Castle Rock Estate 2019 Shiraz

Rob Diletti is a winemaker with a Midas touch - as evidenced by this seriously delicious coolish-climate shiraz that offers superb value for money. Castle Rock Estate is nestled on the eastern slopes of the Porongurup Mountain in the Great Southern of of Western Australia and is named after a prominent nearby granite landmark. This is dark in colour with a beguiling melange of dark fruit, savoury and mocha/chocolate notes. Very elegant with a soft, seductive finish, this is one worth seeking out. Went brilliantly with shepherd's pie. 95 points from me. $34. https://castlerockestate.com.au/

Pikes 2019 The Dogwalk Cabernets

The Pike family are probably best known for their exceptional value Clafre Valley rieslings, and a range of Italian varieties under the Luccio label. They also make some outstanding reds at very reasonable prices, with this new release an excellent example, A blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% cabernet franc, it is a perfect midweek red; well balanced with bright fruit guaranteed to put a smile on your dial. Perfect with pizza, pasta or a snag in a roll. $25. www.pikeswines.com.au/

Port Phillip Estate 2019 Morillon Chardonnay

 

Glen Hayley, who makes wines for both Port Phillip Estate and sibling label Kooyong, is on fire right now. The Morillon Chardonnay is sourced from a tiny section within the oldest chardonnay block (33+ years) at Port Phillip Estate’s Red Hill vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula. This is a wine of serious poise and structure; unmistakably cool climate with a delicious melange of citrus, Granny Smith apple and stone fruit characters. Pair with roast pork and crackling and try to show more restraint than I did (as was evidenced by an empty bottle in quick-smart time). $55. www.portphillipestate.com.au/

Tapanappa 2018 Foggy Hill Vineyard Definitus Pinot Noir

 

Serious pinot noir from industry veteran Brian Croser and his team at Tapanappa. The Definitus is made in tiny quantities from fruit grown on a one-hectare strip of the Foggy Hill vineyard on the Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide. It is a solid pinot with oak and herbal notes allied to some dark cherry fruit notes. The wine is matured in 30% new oak with the rest one- and two-year-old barrels, but the oak is well integrated. It is medium-bodied but certainly more concentrated than the regular Foggy Hill Vineyard pinot. There is a silkiness on the finish, but also some firm tannin structure. Medium-term cellaring is in order here. 94 points from me. $90. https://tapanappa.com.au/