Angove Naturalis 2020 Pinot Grigio

 

This single vineyard wine is part of a new range from Angove that ticks all the hipster boxes. It is certified organic, vegan friendly, picked in the cool of the night and made with minimal preservatives. The good news continues in that it is very affordable, and comes in a lightweight bottle. Made from fruit sourced near Paringa, in South Australia, it is, most importantly of all, very smashable. Unoaked, it comes with fresh white stone fruit flavours to the fore and some very refreshing crisp acidity. Drink now. Summer in a bottle. $18. www.angove.com.au.

Tyrrell's 2015 Vat 1 Semillon

 

This is an Australian classic that is drinking beautifully at five years of age. Hunter semillon is a unique treasure and this part of the new vintage release of the Tyrrell's Winemaker’s Selection range. The 2015 Vat 1 Semillon was the product of a long, cool summer and has an amazing intensity on both nose and palate. There is still plenty of refreshing acidity - but the fruit flavours have mellowed just a tad. Vat 1 is always sourced from old vine, dry grown vineyards, the oldest of which are approaching their 100th birthday. This is all about the fruit with no oak fermentation or maturation. This has has power and precision and prompted a: "What is this, it is bloody delicious?" From my pernickety co-taster. $98. www.tyrrells.com.au

Ashton Hills 2019 Estate Pinot Noir

 

Ashton Hills has for a couple of decades now been one of the finest pinot noir producers in Australia and a gradual handing of the winemaking reins from founder Stephen George to Liam van Pelt has happened seamlessly. This was fermented with 30% whole bunches and then basket pressed before spending nine months in one-to-three year-old French oak. It is very stylish indeed; using fruit sourced purely from preferred clones on the Piccadilly estate in the Adelaide Hills. Floral and earthy elements exist in harmony and there is a long, fine tannin structure. Think layers of flavours, soft persistence and immediate smooth drinkability. Mushroom risotto anyone? $55. www.ashtonhills.com.au.