Brockenchack 2026 On Point Pinot Grigio

 

It's been a while since I've seen wines from Eden Valley producer Brockenchak 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/

Grosset 2026 Springvale Riesling

 

Jeffrey Grosset's Polish Hill Riesling is widely regarded as Australia's benchmark for the style and the new 2026 release ($85) is outstanding. If you are on a restricted budget, however, the 2026 Springvale, made from Watervale fruit, is very close to being its equal this Clare Valley vintage. It also offers biodynamic excellence, classic pithy citrus notes, impressive minerality and immediate appeal. It's aromatic, intense, structured and bloody delicious when paired with seafood dishes, or Asian flavours. Just lovely. It's unfined, Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly and is released this week. Be quick. $58. https://www.grosset.com.au/

Running With Bulls 2025 Not Quite Red Grenache

 

Lighter, fresher, fruiter reds are very much in vogue right now; and this "drink now" release from Hill-Smith Family Estates is an excellent example of the trend. Vibrant and refreshing, it is eminently suitable for serving chilled alongside modern flavours. The winemaking team recommend serving this with bao buns, sticky pork, or halloumi fries with chilli honey; perfect examples of the dishes young Australians are enjoying. The fruit is fresh and vibrant grenache from the Barosss, so think lively berry flavours and a hint of spice. And minimal oak. By all means chill this, but not too much. For those who care about such things, it is certified sustainable and Vegan friendly. I'm more impressed by the slurpability. $21. https://www.smithswinestore.com.au/running-with-bulls/  

Cooks Lot 2025 Handpicked Chardonnay

What an excellent value wine this is from chef-turned-winemaker Duncan Cook, whose new release chardonnay and pinot noir from cool Orange in central western NSW both shine. Handpicking and sorting to select the best fruit have paid off in a big way in a white that offers a lot of drinking pleasure for a very modest price. The quality fruit is the star of the show here despite the use of more new and newish French oak barriques. This is a wine with impressive structure thanks to barrel fermentation with partial solids and lees aging, but it also offers immediate food-friendly drinkability. Add roast pork and crackling and you have a cracking weekend feast. Cooks Lot is a name worth looking at. $35. https://www.cookslot.com.au/

Clonkilla 2026 Riesling

 

The Canberra wine region produces some of Australia's best rieslings - and this new release from the the the Kirk family and the Clonakilla team at Murrumbateman is a case in point. Despite coming from a difficult year - think frost, hail and a heatwave - this is an excellent wine. It leaps out of the glass with vibrant youthful enthusiasm. Aromatics, tropical lime juice notes, green apple flavours and brisk acid combine on a plate that demands to be paired with fresh oysters, pan-fried fish or a Thai chicken curry, Serve chilled. Drink now. Order another bottle. $40. https://clonakilla.com.au  

Les Dauphins 2024 Cotes du Rhone Reserve

 

There's a bargain sliver of the French summer in this juicy/spicy Cotes du Rhone made from grapes grown on the southern French hillsides. Think a warm day on a Provencal terrace with some local rillettes, a baguette, and maybe a salad Nicoise. That's the vibe from this savoury grenache/shiraz blend imported by Single Vineyard Sellers. It's very easy to drink with dark fruit flavours to the fore, some Asian spice market notes and a smooth, supple finish. An excellent option for when you want to try something a little bit different. $20.