Pooley 2019 Butcher's Hill Chardonnay

 

What a way to finish 2020! Tasmania is offering quite a challenge to the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula when it comes to premium cool-climate chardonnay. This single-vineyard wine from the Coal Rover Valley provides compelling evidence. Hand picked, whole bunch pressed to tank, cold settled, 100% barrel fermented and then matured in oak for nine months, it is among the most impressive chardonnays of the year. Think ripe pear notes, white peach and zingy citrus with 40% new oak playing a support role when it comes to flavour. Texturally pleasing, fresh and beguiling. I defy you to stop at just one glass. $65. www.pooleywines.com.au/

Feudo Arancio 2018 Nero d'Avola

 

If money is tight post-Christmas and you are looking for a wine to accompany leftover turkey and ham cold cuts, I have a winner for you. Meet a rather lovely Nero d'Avola from one of the better producers in Sicily that offers quite ridiculous value for money. Imported by Single Vineyard Cellars, it is a delightful medium-bodied red wine with red fruit flavours to the fore. Versatile, it would also pair well with risotto, pasta dishes, pizzas and mushroom dishes. $20. www.singlevineyards.com.  

Berton Vineyards Metal Range 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

The packaging may suggest an expensive white - but looks are deceiving in this case and you can buy this at a bargain price. It is a serious crowd pleaser, a lively sauvignon blanc made from cool-climate Padthaway fruit with a high refreshment index that would go down a treat with a barbecue or at a Christmas party. Tropical fruit flavours are to the fore here, but it is well balanced and lingering for the modest price tag. $14. www.bertonvineyards.com.au

Port Phillip Estate 2020 Pinot Nouveau

 

Calling all lovers of Beaujolais Nouveau, light red wines from the Loire and pinots barely out of short pants. Have I got a summer treat for you. This is a super little wine for enjoying chilled with a picnic, or dinner on a warm evening. Think whole-bunch wild fermentation, (brief) maturation in big old French large-format oak, malo and no fining with minimal filtration and SO2. The end result; a lively, precociously seductive red that is bright and perky with berry flavours, lightness and delicacy. Pair with pork spare ribs, or a chicken salad. Terrific value at $26. www.portphillipestate.com.au/

Stoney Rise 2020 Chardonnay

 

The word is well and truly out about the quality of cool-climate chardonnay and pinot noir from Tasmania with some of the big names asking - and getting - well over $50 a bottle. A quality Tamar Valley chardonnay for $32 is a reason to reduce and this delivers plenty of flavour for summer enjoyment - ideal for pairing with chicken and pork dishes, or just for supping by the pool. Zingy with citrus and Granny Smith notes and considerable poise, this is an absolute bargain. $32. www.stoneyrise.com.    

Pig In The House 2019 Shiraz

 

The Pig delivers. After 10 years of organic certification the Pig In The House range from Cowra producers Windowrie is recognised as being among the best organic lines in Australia - and the value is also terrific. This has already picked up a show gold medal and some rave reviews. It is full of the joys of youth; bright purple in colour and with quality fruit dominating refined seasoned nutty oak notes. It finishes soft and smooth and dares you to enjoy a second glass. Pair with some spicy beef rissoles on the barbecue. Medium bodied, delightfully balanced. $25. www.piginthehouse.com.au 

Deep Woods Estate 2019 Reserve Chardonnay

 

What a cracking wine this is. Midway in style between classy White Burgundy and classic Margaret River. I opened a bottle at the end of an evening and everything else on the tasting bench was immediately consigned to purgatory. There is plenty of power here; precise fruit character with style and aplomb. Winemaker Julian Langworthy has combined white stone fruit and citrus notes with impressive acid and subtle seasoned oak. Lees stirring has added palate interest. You could drink this now, but it ideally needs a year or two more to reach its peak. Very impressive. $55. www.deepwoods.wine