Dandelion Vineyards Wonderland of the Eden Valley 2023 Riesling

It is a toss up whether the Clare Valley or the Eden Valley is Australia's premier riesling region but this one from Dandelion Vineyards puts a very convincing case for the Eden Valley, even though it comes at a premium price point. I loved the chrystalline purity of this wine; which is made with fruit from a vineyard that was planted in 1912. There are classic citrus characters here, very bright natural acidity, minimal winemaking influence, and low alcohol (11.5%). It finishes deliciously dry. Great work from husband and wife team Zar Brooks (typist) and Elena Brooks (winemaker). Simply lovely stuff. You could cellar it, I'm certain, but it is bloody beautiful right now. We paired it with soy-braised fresh tuna and teriyaki eggplant. $60. www.dandelionvineyards.com.au

Parker Coonawarra Estate 2022 Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon

This offers awesome value when it comes to quality Coonawarra cabernets. Made from estate fruit from the Abbey vineyard on the red soils of the Terra Rossa strip over limestone - dirt that produces some of Australia's best cabernets. This has seen 100% French oak (50% new) but the quality fruit has soaked up the oak, resulting in a wine of excellent balance, impressive structure and immediate appeal. Pair this with a winter casserole, or maybe a classic steak and kidney pie. It's ready to enjoy right now, but some short-term cellaring sure wouldn't hurt. $34. https://www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au/  

 

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.