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Petit Verdot is very rarely seen as a stand-alone varietal, being largely used as a small portion of red blends in its native Bordeaux, but this Coonawarra offering is something of a revelation. I used it as a mystery wine for my tasting group and it garnered close to total acclaim. Winemaker Paul Gordon has managed to harness the late-ripening cherry/plum flavours and allied them to restrained oak characters and hints of coffee beans and spice. Very soft, very smooth, very stylish and excellent drinking for $32. Pair with a rare steak. www.leconfieldwines.com/
Flametree is a Margaret River winery that does not always get the attention given to some of its high-profile neighbours - but it always delivers well-made wines at a sensible price. This new-release chardonnay is a case in point, offering very appealing drinking without breaking the bank. There is a melange of bright citrus and stone fruit flavours here, youthful vitality and some deftly judged oak influence. Wild fermentation has added structure to a wine that is gently assertive, Enjoy now, or cellar for a couple of years. Pair with anything from pork spare ribs to a goat cheese tart. $30. www.flametreewines.com/
This blend of a classic Australian grape with a favourite Italian varietal is something of a revelation. The pair might be an unlikely cross-cultural combination but this Adelaide Hills combo works brilliantly, producing a "drink now" red that offers spectacular value. This is a stonkingly food-friendly wine (think pasta dishes or a gourmet pizza) with crunchy bright fruit to the fore but also some structure and savoury notes. I'd snap some up at $23 - it probably won't last long. www.longviewvineyard.com.au/
Fashion be damned. There is still a place in my wine fridge for a quaffable, well-priced sauvignon blanc like this one from one of Margaret River's star producers. Smart sauvignon blanc producers are dialling up the fruit and dialling down the green herbs and this hits the target for late afternoon or early evening refreshment. I tried it at a trade tasting. It is varietal but nicely nuanced, very refreshing and easy to drink. Pair with canapes or some freshly shucked oysters. $26. https://leeuwinestate.com.au/
