Henschke 2008 Hill of Grace

The new-release of Australia's most famous single-vineyard red wine is cause for great excitement - and the 2008 Hill of Grace certainly lives up to the hype. Stephen and Prue Henschke are renowned for their attention to detail both in the vineyard and the winery and their obsessive natures pay dividends with this beautifully rounded and complex wine that has mouthfilling flavours and will undoubtedly cellar for decades. Utilising dry-grown shiraz from a vineyard that dates back to the 1860s and is farmed using organic and biodynamic principles, this is a wine of remarkable intensity and concentration; exotic, perfumed and spicy with dark berry and plum notes with layer upon layer of structure, brooding flavours and immense length. A powerful wine with everything perfectly in place, including new French and American oak, which has been seamlessly integrated. And it is bottled under a screw cap! $650.  

Jansz Tasmania 2007 Single Vineyard Vintage Chardonnay

An immediate candidate for the status of Tasmania’s finest sparkling wine (and therefore Australia’s best bubbly). This may be a “special occasion” wine but it is better than many NV Champagnes at around the same price. It has great power and length but also lots of elegance after four-and-a-half year on lees and 18 months in bottle. It will be made only in the very best vintages and will almost certainly cellar well. $61. 

Monument Vineyard 2011 Verdelho

The three Jones brothers, and their wives, took over the Monument Vineyard at Cudal, 30 kilometres outside Orange, three years ago - and the fruit is vinified by the talented Chris Derrez. I particularly enjoyed this wine, and was pleasantly surprised by its freshness. It’s a vibrant wine with a fresh fruit salad nose, leading on to a crisp palate with pineapple and guava notes. There is a nice, brisk acid finish. A wine for enjoying well chilled, perhaps with a chicken salad, or sweet and sour pork. $16. www.monumentvineyard.com.au.