Glaetzer-Dixon 2018 Mon Pere Shiraz

It is a decade since the 2010 vintage of the Glaetzer-Dixon Mon Pére Shiraz stunned the Australian wine industry by winning the coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy at the Melbourne Wine Show. A shiraz from Tasmania? Seriously? Ten years on and this wine remains a benchmark. Made predominantly from the Upper Derwent Valley, with about 10% of the blend from the Coal River Valley, this a a lovely medium-bodied, cellar-worthy shiraz with red and black berry fruit, white pepper and deli notes along with a smooth, elegant finish that is given added texture by 30% new French oak. The wine pays tribute to winemaker Nick Glaetzer's father, Barossa vigneron Colin Glaetzer. $65. www.gdfwinemakers.com/

Eldridge Estate 2021 PTG

 

Eldridge Estate winemaker David Lloyd has been doing it tough recently. Friends helped out in 2020 as Lloyd recovered from a stage 4 diagnosis of Burkitt Lymphoma to his current state of remission. This is one of his first releases from 2021 - a personal favourite of mine. Inspired by the Passetoutgrains blends of Burgundy - hence the name PTG - this Mornington Peninsula wine is a blend of gamay and pinot noir designed for enjoyment in its youth. It's vibrant, light and joyful with red fruits to the fore and can easily be enjoyed chilled with a picnic. Lovely stuff. $36. https://www.eldridge-estate.com.au/

West Cape Howe 2019 Styx Gully Chardonnay

 

It doesn't matter whether you are buying an entry level bottle, or something a little bit more expensive given West Cape Howe is one of those wine producers that always delivers excellent value for money. This Mount Barker chardonnay from West Australia's Great Southern is a case in point with delicious citrus and green melon characters on the palate and barrel ferment and quality oak adding textural interest. This elegant and restrained wine would pair with poultry dishes, roast pork or pan-fried seafood and tastes more expensive than its asking price. $30. www.westcapehowewines.com.au/ 

Grey Sands 2017 Byzantine

 

Bob and Rita Richter do things a little differently at Grey Sands, their vineyard at Glengarry in northern Tasmania. All vines are hand tended, hand pruned and the fruit is dry grown and hand picked. They have also planted many "alternative" grape varieties and let the wines speak of their terroir. Wines are only released when they are ready. If you are looking for idiosyncratic then you have come to the right place. This is a blend of chardonnay, viognier and malvasia bianca that shone when paired with spicy chicken skewers. It has chardonnay characters to the fore with some interesting glazed fruit notes and textural grip. Long, dry and delightful. $45. greysands.com.au