Ravensworth 2022 Shiraz Viognier

Ravensworth winemaker Bryan Martin spent many years as a key member of the team at Clonakilla, where the Kirk family have made their shiraz viognier blend an Australian icon. I think this is a little more elegant than the Clonakilla take, a tad less muscular, perhaps more immediately approachable. There is just 3% of viognier in the co-ferment here, but it adds a lot of subtle style to the cool-climate Canberra region shiraz. This is terrific as a young wine, but it will also cellar impressively for a decade or so. There is a lot of winemaking skill here; 15% whole bunch and wild yeasts play a part, too, along with several weeks on skins and seamless older oak. The end result is supremely cohesive. 94 points from me. $52. https://www.ravensworthwines.com.au/

Squitchy Lane 2022 Limited-Release Cabernet Franc

Squitchy Lane is a boutique wine producer in the Yarra Valley, owned by former Carlton AFL captain Mike Fitzpatrick, that produces outstanding pinot noir is small quantities. The amount made of this excellent cabernet franc is even smaller, however. Cabernet franc is nearly always used as part of Bordeaux-style blends and rarely given the chance to shine in its own right. When it is, as on this occasion, is produces fragrant and medium-bodied red wines that are super food friendly. The variety was part of the original 1982 plantings at Squitchy Lane and is well-suited to the cooler climate of the Yarra. I enjoyed the melange of classic dark currant and plum flavours with spicy/olive notes and gentle oak. $52. https://www.squitchylane.com.au/

Kerrigan + Berry 2023 Margaret River Chardonnay

So what do we have here? A very attractive young Margaret River chardonnay from two wise old wine hands. The Kerrigan + Berry wines are a collab between two leading Western Australia winemakers; Gavin Berry of West Cape Howe in the Great Southern region and Michael Kerrigan of Hay Shed Hill in Margaret River. This has terrific immediate drinking appeal, and is made from fruit grown in the esteemed Wilyabrup sub-region. There is plenty of  palate interest but it is a quintessential "drink now" wine full of youthful charm with a high refreshment quotient. There are white stone fruit/citrus flavours with impressive minerality and nice length. Only 11.5% alcohol and Vegan friendly. Lovely stuff. Serve chilled, but not too chilled. $40. https://hayshedhill.com.au/collections/kerrigan-berry/products/kerrigan-berry-chardonnay-2022

Penny's Hill 2022 Edwards Road Cabernet Sauvignon

The Penny's Hill label may have changed a little, but the value-for-money proposition remains unchanged. This is an appealing and affordable single-site cabernet from McLaren Vale that is dark with classic rich dark berry and chocolate notes along with tobacco leaf and some oaky goodness that impacts but does not intrude. It has impressive length, good structure and has plenty of flavour on the palate while retaining balance. Pair this with a winter roast beef dish, some sauteed mushrooms, or tuck it away for a few years. An impressive each-way bet. $30. https://pennyshill.com.au/