Clonakilla 2023 Shiraz Viognier

 

A new release of one of Australia's benchmark wines; and it's a ripper. I've been fortunate enough to try most of the Clonakilla shiraz viogniers over the years; and this is right up there with the very best. From another cool growing year in Murrumbateman, it delivers both aromatics and potency, with impressive opulence on the mellifluous palate, where myriad flavours combine with cohesion. The shiraz (22% whole bunch) was co-fermented with 6% of viognier to produce a wine in the style for which Clonakilla has become famous. The price may have crept up over the years, but compared to many other Australian shiraz standouts, this is still at a very fair price point. Lovely stuff even in its infancy. 97 points from me. $135. www.clonakilla.com.au   

Greenskin 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

 

I am a big fan of the fresh, easy drinking wines in recyclable pouches from innovators Greenskin in Western Australia. This is a brand-new release, a fresh and feisty 2024 Margaret River blend that is made for Greenskin by Bruce Dukes and Remi Guise from Naturaliste Vintners. It's a perfect choice for a spring picnic by the beach. You'll find lively, crunchy citrus and stone fruit notes and a refreshing acidity on the finish. Decidedly gluggable. Sold in six-packs for $135, which makes it around $22.50 a 750ml lightweight re-sealable pouch. There's a 15% discount if you sign up as a member. https://greenskinwine.com/shop/sauvignon-blanc-semillon-lot22/

Parker Coonawarra Estate 2022 Terra Rossa Shiraz

In a shiraz-crowded Australian wine landscape there a a lot of choices at twice the price that are not half as good as this impressive example of cool-climate goodness that could easily be labelled syrah given its stylistic attributes. Think laid-back black and red fruit notes and spice elements, grippy but astutely restrained tannins and smooth "drink me now" finish. There is plenty of body here, but also a lot of panache. Good work from winemaking team Ox Hardy and Keeda Zilm. This is also pretty versatile when it comes to food pairings; from pizza and pasta to grilled red meats and casseroles, it would deliver across the board. Seriously good drinking for just $34. https://www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au/

Soumah 2020 Nebbiolo

 

When just about every member of a tasting group gives a wine the thumbs up you know you are onto a good thing. Nebbiolo is the classic Italian grape that is used in the premium wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, but it also shines in cool climes given the right vintage. This is a lovely example reaching peak drinking; it is perfumed, and lifted, with an amalgam of sweet fruit and earthy notes on the palate. It finishes soft and beguiling with plenty of length and a fair bit happening on the palate. Well worth trying. $56. https://soumah.com.au/