Langmeil 2012 Jackaman's Cabernet Sauvignon

I was a bit late getting to this wonderfully intense old vines cabernet sauvignon from the Barossa, made largely from fruit from vines planted in the 1960s. It's been out there in the stores for a while but would make a wonderful (and affordable) Father's Day present for any red wine lover. It is dark and varietal with impressive structure. The winemaking regime involved open ferments, basket pressing and two years in French oak, and it is bottled unfined and unflitered. Downright delicious. $50. 
www.langmeilwinery.com.au

Evans & Tate 2015 Time and Place Dry Red

The Evans & Tate brand, now under the ownership of McWilliam's, is home to a bewildering number of labels. This is a new one on me - and it certainly punches well above its price category. Plush, medium-bodied and versatile, this is a terrific midweek, or casual dining, option. The primary blending components are cabernet sauvignon, merlot and shiraz (the breakdown is not given) but I do like the softness and immediate approachability that make this a good choice for a barbecue, or to take out to the local Italian to accompany pizza or pasta. It is not complex, or challenging, but it certainly offers great value for money. $13. www.evansandtate.com.au.   

Erin Eyes 2016 Pride of Erin Reserve Riesling

Wine industry veteran Steve Wiblin has gone through a very rough trot with illness recently but the quality of this new-release reserve riesling must bring a smile to his lips. Made using fruit from a single vineyard at Penwortham, this is a glorious each way bet in that it is succulent and enticing in its youth with brisk citrus flavours and bracing acidity but has the classic Clare Valley structure to suggest it will cellar brilliantly for a decade or more. This is only the second reserve riesling Wiblin has released under his new label - which he started after the sale of Neagles Rock. He's worked for some of the biggest names in the business but it must be artisanal wines like this that give him the greatest pleasure. Top notch. $35. www.erineyes.com.au

Foxeys Hangout 2015 Red Fox Pinot Noir

Good Australian pinot noir with a reasonable price tag is becoming increasingly rare. Prices are rising and many wineries are looking to make more complex, sometimes ageworthy, Burgundian, styles and charge accordingly. This is the reverse; a luscious and fruit-driven pinot from the Mornington Peninsula that offers immediate drinking pleasure at a fair price. There's natural ferment at play, and the use of older, unobtrusive, French oak but the end result is a fun, fruit-driven wine that is made in a serious way. It certainly offers value with a capital V, combining dark red fruit elements with savoury hints and bright acid. $28. www.foxeys-hangout.com.au.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2013 John Riddoch

There is no doubt that $150 is a lot of money to splash out for one bottle of wine; even when it is one of Australia's benchmark cabernet sauvignons. But if you do have some cash to spare, or are looking for a special Father's Day present, then this new release might fit the bill. All six of the new Wynnsday releases are outstanding but this is the pick of the bunch, a wine of impeccable balance that is long and structured with cassis, chocolate and licorice notes allied to classy French oak. Supple, stylish and downright fabulous. $150. www.wynns.com.au.