Taittinger Prestige Rosé

If serious celebrations are called for I can't imagine a more appropriate accompaniment than this lovely pink fizz from one of the best Champagne houses. A blend of pinot noir and pinot meunier fruit, it is a wonderfully fresh, fruity and succulent Champagne with persistent mousse, delightful crispness and plenty of length on the palate. Vibrant but elegant, with fresh raspberry characters to the fore, this was one of those wines that seemed to evaporate in the glass. Great for New Year's Eve. $110.

Peter Lehmann 2009 Layers White

Want a summer wine that's fresh and fruity and won’t break the bank? Look no further. This easy-drinking blend of semillon, muscat, gewürztraminer, pinot gris and chardonnay is the perfect choice for the long hot days ahead. It has sensible alcohol levels at just 11.5% and is unoaked. You’ll find tropical/stone fruit flavours on the palate and it’s quite dry and surprisingly complex. Vibrant and fun. $16.

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.