Kilikanoon 2022 Killerman's Run Rosé

 

A little slice of Provence from the hills and dales of the Clare Valley in South Australia; of one the most beautiful wine regions in the country. This is Kilikanoon's take on the dry, pale rosé styles of the south of France, and by jove it is a deliciously refreshing wine for enjoying well chilled over the dying days of summer. It is fresh and briskly assertive, clean, well made and weighing in at just 12.5% alcohol. It is designed for enjoying in its frisky youth. Think a liquid summer pudding. This would be perfect paired with a picnic, or for enjoying al fresco, perhaps with some Scotch eggs, or a salad. $22. https://kilikanoon.com.au/.

 

Dog Point 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Many Marlborough sauvignon blancs are made to a familiar formula; lean and green and refreshing with bright acid. This new release from Dog Point offers something just a little bit different. Certified organic, it has a little more mouthfeel, a tad more palate interest, than many of its contemporaries, while retaining its aromatic appeal. This has vibrancy, allied to some interesting palate complexity thanks to wild yeast fermentation and some whole bunch elements; a wine that demands to matched with seafood, perhaps some mussels or cockles. It is bright and lively with fresh citrus and nectarine notes. Punchy, taut and intense with well-judged acid, faint smoky hints and immediate appeal. Well worth seeking out. 96 points from me. $30. https://dogpoint.co.nz/

Harewood Estate 2022 Great Southern Riesling

Harewood Estate produces a range of several excellent rieslings from the Great Southern region of Western Australia. This is the entry level wine, but it is immediately accessible and great fun to drink. I'd pair this with some-fried flathead, but it would be a brilliant companion to most seafood and poultry dishes. It is delightfully aromatic with some classic lemon/lime citrus flavours allied to hints of pear and peach. There is still a terrific line of acidity, purity and focus with a cheeky crisp finish. One for enjoying now, preferably well chilled. Distributed by Single Vineyard Sellers. $22. https://harewood.com.au

 

Pewsey Vale 2022 Lighter Riesling 9%

 

Ladies and gentlemen: we have a winner! Finally a lighter-in-alcohol wine that actually tastes like wine and that you would be very happy to drink. Pewsey Vale Vineyard Lighter Riesling 9% is not as low in alcohol as many of its rivals, but it is fresh, fun and fruity and its zesty residual sugar would pair well with spicy Asian dishes, perhaps Korean fried chicken, or a Thai stir fry. It is deliberately made in a lighter style where the grapes are harvested as the first ripe flavours develop. Tangy, with lemon/lime sherbet and stone fruit flavours, this would also pair well with the saltiness of freshly shucked oysters. Drink now. Well chilled. $26. https://www.pewseyvale.com.au/

Oakridge 864 2021 864 Henk Vineyard Aquaduct Block Pinot Noir

From one of the consistently finest vineyards in the Yarra, this terroir-driven wine is also made by one of the best winemaking teams. Assertive, a little stern even, but not at all shouty, this is the wine I choose to mark New Year's Eve. Very youthful right now, it is a classic cellaring pinot with blue and dark fruits, hints of spice and delicatessen earthiness all playing their roles. There is a 20% whole bunch element adding texture, and mainly older oak barrels with a subtle presence in the show. A lot of length here, too, and plenty of drinking pleasure, whether you go short term or show a little patience. As this is from a terrific vintage, perhaps patience might be in order. $96. https://www.oakridgewines.com.au/

Longview 2022 Juno Nebbiolo Rosato

 

This beguiling blend of nebbiolo and pinot noir is one of my favourite rosés of the year; dry, savoury and seriously slurpable. The Saturno family is based at Macclesfield on the fringe of the Adelaide Hills and produces a wide range of styles, usually offering excellent value. This is no exception with its initial floral intensity leading to a panoply of red fruit flavours - think redcurrants, raspberries and cherries - on the lively, zesty palate, which finishes bone dry. This is perfect for enjoying with a picnic, a Lebanese mezze plate, or perhaps with a crab dip. Enjoy well chilled. $28. www.longviewvineyard.com.au/

Clonakilla 2021 O'Riada Shiraz

 

This is almost certainly the best-value wine in the stellar Clonakilla line-up - and I reckon it would do sterling duty whether you are opting for a Christmas turkey, or ham. A belnd of estate and grower fruit, this is a concentrated but supple and alluring shiraz from a fine Canberra region vintage - and you can buy three bottles for the price of one bottle of Clonakilla's flagship shiraz viognier. The wine is dedicated to Sean O'Riada, a leading Irish musician and composer who died in 1971, the year Clonakilla was established by John Kirk. He was John’s cousin. I think he'd be very proud of this smooth and delicious cool-climate wine with its red fruit and spice notes. $40. https://clonakilla.com.au/