It is almost impossible to wrong with the single-vineyard chardonnay releases from esteemed Mornington Peninsula producer Kooyong; you can taste the attention to detail adopted by winemaker Glen Hayley and his vineyard team. This razor-sharp single-block wine is sourced from just 1.02 hectares of near 20-year-old chardonnay vines within the 2.76 hectare Farrago block. French oak and lees stirring have played a role but linear intensity and flinty minerality are the key element. If you love citrusy Chablis with zesty drive then you won't want to miss this. Well worth splashing out on. 95 points. $61. www.kooyonngwines.com.au.
It is a mystery why grenache is not more popular in Australia, particularly given it so often offers good drinking at very reasonable prices. This features juicy, fruity dark cherry flavours and medium-weight. There are spice hints alongside the bright fruit in a wine that can be enjoyed immediately - and is actually all about drink-now pleasure. Oak is very much in the background and you should slurp this a meat or mushroom pizza. $24. www.bremertonwines.com.au.
There's a lot of care and attention that goes into the Rusty Mutt range; an eclectic McLaren Vale selection of viognier, shiraz, grenache and tempranillo that are hand plunged and basket pressed. This is a particularly appealing take on the Spanish grape variety tempranillo. The fruit is the hero with its bright dark cherry flavours allied to hints of spice and earthy deli notes. There is some fresh acidity and this would be terrific with anything from a Spanish omelette to paella. Deliciousness in a bottle. And it got better over two sucessive days once opened. $35. www.rustymutt.com.au/
