Dandelion Vineyards Wonderland of the Eden Valley 2021 Riesling

 

Other than the Clare Valley, the Eden Valley is Australia's most reliable source of high-quality dry riesling and Elena and Zar Brooks from Dandelion Vineyards have sourced some ripping fruit from octogenerian grape grower Colin Kroehn, whose vines were planted in 1912. Think citrus blossom notes, crisp acid, zesty, crunchy citrus fruit flavours and an alcohol level of just 10.9%. This is wonderfully pure and would pair brilliantly with grilled seafood. It also has cellaring potential, should you be the patient type. $60 - but worth it. https://dandelionvineyards.com.au/

Mount Horrocks 2021 Rosé

Spring has sprung and here is the perfect vinous accompaniment to warmer days and evenings. Made from 100% Clare Valley shiraz from a single vineyard, this is organic and biodynamic certified, refreshing and delicious - as you would expect from the consistently excellent Stephanie Toole. It is a vibrant pink in colour with crisp raspberry and strawberry fruit flavours and a definite savoury edge a la the great rosés of Provence. It finishes crunchy and dry and can be enjoyed now, or any time over the next 18 months. Pair with a Lebanese mezze plate for maximum bang for your buck. $30. www.mounthorrocks.com/

Vasse Felix 2019 Shiraz

 

Vasse Felix is one of the founding wineries of Margaret River in Western Australia, a region much better known for cabernet sauvignon than shiraz, but this is a really nifty cool-climate style shiraz that offers pleasurable drinking at a sensible price. Winemaker Virginia Willcock and her team have put a lot of effort into the plantings of shiraz in the warmer south of the region, where the grape produces Rhone-like peppery cooler-climate characters. Red berries and spice notes are the essence of this lip-smacker with oak playing a minimal background role. This was wild fermented in small batches and delivers a whole lot of vinous pleasure for $37. https://www.vassefelix.com.au/

Rieslingfreak 2021 No.2 Reverence of Riesling

 

John Hughes really is a riesling freak. His range comprises several styles of rieslings made using fruit from various cooler regions of South Australia. The No.2 sources fruit from classic riesling territory, the Polish Hill River of the Clare Valley - home to several of the finest and most expensive - takes on the varietal. This is very dry, very lean and absolutely stunning with green apple, lime, lemon and grapefruit flavours, tidy minerality and bright acidity on the finish. Thrilling!  Distributed by Red+White but made in tiny  quantities. $37. 

Frankland Estate 2020 Chardonnay

 

Frankland Estate is one of the leading producers in the remote Great Southern region of Western Australia; with fruit grown with much attention to detail on a Frankland River sheep farming property. The brand is probably best known for its stellar dry rieslings, but this chardonnay is very much in the zone with grapefruit zest fruit notes and subtle oak in complete harmony. Still very youthful, this would pair brilliantly with an old-fashioned roast pork and crackling. Certified organic and vegan friendly. $30. www.franklandestate.com.au 

Tim Adams 2021 Clare Valley Riesling

Meet one of Australia's consistently great wine bargains; the new release of an aromatic and intense Clare Valley riesling that always delivers. The 2020 vintage of this wine sold out quick smart. That's no surprise when the RRP is $24 but the wine can often be found on discount, or online, for around $20. Think enticing delicate floral aromas that are followed by a palate that offers zesty grapefruit, lime and lemon flavours, some textural elements and a crisp, dry finish. Great with Asian dishes or pan-fried seafood or simply as a zingy after-work refresher. $24. www.timadamswines.com.au/

John Duval Wnes 2019 Plexus Red

 

I was all set to write about another John Duval wine - the vibrant 2019 Concillio grenache ($30) - when I tasted this. Both are delicious but this just edged out its stablemate in a photo finish. It is a lip-smackingly good classic Barossa blend of old vine shiraz, grenache and mourvèdre and delivers serious drinking pleasure with a velvety smooth finish and hints of Asian spice. John Duval, for those who do not know, was for many years the winemaker behind Penfolds Grange. Nowadays, he works in his family business making wines in much smaller quantities, and at much more affordable prices. This one will certainly not disappoint. 95 points. $40. www.johnduvalwines.com