Pig In The House 2026 Pinot Grigio

The 2026 releases under the Pig In the house label from the O’Dea family's organic Windowrie Wines operation in the Central Ranges of NSW are right on target for fun, affordable summer drinking. The picpoul is excellent and I also thoroughly enjoyed the organic rosé. With PGs very much in vogue, this is probably going to be the most popular - a wine full of youthful verve that is ideal for serving chilled across a range of food styles. This is pale, but bright and enthusiastic. Flavoursome with zesty citrus notes and nice bight acidity. Well made and terrific value. Distributed by Single Vineyard Sellers. $28. https://www.windowrie.com.au/collections/pig-in-the-house

Kyneton Ridge 2025 Vermentino

Vermentino is a white grape variety that thrives in warmer climes and is found across Italy, primarily in Sardinia, Liguria, Corsica, Piedmont and Tuscany. It boomed in Australia briefly but appears to have ceded popularity to fellow Italian variety fiano. That's a pity because when well done, as is the case here in Victoria's Macedon Ranges, it has a lot to offer as a food-friendly wine for enjoying chilled. The palate offers fresh, lively melange of tropical and stone fruit flavours with a saline element. This would be excellent paired with pan-fried whitebait. $35. https://kynetonridge.com.au/  

Longview 2021 The Piece Shiraz

Longview, at Macclesfield in the Adelaide Hills, is a delightful spot to visit for a wine tasting: lovely views, excellent food and wines that offer terrific value. This is a special release - hard to find in retail - that is probably worth the journey on its own. Back in 2011, the Saturno family launched The Piece Project, which annually invited four street artists to to create murals live, in front of a crowd. Each winner is awarded not only a cash prize but also the label of premium shiraz label The Piece Shiraz. Illustrated by Tim Phibbs, this is a superb cool-climate shiraz, shining at five years of age. It is dark, for sure, and also intense and savoury, while remaining well balanced. We enjoyed it with beef casserole and herbed dumplings, but it could easily be cellared for a decade or more and saved for a special occasion. $120. https://www.longviewvineyard.com.au/

Ten Minutes by Tractor 2025 McCutcheon Pinot Noir

I was all set to review the very impressive 2025 Wallis pinot noir, but then this stablemate from the same Mornington Peninsula producer just edged it. Just. Winemaker Imogen Dillon is in fine form with her recent releases. A product of what vigneron Martin Spedding describes as a "magnificent" vintage, this is a cool-climate Main Ridge pinot from the top order; beautifully balanced, classically flavoured and immediately appealing. Quality fruit has been aided by 11  months in new and old French oak. Think dark fruits and silky tannins. I could easily drink copious amounts of this one. Pair with classic French dishes, or take a bottle along to your neighbourhood bistro on BYO night. $98. https://www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au/    

Moss Wood 2026 Amy's Cuvée Blanc

 

This is one of the simpler wines in the impressive Moss Wood range, but with spring upon us it is a very good choice for enjoying al fresco. This new vintage release is a blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc, two grape varieties that thrive in Margaret River. There is plenty of tropical and citrus flavours on offer here, along with some light oak influence and plenty of crisp acid on the palate. This fresh, youthful wine can confidently be paired with seafood or poultry dishes. Delightful drinking $46. https://www.mosswood.com.au/   

Brockenchack 2026 On Point Pinot Grigio

 

It's been a while since I've seen wines from Eden Valley producer Brockenchack but this one stood out for both quality and value, particularly with the arrival of spring and a change towards lighter dishes that would match with this vibrant, zingy dry white with widespread appeal. It is full of the joys of youth. Freshness and purity are the aims here: mission achieved. There is an appealing combo of citrus and tropical flavours on the brisk palate, and this would be excellent with pan-fried whitebait, or salt and pepper squid. Fresh, zingy and ready to enjoy chilled. $23. https://brockenchackwines.shop/

Zema Estate 2019 Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

 

The Zema family has been making high-quality red wines from Coonawarra for well over 40 years - and they are kind enough to do the cellaring for you before releasing their reliably excellent Family Selection wines. This is seven years old and absolutely outstanding. It is a complete package, with length, depth, structure and sophistication. It's ready to enjoy now, but will also cellar for several more years. It is classic Coonawarra in style - and a perfect match for rich red meat dishes. We finished a bottle of this in quick smart time - and that is a very rare occurrence nowadays. Great buying for $45. https://zema.com.au/