Clonakilla 2021 Shiraz Viognier

This is an Australian classic, a Rhone style developed and perfected by the Kirk family, who last year celebrated 50 years of  winemaking at Murrumbateman, outside Canberra. This is a wonderfully supple  and stylish red with 5% of viognier aiding and abetting the 95% cool-climate shiraz in one of the finest Clonakilla shiraz viogniers I have seen. The vinous equivalent of a Phil Spector song. Aromatic, floral, elegant and layered, this is still seriously under-priced for the quality. This will be released in September, but supplies are always short so it might be worth contacting the winery to secure an allocation. $130. www.clonakilla.com.au.

Brown Brothers Winemaker's Series 2021 Fiano

 

This is one the brightest, most vibrant, liveliest fianos that I have tasted. Fiano is a white Italian grape variety that is grown primarily in the Campania region of southern Italy and on the island of Sicily but has also adapted very well in several regions of Australia. This is a simply delicious white wine for enjoying lightly chilled; aromatic and zingy with citrus fruit flavours to the fore. Fermented in strainless steel with zero oak maturation, this is designed to be enjoyed young and would be fabulous with fritto misto, sashimi, or old school fish and chips. $25. www.brownbrothers.com.au

Smart Dog 2020 Alentejo Shiraz Trincadeira

Looking for a good everyday quaffing red? You won’t go wrong with this lively and juicy Portuguese import that is an exclusive to Aldi stores - one of several very good buys currently on offer. This is an inky, floral and fresh blend of a grape with which Australians are very familiar, alongside a native Portuguese variety. This is surprisingly smooth and stylish with plenty of action on the palate. A dark and spicy red that’s perfect for a barbecue, or paired with a pizza, pasta dish or Portuguese spicy chicken. $6.99.

Yalumba 2018 The Signature

 

This is the 48th release of Yalumba's classic cabernet/shiraz blend and it is dedicated to retiring managing director Nick Waterman. You'd have to imagine Waterman would be pretty proud of the wine bearing his signature: it is a classic that winemaker Kevin Glastonbury describes as "one of the very best vintages we've had in recent times". This is a rich, concentrated wine, but at the same time elegant and approachable. It demands to be enjoyed with roast lamb en croute. Fresh, beautifully integrated with lovely balance, dark cassis, toasty oak and leafy hints on the palate. Superb now, probably even better after a decade in the cellar. $65. www.yalumba.com/