Burton McMahon 2019 George's Vineyard Pinot Noir

 

Matt Burton and Dylan McMahon are both fine young winemakers in their own right; Burton for Gundog Estate in the Hunter Valley and McMahon for Seville Estate in the Yarra Valley. When they come together in this joint venture, however, there is a special chemistry. It would be extremely easy tasting blind to pick this pinot from the Upper Yarra as being a village Burgundy. There is delicacy and structure; strawberry and raspeberry notes with savoury hints and serious elegance. I could drink an awful lot of this. $40. 

www.gundogestate.com.aum.au/burtonmcmahon 

Derwent Estate 2020 Pinot Gris

 

No matter how much pinot gris the team from Derwent Estate makes, it is never enough to satisfy demand in Tasmania, let alone nationally. This is something of an apple isle icon; a perfect wine for summer with fresh aromatics and plenty of classic white pear flavour and soft spice alongside brisk natural acidity. Stylistically it is midway between gris and grigio. The fruit is grown on a north-facing bank of the Derwent River and comes from 25+ year-old vines. Perfect for enjoying with a spring picnic. $38. www.derwentestate.com.au 

Poggio Anima 2018 Samael Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

A slinky and seductive Italian import for around $20 - everyone's a winner. Abruzzo is a wine region east of Rome on the Adriatic coast. This is made of 100% montepulciano grapes that are handpicked a one vineyard in the town of Chieti. Purple in colour, this has waves of sweet fruit flavour from dark, wild berries in a smooth, easy drinking style. Poggio Anima is a joint venture between Montalcino winemaker Riccardo Campinoti of Le Ragnaie and his US importers. This is terrific value for pairing with pasta and pizza, but will also cellar well in the short term. Imported by Mezzanine Wines. $20. www.poggioanima.com/

O'Leary Walker 2020 Polish Hill River Riesling

I was all set to make the 2020 O'Leary Walker Watervale Riesling my wine of the week; having loved its freshness and clarity. I thought I'd better try its big brother first and viola: the best-value premium Clare Valley riesling shines again with its tightness, brightness and grapefruit citrus notes alongside chalky minerality. There is purity here, crisp acid on the finish and the wine is organically grown and made. If I had a case of this it would be gone before summer makes its bow. 95 points. $28. www.olearywalkerwines.com.