Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2023 Elsa

 

There is something special about wines from Moss Wood in Margaret River. The best descriptor I can come up with is "complete". There are many elements to this delightful and savoury sauvignon blanc-driven wine, but they come together like a well-conducted orchestra. This is inspired by the wines of the Loire Valley and is super food friendly with dry tropical fruit notes, cream and spice hints with just the merest hint of toasty oak - mainly older old French barriques - completing the package. This single-vineyard blend comes from a very good - albeit dry - vintage. $80. https://www.mosswood.com.au/

     

Longview 2023 Twin Palms Pinot Noir

The Adelaide Hills has become the "go to" region for affordable pinot noir in Australia and this recent release from the Saturno family demonstrates why. From a vineyard overlooked by two palms trees - hence the name - this is a thoroughly modern, thoroughly delicious take on one of the most difficult grape varieties to get right. There is a beautiful balance between fresh berry fruit flavours and more savoury notes and its is ready for immediate consumption, having had undergone cool ferment in stainless steel and then spending six months in old French oak puncheons. It's all about the fruit from an excellent vintage with a silky, juicy cheekiness. If you can pair this with some Chinese duck pancakes you will be in for a treat. $30. https://www.longviewvineyard.com.au/

Les Dauphins 2023 Cotes du Rhone Reserve Rosé

 

Delightfully fresh and vibrant young French rosé for $20 a bottle? Yes indeed. That's well worth getting excited about. This is from a well-regarded co-op with 60 years of experience in the Drome region in the southern Cotes du Rhone and it magically transports you to one of those picture postcard French villages, where a glass or two of rosé every day is a necessity. It hits just the right note between a melange of fruits and savoury hints, and finishes with some bright acidity. We paired this with spaghetti, scallops, chilli and tomato, and that was an excellent combo. Distributed by Single Vineyard Sellers. A brilliant buy for $20.