wigan has crafted this complex, textural and flavoursome wine with white stone fruit flavours to the fore. Very food friendly this one: pair with anything from a vegetable quiche to some Mediterranean dips. A very good choice for anyone looking for an alternative to mainstream varieties but made in tiny quantities - think around 200 cases. $35. https://www.yalumba.com/

Dog Point 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

 

I sense the pendulum of public taste is starting to swing back to quality Marlborough sauvignon blanc, which can be a deliciously refreshing summer drink when done well. This is done very well indeed. From one of the star producers in New Zealand, this comes without any of the excesses of some of its cheaper kin. It is a wine of delightful balance - dry, aromatic and dangerously slurpable. Citrus and tropical fruit flavours are to the fore here rather than green herbal notes. There's just a hint of invigorating sea spray. Grapes are selected from eight estate vineyards across Wairau Valley with the fruit whole bunch pressed and cold settled before fermentation. The fruit spends a short time in stainless steel with a portion going through natural ferment. Perfect with fish and chips. $30. https://dogpoint.co.nz/

Passing Clouds 2023 Nueva Grenache

The Leith family is this month celebrating 50 years of Passing Clouds, a family-owned and -operated wine business that sources fruit from across Victoria. The business began in Bendigo but the home vineyard and cellar door (recommended) is now at Musk, outside Daylesford in the Macedon Ranges. This is made from grenache sourced from the Riverland and is a smashing "joven" red wine for summer enjoyment, a crunchy (thanks to whole bunch influence), delicious young red that could easily be drunk chilled on a warm day. Joyously juicy, this is bright, fresh and dangerously moreish. $30. https://www.passingclouds.com.au/

Sparkling Cocktails Blood Orange Mimosa by [yellow tail]

 

It is a warm summer day and you are in dire need of some zesty alcoholic refreshment. This blood orange flavoured pre-made sparkling cocktail will do the trick in some style. A new release from the team at [yellow tail], this is part of a range that also features a peach-driven Bellini. This was a very nice surprise, not too sweet but with some vibrant fresh orange citrus notes and some positive bubbles. This is a good choice for a beach picnic or a backyard game of croquet. Good fun fizz and only 10.5% alcohol. $18. https://www.yellowtailwine.com/au/product/sparkling-cocktails-mimosa/

Tin Shed 2021 Melting Pot Shiraz

You could pay twice much for Barossa shirazes that are not half as good as this little gem; a wine that is bursting with flavour but finishes with restraint. Tin Shed was founded by chef Peter Clarke in 1997 and is now owned by local couple Claire Doughty and Daniel Killey, although Clarke still lends a deft winemaking hand. From a single vineyard in Gomersal, this delivers generous, dark fruit flavours without being heavy on the palate. There are hints of Asian spices and dark pepper with oak in the background of a wine that is beautifully balanced despite its 15% alcohol. It went a treat with an old-fashioned steak and kidney pie. It's also promoted as Vegan friendly, should that be of concern. $32. https://www.tinshedwines.com 

De Bortoli 2023 Chill No Chill

An unusual name and a rarely seen blend of grape varieties but De Bortoli Yarra Valley has come up with an excellent red wine for summer enjoyment. Chill No Chill is a blend of pinot noir and syrah (shiraz) made so that it can be enjoyed at traditional temperatures, or enjoyed chilled on a warm summer day. An each-way bet, if you like. Vegan friendly and made in a "hands off" style, I very much enjoyed the taut vibe of this wine. It is supple, perfumed, vital and very gluggable. A couple of glasses of this on the deck in the evening comes highly recommended, and it would be great with turkey leftovers, or a pizza. Fun, fun, fun. $25. https://www.debortoli.com.au/