Coriole 2022 Lloyd Reserve Shiraz

What a striking wine this is, full of intensity, complexity and potential. Using fruit from some of the oldest vines in McLaren Vale - over 100 years old - this is named in honour of Hugh Lloyd, who founded Coriole in 1967. It is a wine that would grace any dinner party, or a special occasion paired with rich, red meat dishes. There is a lot happening on the palate, but it all coalesces beautifully; dark fruit, impressive oak, spice notes, depth, length and lovely tannin structure. You can enjoy this now, but my gut suggests cellaring will pay dividends. It is big and assertive right now; a heavyweight that will develop into a slick middleweight. $120. coriole.com

Pig In The House 2025 Picpoul Blanc

 

Piquepoul, also known as Picpoul, or Picapoll, is a white grape that is seen at its best in the southern Languedoc region of Mediterranean France, where it is enjoyed with fresh local oysters. It is known for its fresh and bright acid and was only planted in Australia in the 2010s. This impressive version comes from the O'Dea family from Windowrie in the Central Western Ranges of NSW, and is distributed by Single Vineyard Sellers. It is unoaked, showcasing first-run juice, grown and made organically, and designed to be enjoyed chilled it its youth. Such a fun summer wine with its pear, apple and lime zest characters. Pair with a seafood platter, or some fish fingers. $25.  https://www.windowrie.com.au/collections/pig-in-the-house

Longview 2023 Yakka Shiraz

Sometimes a wine comes as a nice surprise. You have a sip; then another sip. not thinking too much about it it. Then you notice the bottle has suffered from an evaporation issue. This is just such a wine. It's not flashy, it's just a darn good drink. Well priced, too. From Macclesfield on the edge of the Adelaide Hills, made from fruit grown on a proven vineyard that gets plenty of sun. The end result is a mix of berry and dark plum flavours, subtle hints of herbs and oak with a palate that finishes soft, long and smooth with just hint of spice/earthiness to elevate the experience. Lovely stuff. Ideal midweek drinking. $32.  https://www.longviewvineyard.com.au/  

First Ridge 2025 Fiano

 
Fiano is a white wine grape that is grown primarily in the Campania region of southern Italy and on Sicily. In Australia it is proving a very popular alternative variety, making refreshing wines best enjoyed chilled. This a twin release (along with a 2025 Vermentino) from First Ridge Wines at Mudgee in the Central West of NSW. Partial wild ferment has added palate texture, but the wine was fermented in stainless steel, ensuring maximum freshness. Made by experienced winemaker James Manners, it has already enjoyed show success and would be a good partner for anything from broiled lobster to fish fingers. $30. www.firstridge.com.au

Turkey Flat 2025 Rosé

 

Thoroughly modern, thoroughly delicious and perfect for enjoying over the summer holidays. Floral, fresh and feisty with summer berry, stone fruit and crisp apple flavours, this would pair brilliantly with everything from ham and turkey cold cuts to a beach picnic. It is made from grenache grown in the Barossa Valley and is best enjoyed served well chilled while still youthful and vibrant. Very well priced, too, at $27. https://www.turkeyflat.com.au/

Oxford Landing 2024 Cabernet Shiraz

 

This is a perfect choice for when friends drop by for a barbecue. Oxford Landing always offers good value for money and this blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz is a ripper "midweek" red for immediate enjoyment. It is dark with berry, currant and cherry flavours, hints of spice, and made in a soft, easy-to-drink style that would match with burgers, sausages, lamb chops or mushroom dishes. Fruity on the mid-palate but dry on the finish, this is an impressive effort for $13. https://www.oxfordlanding.com/ 

Pizzini 2025 Pinot Grigio

 

I've tried several excellent white wines from the Pizzini family over the past couple of weeks and while it is hard to pick a favourite this excellent Italian-accented pinot grigio offers a lot of summer drinking pleasure at a very fair price. The Pizzinis grow and make their wines in the King Valley in north-east Victoria, but their wines all carry a taste of the family home: Trentino in the cool north of Italy. This is unoaked, fresh, vibrant and full of youthful joy. It would be perfect with coldld ham, or turkey dishes, or even fish and chips. Think pear and Granny Smith apple characters and vibrant zingy citrus acidity on the finish. Perfect for enjoying chilled on the back deck watching the cricket. $25. https://www.pizzini.com.au/