I was hugely impressed by the new range of wines from Indigo Vineyard in the Alpine valleys of Victoria (smart new labels, too). Indigo primarily sells fruit to labels including Brokenwood and Seville Estate but also produces small parcels under its own label, which are vinified at Brokenwood. The cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and viognier all sang (and offer excellent value in the $30-$35 bracket), but this was my favourite voice, a beautifully constructed pinot noir that hits all the right notes with concentrated sweet fruit notes allied to earthy tones and a real elegance on the finish. A wine of complexity and interest with sensible alcohol levels (13.3%). Distributed by L'Atelier and well worth seeking out. $35. www.indigovineyard.com.au.
Wine writers are always looking for something new and exciting about which to report. It may be a new producer, a different grape variety, or wine from a new region. That means we can sometimes overlook wines that are tried and true; and have stood the test of time. There is nothing particularly exciting or newsworthy about the new-release Pewsey Vale riesling other than its amazingly consistent quality. The Pewsey Vale vineyard was established in 1847 and produced some of Australia's first cool-climate wines. Fast forward 170 odd years and it is still a prime high-altitude site producing vibrant, dry, minerally and downright delicious dry riesling vintage after vintage. $25.
Hanhdorf-based Sam Scott sources fruit from around South Australia for his La Prova range, which highlights new-wave wine varieties at very reasonable prices. This is an excellent take on the Italian variety Nero d'Avola, made using grapes from the Barossa Valley. It is made using wild fermentation, 10 weeks on skins and is unfined and unfiltered, adding interest to a palate on which ripe, dark berry and tangy currant flavours are a major drawcard. Lovely stuff. $25. www.scottwines.com.au
Among a batch of impressive imports from FrancAboutWine, this delicious little southern Rhone red stood out as offering great value for money. A lip-smacking blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre this is more on the savoury end of the spectrum than many of its Australian brethren. Think black and blue fruits, hints of pepper and spice and a smooth mouthfeel. This is a really delightful import - and superb value for the price. Well worth trying. $19. www.francaboutwine.com
