Most wine lovers will associate David Bicknell and his Oakridge team with stellar Yarra Valley chardonnay and pinot noir. What is less well known is that Oakridge also produces outstanding shiraz and cabernet releases. Here is a very impressive case in point, a stylish, elegant syrah that uses fruit from a close-planted vineyard site near the winery. Matured for 10 months in 10% new French puncheons, this is deliciously savoury with lovely tannin structure and a sassy charm. Think bright, fresh fruit flavours, just a smidgen of cool-climate spice and a soft, smooth finish. One for a special dinner party. 97 points from me. $90. www.oakridgewines.com.au/
Jeff Grosset's Polish Hill is consistently Australia's finest riesling; steely and potentially long-lived. Over the past couple of vintage, however, the Polish Hill has undergone a subtle transformation. Grossett isn't sure of the reason but recent-release Polish Hills have become more approachable in their youth; a tad more cuddly. This retains the vibrant layered lime and grapefruit notes and brisk mineral acidity for which the wine is known, but is a little more approachable in its youth. Organic and biodynamic certified throughout the process, this would be delicious paired with pan-fried garfish or King George whiting. $72. www.grosset.com.au/
The Murphy family from Trentham Estate has built a major reputation for quality wines at affordable prices, and you certainly can't go wrong with their new-release 1.5 litre wine pouches. The initial releases are a pinot noir and this pinot grigio. "Tasty", "fruity" and "easy to drink" were three of the comments from tasters with whom I shared this. It's an ideal cheap and cheerful choice for a picnic or day on the beach, fresh, zesty and food-friendly. A glass will cost you around $1 - which makes it formidable value, regardless of the format. Chill, quaff. Simples. $16 for 1.5 litres. www.trenthamestate.com.au.
The Huon Valley in the deep south of Tasmania is one of the best places on the planet to grow high-quality, cool-climate pinot noir. The Lubiana family purchased the former Panorama vineyard a few years ago, remediated the neglected vines and took out unsuitable varieties. This is made at Granton from 100% grown on the low-yielding Huon vineyard at Cradoc now known as Lucille, which is farmed using organic principles and will eventually be certified biodynamic. This is vegan friendly, floral with bright dark cherry fruit notes, lean tannin structure, hints of minerality and excellent drinkability in its youth. I gave this one 94 points. $62. www.slw.com.au
