Angove 2022 Family Crest McLaren Vale Shiraz

 

Here's a red of serious weekend drinking quality that's priced like a midweek quaffer. It's well worth seeking out a bottle of two of this if you like your reds flavoursome but graceful and stylish. I was surprised just how easy this was to drink. The flavours are classic McLaren Vale - dark berry and plum notes with hints of moccha and spice. There is a lightness of touch to Tony Ingle's winemaking, however, that makes this a very food-friendly new release. You could pair this with anything from a Sunday roast to a Lebanese mezze plate but I'd probably choose a meaty pizza. And a second bottle. $28. https://www.angove.com.au/

Soumah 2024 Single Vineyard Hexham Savarro

 

Savagnin is a white grape variety best known for being used in the complex Vin Jaune wines of the Jura region in France. Here it has been given a new, less confusing, name, and very different treatment, producing a lively, refreshing "drink now" style. Savarro is the name Yarra Valley-based Soumah gives to cool tank-fermented savagnin, a close relative of traminer. Think aromatics, citrus aromas, intense chalky minerality, leesy hints and brisk acid on the finish. Pair with anything from seafood to a chicken and leek pie. Excellent value at $34. https://soumah.com.au/     

Ox Hardy 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache

 

Grenache is back in a big way baby - thanks largely to modern takes on Australia's traditional fortified workhorse. Andrew "Ox" Hardy's family has generations of experience with the variety in McLaren Vale, where it thrives in the warmth. The fruit for this impressive drop was sourced from three different vineyards, all planted 40-50 years ago. There is a lot of depth of flavour here, but also a deftness to the winemaking with the end result a flavoursome red that is immediately accessible. Hard picked, part whole bunch, unfined, unfiltered and perfect for an autumn barbecue. Soft and floral but with crisp acid on the palate. Good value here for $30. https://oxhardywines.com.au/      

Yangarra 2024 Piquepoul

 

Piquepoul, or piquepoul blanc, sometimes also spelled picpoul, is a quite rare French grape variety that is mainly grown in vineyards adjacent to the Mediterranean and is used to make crisp, "drink young" whites that are often enjoyed with oysters from the local lagoons. This is one of a new, affordable range of wines from organic and biodynamic trendsetters Yangarra in McLaren Vale. Winemaker Pete Fraser says piquepoul thrives in the Mediterranean climate of McLaren Vale. From vines that are just eight years old, this is a fruit driven dry white with impressive minerality and acidity. Enjoy chilled with fresh seafood. $30. https://www.yangarra.com/

Mottura 2023 Classic Primitivo del Salento

 

It is becoming increasingly difficult to source quality wine imports that offer a point of difference along with good value. This primitivo (aka zinfandel) delivers in spades, however, with a real rustic charm that makes it an amiable companion for most Italian dishes; from red meats to hard cheeses. It shines with food. Imported by Single Vineyard Sellers, it is grown and made in Salento in southern Puglia - in Italy's far south - by a family winery with almost a century of history. This is full-bodied with plenty of attitude along with astutely judged assertiveness and lots of length. $35. https://www.singlevineyards.com/

Cullen 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

 

Margaret River icon Cullen Wines is at the vanguard of organic and biodynamic winemaking in Australia, producing some of the country's finest wines at appropriate price points. But Vanya Cullen and her team also produce some outstanding wines that do not cost the earth, this being a prime example. A blend of 85% cabernet and 15% merlot, this is a very stylish wine, mellifluous on the palate and ready to enjoy in its youth. From an excellent, albeit warm, vintage this has plenty of depth of flavour and impressive structure with 20% new French oak playing a support role as the quality fruit plays lead guitar. Elegant wine; excellent drinking. $50. www.cullenwines.com.au. 

Whispering Brook 2024 Arinto

 

Whispering Brook is a small vineyard in the Broke-Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley that has enjoyed success with its take on the Portuguese red grape Touriga Nacional. Now owners Susan Frazier and Adam Bell are aiming to popularise another grape from Portugal - the white variety arinto. I visited their welcoming cellar door last week - just as grapes were coming into the winery - and was very impressed by the 2024 Arinto, a fresh, vibrant style that would seem eminently suited to the Australian lifestyle and our love of Iberian-style foods. Arinto is one of the key varieties in Vinho Verde wines and produces high acid wines with lemon/lime notes. Here it has crisp tropical notes and would pair brilliantly with grilled sardines. $40. https://www.whispering-brook.com/