Oakridge LVS 2017 Henk Chardonnay

It is hard to go wrong with an Oakridge chardonnay. No matter the price point, winemaker David Bicknell and his team have the Midas touch. Made using fruit from a grower in Woori Yallock, owned by a guy called Henk, this Yarra Valley wine offers whole lot for not a lot of money; it was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, fermented in large-format oak and spent 10 months on lees. The end result is a wine that is right in the zone; with plenty of depth and structure, but - more importantly - serious instant drinkability. 96/100. $42. www.oakridgewines.com.au 

Oliver's Taranga 2017 Shiraz

A McLaren Vale shiraz with quality and style that won't break the bank - what's not to like? This is a really lovely wine from the talented Corinna Wright that underlines the strengths of Fleurieu shiraz without in any way being a blockbluster. It's full-bodied, with dark fruit and chocolate/coffee hints, leading to black berry and plum notes with licorice, but also has some appealing light and shade. Terrific value. $30. www.oliverstaranga.com  

Maxwell 2016 Four Roads Old Vine Grenache

Red wine doesn't get any more quintessentially Australian than this juicy, earthy, intense old-vine grenache from McLaren Vale in South Australia. It is made from grenache vines that have grown for 89 years - formerly as bush vines but now trellised to keep them ripening evenly as they grow older. There is a whole lot happening here from spice notes on the nose and palate, dark fruits, savoury undertones and well integrated French oak. If this were human it would come with a broad smile and a cheery G'day. 14.8% alcohol and begging to matched with charred meat on a summer barbecue, and cricket on the telly. $28. www.maxwellwines.com.au. 

Singlefile 2018 Great Southern Riesling

An increasing number of Australia's finest rieslings are being made in West Australia's Great Southern region. This is a prime example; crisp and as effortlessly impressive as a Smokey Robinson vocal. From an excellent riesling vintage, this offers fragrant aromas and zippy minerality on a palate with citrusy acidity to the fore. It finishes bone dry with plenty of length. An excellent accompaniment to whiting or crustaceans over the summer. $25. www.singlefilewines.com.