Zonte's Footstep 2019 Love Symbol Grenache

 

From an impressive range of 2019 red wines from McLaren Vale producer Zonte's Footstep, this is a very modern grenache; probably more Spanish accented than French. It is a red that is soft and spritely and can easily stand a little chilling on a warm summer day. This is all about fruit and bright acid with oak playing a peripheral role in the structure. It would be great with a steak sandwich and salad, or perhaps paired with Scotch eggs. $30. www.zontesfootstep.com.au. 

Maretti 2019 Chianti

Wow! This is seriously delicious for the price - another winning import from Fourth Wave Wine. A couple of sips of this and you could be watching the Palio in Siena. I love the way the delicious fruit and savoury notes combine to make this so food friendly. You can take this to a BYO and pair it with pasta or pizza dishes, or simply enjoy a bottle with some cheese in front of TV. So versatile and sometimes to be found on special at Liquourland or Vintage Cellars. $24. Imported by Fourth Wave Wines. 

Moores Hill 2019 Riesling

Back when I was one of the judges at Festivale, Launceston's annual gourmet festival, two producers dominated the riesling category year after year: Tamar Valley duo Goaty Hill and Moores Hill. The new-release 2019 riesling from Moore's Hill proves very little has changed with Julian Allportstill producing one of the most outstanding rieslings in the country - albeit in tiny quantities. This is a release that screams "refreshment" with lime sherbet and grapefruit flavours and brisk acidity with the merest hint of sweetness at the end. Pair with pan-fried whitebait $35. www.mooreshill.com.au/

Dr Edge 2019 Tasmania Pinot Noir

 

Dr Edge Tasmanian Pinot Noir is made by the very talented Peter Dredge, formerly of of Bay of Fires and now the winemaker at Meadowbank. He was nominated for Winemaker of the Year this year thanks to standout wines like this one - one of my top five pinots of the year so far. It is a blend of Tamar Valley, East Coast and Derwent Valley fruit that is full of Tasmanian cool-climate pinot personality. Naturally fermented, it spent two weeks on skins and was then pressed to old oak casks, matured for nine months and then bottled without fining. It is on the refined edge of the pinot spectrum but with enough weight to match with a roast lamb. Bloody delicious. $50. www.dr-edge.com. 

Howard Park 2019 Flint Rock Chardonnay

From three sub-regions in the Great Southern of West Australia – Mt Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River and - and made by one of the state’s finest producers, this is among the best chardonnay buys around right now: a seriously good new release that won’t break the bank. It is tight and elegant with flinty mineral notes and crisp green apple and citrus notes on the palate This went a treat paired with a spicy roast chicken and all the trimmings. $28. www.howardparkwines.com.au

Grosset 2020 Springvale Riesling

 

The Grosset Polish Hill Riesling is, in my opinion, consistently the greatest aromatic white wine in the country - but it can take a few months to reveal all of its charms. While you are waiting, its younger brother, the Springvale, is another estate-grown riesling that opens up earlier. Planted on red loam over limestone and slate, the grapes produce a deliciously citrusy wine with grapefruit and lime flavours to the fore. Yields were limited in 2020 but this remains bright, fresh and concentrated with immediate appeal. Organic, vegan friendly and dangerously drinkable. $46. www.grosset.com.au/

Pooley 2019 Butcher's Hill Pinot Noir

 

In these days of instant gratification we are so often looking for the "new and exciting" that we pass on the tried and true. The Pooley family has been making superb wines for over 35 years now - and the quality from the Coal River Valley producer has never been better. This is a thrilling single vineyard pinot noir with classic cool-climate vibrancy and poise. French oak adds complexity to the brambly red fruit, Asian spice and earthy notes. Seriously good booze that would impress even the most one-eyed Burghound. $65. www.pooleywines.com.au