Zilzie 2009 Selection 23 Chardonnay

The next big thing in wine? I have no doubt it will be the chardonnay revival – and wines like this will be flagbearers. The Forbes family, who have been growing grapes at Karadoc in Victoria since the early 1900s, have struck gold here. This is indisputably varietal with lovely peach, apricot and citrus characters, oak in the background and delicious crisp acidity. Brilliant value for $10-12.

Tilbrook Estate 2009 Sauvignon Blanc

Not all sauvignon blanc comes from Marlborough in New Zealand - we make some pretty deecent examples in Australia, too, and several of them are considerably less strident than their Kiwi counterparts. This is a crisp and fresh number from a boutique Adelaide Hills winery, chock-a-block with tropical fruit characters and blessed with plenty of refreshing acidity. A terrific wine for enjoying with seafood or salads over summer. $22.

Grant Burge 2009 Lily Farm Frontignac

Sweet wines are often derided as daggy and unfashionable, but there are exceptions to every “rule” and this little gem makes for superb summer drinking. With floral/musk aromas, the palate is full of bright citrus, refreshing acid and unashamed sweetness. It is lip-smackingly good. This would be great as an aperitif on a warm afternoon, or paired with fresh fruits or blue cheeses. Doubt me? Try it. $16.

Krinklewood 2009 Semillon

Krinklewood is a biodynamic vineyard on the Hunter fringes, outside Broke, that produces a range of outstanding wines at realistic prices. This is a case in point; a really lovely wine for summer with just 9.8% alcohol. You'll find citrus and tropical fruit flavours and crunchy acidity – drinking this dry and refreshing little beauty is just like biting into a fresh green apple. $22.

Angoves Brightlands 2007 Limestone Coast Cabernet Merlot

Sometimes it is nice to open a bottle of affordable red, then sit back and quaff it without bothering with too much analysis. This is a case in point; a fresh red wine that offers juicy berry fruit flavours, hints of chocolate, laidback oak and impressive structure. It's a well-balanced red for drinking rather than pontificating on. Terrific value and great for a summer barbecue. $13.95.

Greywacke 2009 Sauvignon Blanc

Kevin Judd, formerly chief winemaker at Cloudy Bay, is one of the men we can blame for the rise and rise of Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Judd has now struck out on his own and this is the first release from his new label. It's aromatic, beautifully textured with herbal, slate and mineral characters on the palate and has lovely balance - if only all Marlborough savvys were this good. $25.

Man O’War 2008 Ironclad

Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf off Auckland is producing some outstanding Bordeaux-style blends, but none better than this exciting melange of merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, petit vedot and cabernet sauvignon. It's a very elegant wine, despite the 14.5% alcohol, with a delightful dark fruits/floral nose, complexity and integration on a well-rounded palate and plenty of length and depth. This beautifully balanced wine could well be the one that puts Man O'War on the map bigtime. $45.