Mount Horrocks 2024 Nero d'Avola

Nero d'Avola is a Sicilian grape that is very much at home in Australian conditions. Stephanie Toole planted the variety at Mount Horrocks in the Clare Valley almost 20 years ago - well ahead of the curve - and this new release is bundle of juicy fruit flavours with a savoury edge. Mostly older oak is used to elevate the fruit-forward style. This single-vineyard wine is certified organic and biodynamic, and Toole is obsessive about quality. She says this is "equally compelling now or later". I'd pair with pasta and a hearty ragu, or a beef casserole with herbed dumplings. Excellent quality, $45. https://www.mounthorrocks.com/

Rewild 2025 Cabernet Sauvignon

What a nice surprise. You don't get much for a tenner nowadays, but this is a vibrant and impressively varietal young cabernet from the Murray Darling region that is designed for immediate drinking pleasure. It delivers big time. It just edged out its sibling shiraz, but only just. A very good barbecue/pizza/pasta choice for anyone on a tight budget. Appealing cabernet characteristics of currants and spice with a medium-bodied juicy finish. I could drink several glasses of this - and you can't say that about too many $10 wines. The Rewild range is available nationally at Dan Murphy's and selected BWS stores, and the wines are sustainably made. $10. https://rewildwine.com.au/

Oakridge Vineyard Series 2024 Willowlake Pinot Noir

 

David Bicknell and his team at Oakridge in the Yarra Valley produce some of Australia's best premium pinot noir and chardonnay wines, but their Vineyard Series range offers excellent value for those with budgets of under $50. This is an immediately approachable young pinot full of youthful enthusiasm with some elegance and subtle shading on the palate. Made from fruit grown at Gladysdale in a cool vintage, this underwent whole berry/bunch fermentation in open vessels for two months before spending 11 months in French oak. Red fruit notes are prominent making this flavoursome but at the lighter end of the colour spectrum. Fruit sweetness and softness on the palate, sure, but also a kaleidoscopic core. Very impressive. Pair with a old-school roast chicken dinner. $48. https://oakridgewines.com.au/

Jardin d'Aromes 2024 Rosé Pays d'Oc by Jean-Claude Mas

 

Jean-Claude Mas is one of the smartest men in the global wine business. Mas took a small family business to a major export powerhouse using his Arrogant Frog alter ego to shine a light on the growing potential of wines from Languedoc in southern France. Nowadays, Domaines Paul Mas controls over 20 estates and exports around the world. Pale. dry rosés from France continue to be all the rage for warm weather drinking, particularly ones from Provence. This Mas release from the nearby Languedoc is a lovely drop for enjoying chilled - and comes in a very classy bottle. It is a floral and crisp blend of grenache, cinsault, shiraz and mourvedre. Pair this with anything from Lebanese dips with crusty bread, to lamb chops on the barbecue. It is exclusive to Dan Murphy's stores. $23. https://www.paulmas.com/ 

Gundog Estate 2025 The Chase Semillon

Gundog Estate winemaker Matt Burton has access to quality fruit from the Hunter Valley, the Canberra region and the Hilltops and his wines are always reliable, while offering good value. I loved a recent 2025 Canberra riesling, now apparently sold out, as well as this quality Hunter Valley semillon, a perfect refresher for the tail end of summer. The Chase is produced from grapes grown on old vines in central Pokolbin. It is a semillon that's full of youth vitality - ideal for pairing with fresh oysters, or maybe some spicy Thai fishcakes. Tank-matured and released young, this offers apple and citrus notes, bright natural acid and the option to cellar, should you wish to do so. $35. https://gundogestate.com.au/

Feudo Arancio 2023 Nero d'Avola

 

Feudo Arancio, which means Orange Grove in Italian, is wine label imported by Single Vineyard Sellers that is known for offering excellent drinking from Sicily at very reasonable prices. This is a lovely take on the indigenous Nero d'Avola grape with a tidy balance between dark fruit and more earthy/savoury notes. There is plenty of weight and flavour here for a budget buy, but also some quiet Sicilian swagger. You could pair this with pasta and ragu, or roast lamb cutlets, or take it to your local Italian BYO. Value and versatility. $22.  https://www.feudoarancio.it/en-gb

Soumah 2025 Nebbiolo Bianco

 

Artisan Yarra Valley producer Soumah is a reliably excellent producer of Italian-accented wines, with this summer refresher a prime example. The name is a bit of a misnomer - there is no grape with the official name of Nebbiolo Bianco; it is a nickname for the arneis grape, which is credited on the back label. Arneis is often grown alongside prized red grapes in Piedmont to attract the birds, hence the name. Crisp and lively and designed for enjoying chilled, this would be perfect for pairing with grilled sardines, or a plate of fritto misto. Intense citrus and stone fruit flavours and bright acid are key elements here. $35. https://soumah.com.au/