Bremerton 2022 Selkirk Shiraz

Grapes from Langhorne Creek are a secret weapon for many of Australia's highest-profile wine producers; offering excellent quality without a Barossa or McLaren Vale price tag. Family-owned and female-operated Bremerton is one of the leading producers in the region, and something of a byword for value among those in the know. This a very classy - and slurpable - shiraz that offers a whole of lot of medium-bodied drinking pleasure. The name “Selkirk” relates to a Scottish border town was the ancestral home of the Willson family. Think a lovely soft palate structure with dark berry notes, hints of pepper and restrained oak. You don't have to wait. You can enjoy this one right away. I'd pair it with a steak with mushroom sauce, or some hard cheeses. It's also Vegan friendly, for those who consider such matters. $24. https://www.bremerton.com.au/

Little Giant 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache

 

Small but mighty. You can't miss the Little Giant wines on bottle shop shelves with their distinctive short squat bottles and wombat logo. Some proceeds go to animal charities. The good news is that the range also offers excellent value and is available at major chains and independent retailers nationwide. This McLaren Vale grenache sourced from bush vines is juicy and full flavoured with plenty of dark fruit, mocha notes and well-integrated oak. It has plenty of concentration but finishes with a plush kiss. Pair with a roast lamb en croute, or a democracy sausage in a roll. $22.

Henschke 2024 Innes Vineyard Pinot Gris

 

The Henschke family has been making wine through six generations and for over 150 years; first using fruit from its Eden Valley vineyards and more recently from Adelaide Hills fruit. While best known for its $1000-a-bottle Hill of Grace, Henschke also makes several more affordable wines, like this excellent pinot gris from the Innes Vineyard at Littlehampton, which combines attractive varietal refreshment with some some textural elements that make each sip a vinous voyage of discovery. The wine is unoaked, but six months of lees stirring has added palate interest to the seasonal purity. Lovely stuff! $37.  https://www.henschke.com.au/  

Hay Shed Hill 2024 Block 6 Chardonnay

 

Across the board, Hay Shed Hill makes wines that offer serious value for money. This is a very classy Margaret River chardonnay that could probably be priced higher. Planted 50 years ago, Block 6 has a cool micro climate that has proven ideal for quality chardonnay production. Think mineral and citrus aromatics leading to a pithy palate that is vibrant but also textural, and offers zingy acid energy on the finish. One for Chablis lovers and a perfect partner for roast pork and crackling. $45.https://hayshedhill.com.au/

Mount Horrocks 2023 Nero d'Avola

 

The Nero d'Avola grape may originate from Sicily, but it is very much at home in the warmth of the Clare Valley. Stephanie Toole has been producing wines made from the variety for several years now, having planted in 2007. This is one of the best releases I have seen; an ultra-food friendly, savoury and earthy offering with terrific textural elements and tannin structure that suggests it might cellar for a decade or more. This had the medium-bodied presence to pair impressively with a pan-fried veal schnitzel with red cabbage. Juicy and crunchy with background hints of cedar oak. Organic, biodynamic; a wine of style and substance. $45. https://www.mounthorrocks.com/

Dog Point 2024 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Marlborough sauvignon blanc may not be as fashionable as it once was, but there is still a certain magic to some of the best examples; like this outstanding release from Dog Pont. The winemaking team has managed to capture all the classic Kiwi sauvignon blanc flavours and refreshment, along with some interesting textural elements, perhaps due to an increased percentage of indigenous yeast. It is a white for enjoying in its youth, nicely chilled, accompanied by some fresh oysters or maybe some whitebait, or King George whiting. Dry and deliciously drinkable. $35. http://www.dogpoint.co.nz/

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/