Ninth Island 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

Here’s a Tasmanian wine for those who like their sauvignon blanc fresh, flinty and minerally with heaps of crunchy acid. This is as sharp as a politician’s tongue and a reflection of the cool-climate terroir. The nose is appealingly floral and grassy and there are no signs of tropical fruit - the palate is driven by herbaceousness, asparagus and that searing acid with gooseberry and greengage notes to the fore. This would be a stunning partner to local seafood – and could also pair well with spicy Asian cuisine.

Wine by Brad 2009 Cabernet Merlot

You've got to love the value for money that this label offers. A blend of the two classic Margaret River red wine grapes, this wine is a terrific choice for everyday drinking. It's flavoursome, rich, soft and very easy to drink. It's not a wine for quietly contemplating, or discussing in hushed tones. Instead, it's a wine that is a darn good drink, with a fun and funky retro label, nicely balanced and an ideal choice for a barbecue, or taking along to your local pizza or pasta joint. If you really want to know more, the label has a QR code you can scan. $18.  www.winebybrad.com.au.

Rusden 2009 Full Circle Mataro

From one of the unsung heroes of the Barossa Valley comes this single-vineyard mataro that is seductively savoury and beautifully balanced. A million miles away from some of the Barossa blockbusters in style, this is a wine that can confidently be savoured over several days (it was just as fresh on day three as when it was opened). It's a fruit-driven wine with 14% alcohol with a decidedly perky, spicy nose and plenty of length on the palate. Impressive, $45.  www.rusdenwines.com.au.