Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Whitsend & Oakridge Vineyards 2012 Yarra Valley Shiraz

When you think of Oakridge and winemaker David Bicknell, you probably think first of chardonnay, then pinot noir. He's a maestro with the Burgundian varieties but both Bicknell and the Yarra Valley in general are also building quite a reputation for the quality of their cool-climate shirazes. A blend of fruit from two vineyards, the 2010 version of this wine was named best shiraz and best red wine at the 2012 Yarra Valley Wine Show. I'd wager this is just as good. With intense fruit flavours and subtle oak, it is wine of balance and cohesion. Lovely drinking. $36.  

Pertaringa 2013 Scarecrow Sauvignon Blanc

The first wines from the recent vintage are starting to make their way into the stores; and this a beauty. Made from fruit grown in the cool Adelaide Hills (Pertaringa is now part of the Geoff Hardy stable), this is a deliciously crisp and fresh sauvignon blanc with tropical fruit salad notes. It is not as overt as some of its Kiwi cousins but is extremely approachable and very refreshing. I’d pair this with salt and pepper calamari. $18. 

Grey Sands 2012 The Mattock

The wines Bob and Rita Richter produce at Grey Sands in the Tamar Valley are usually designed for the long haul. This is a deviation from that policy – a blend of merlot, malbec and cabernet franc aiming at being approachable (with less tannins) when young. Evidence that Bordeaux varieties can succeed in the warmer vineyards of Tasmania; this is restrained and fragrant, impeccably poised but extremely slurpable. It's a medium-bodied red, impeccably judged with well-integrated savoury oak, blueberry notes and a gentle mouthfeel. $30. www.greysands.com.au/