Logan 2015 Apple Tree Flat Chardonnay

There are precious few chardonnays of this quality that can be found for under $15 a bottle, but Peter Logan and his team have hit the quality/price bullseye with this very fresh, very clean offering. This is a blend of fruit from cool-climate Orange and warmer Mudgee from a very good vintage and has a melange of citrus and subtle stone fruit flavours along with cashew nut hints and some briskish acid on the finish. Wild years ferment and eight months on lees added complexity but the style is still very much fruit forward. Nicely balanced at 13% alcohol; a good match for fish, pork and chicken dishes. Excellent midweek drinking. $13. www.loganwines.com.au. 

Hahndorf Hill 2016 Zsa Zsa Zweigelt Nouveau

Looking for something just a little bit different to sip and savour? You won't find a wine much more exotic than this lighter-style red made by two South Africans from an Austrian grape in the Adelaide Hills. A cross between St Laurent and Blaufranskisch, zweigelt is the most widely planted red grape variety in Austria, but rare in Australia. Here it has produced a zingy, zippy red in the style of Beaujolais Nouveau that is designed for early drinking pleasure and can be enjoyed chilled over summer. Low in alcohol, perfumed, with black cherry notes, this is extremely refreshing and more fun than mud wrestling. $33.

www.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au 

Vasse Felix 2015 Chardonnay

Vasse Felix winemaker Virginia Wilcock is in a fine vein of form with her chardonnays over recent vintages. If she were a tennis player she'd be one of the grand slam favourites. This has been released for several months and has settled into a real groove of excellence, even though it is in the lower tier of Vasse Felix chardonnays. It is just gorgeous right now with all its elements singing in perfect harmony. Citrus and spice on the nose lead to a palate with pristine lemon/lime and stone fruit notes along with zingy acid and crisp minerality. French oak adds interest and depth like a great bass guitarist adds to a rock anthem. Classic Margaret River character and length. I'll give this 94/100. Great value for $37. www.vassefelix.com.au.

Sandalford 2016 Estate Reserve 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

How good is this? Founded in 1840, Sandalford is one of Western Australia's oldest and largest privately owned wineries. It started life in the Swan Valley and is now one of the powerhouses in Margaret River, where it was one of the pioneers. This is a perfect summer wine; a blend of two grape varieties that are like yin and yang (or Eminem and Dido) in Margaret River. We tried this alongside several other WA blends and it was a clear winner with terrific zesty freshness. Lemon and lime notes and tropical fruit flavours co-exist joyously. It is crisp, dry, uncomplicated and perfect with or without food on a warm afternoon. Simply delicious and good value for $20-25. www.sandalford.com.