Andrew Thomas is a fun kind of guy; likes a party and a beer and is a bit of a lad. There's a rumour that he is settling down a bit nowadays; he's just opened his own cellar door for the first time and his partner is pregnant. Thommo is widely regarded as the best maker of semillon in the Hunter Valley; and as a pretty good shiraz craftsman as well. This is his benchmark semillon; a classic Hunter offering that's low in alcohol at 10.3% but full of brisk, lemony citrus goodness on the palate. As is the case with the style, this is a lovely, intense and refreshing wine in its youth with a pedigree for cellaring for a decade or more. Forget whatever prejudices you may have against semillon and try a glass or two of this. It just might change your vinous outlook. $30. www.thomaswines.com.au
A stunning cool-climate riesling from Nick Glaetzer of Glaetzer-Dixon Wines in Tasmania that's perfect for pairing with Christmas fare like oysters, prawns and other seafood delights. As the name suggests, it is made in homage to the Pfalz rieslings that entranced Glaetzer when he worked a vintage at Weingut Eugen Muller in Germany in 2001. Think enticing florals, bright flinty minerality, lively citrus flavours, zingy acidity and some textural mouthfeel. A wine that is beautifully balanced and should be served chilled, but not too cold. $26. www.gdfwinemakers.com
I
was all set to write about the rather lovely 2015 Oliver's Taranga
Vermentino, a quintessentially refreshing summer wine, when I opened
this juicy red from the same McLaren Vale producer and decided I
liked it even more. Grenache is a grape that is often over-looked in
favour of shiraz, but it flourishes in warmer climes and produces
vibrant, spicy, medium-bodied reds that are perfect for pairing with
Mediterranean-style cuisine, and restrained enough to enjoy on their
own. This is outstanding. $30. www.oliverstaranga.com
Looking for a white wine that offers a little bit more than simple fresh fruit flavours? You've come to the right place. Grand Bateau is a collaboration between Maison Barrière and sister Bordeaux company Chateau Beychevelle, and made by Beychevelle winemaker Philippe Blanc. Sometimes a blend with a semillon component, the 2014 vintage is made from 100% sauvignon blanc with some parcels vinified in oak barrels and others in vats. The end result is a complex palate, full of interest, in which toasty vanillin oak co-exists alongside rich stone fruit characters. A wine of balance and interest. $32.
Imported by www.discovervin.com.au.
