Tahbilk 2014 Museum Release Shiraz

 

This might be one of the biggest wine bargains around. A delicious 10-year-old museum-release shiraz from a producer with a magnificent pedigree. Established in 1860, Tahbilk is one of Australia's historic family owned wineries, located in the Nagambie Lakes region of central Victoria. The wine retails for just a just a shade over $30, which is only a few dollars more than you'll pay for the current release 2021 vintage. It was fermented in 150-year-old open vats before oak maturation and offers an enticing amalgam of earthiness and softness on the palate. $31. www.tahbilk.com.au 

Grosset 2024 Polish Hill Riesling

Purity, racy acidity, presence and panache. The thrilling new vintage of Australia's most collected riesling has just landed, and it is a stunner. Jeff Grosset, master of organics, biodynamics and consistency, has crafted a super wine from a cool year with lemon/lime zest, green apple, grapefruit and zingy minerality playing starring roles. There is a linearity to this wine that sets it apart and it has immediate appeal, but will cellar for decades in the right conditions. I'd pair this with kingfish sashimi. Serve cool, but not too cold, and give it few minutes to breathe. A star turn in anyone's language - a Mahler symphony of pristine excellence. 97.5 points from me. It is unfined and vegan friendly, should that concern you. $80. https://www.grosset.com.au/ 

d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original 2021 Grenache Shiraz

 

It was late at night and I just wanted a glass of red to finish with. How the hell, then, did I end up with a bottle that was half empty? This blend of grenache and shiraz is so delicious that it just sneaks up on you. A classic blend of two varieties that star in McLaren Vale, this is the perfect choice to accompany a barbecue, or a midweek pasta with ragu. It’s fruity, juicy and ready to enjoy right away. It is also very well priced at just $22. https://www.darenberg.com.au/

Vasse Felix 2023 Filius Chardonnay

 

We are in serious bargain territory here: a precise, astutely judged chardonnay from one of Margaret River’s star wineries. Filius means "son" in Latin and this is the understudy label to some Vasse Felix  benchmarks. It is immediately drinkable with its lively fruit the focus and understated oak very much in the background. There is a lot happening on the palate, but it all comes together seamlessly with Granny Smith and stone fruit flavours to the fore and a hint of shortbread biscuit. Hard to know how they produce a wine of this quality for the price, but well worth snapping up. $30. https://www.vassefelix.com.au/

Flametree 2020 Embers Cabernet Sauvignon

 

A very impressive new-release Margaret River cabernet sauvignon from a respected producer at four years of age and ready for immediate enjoyment. What's not to like? This is an ideal choice for s spring barbecue, or pairing with a weekend roast. This is no monster, it is medium-bodied and food friendly with soft fruit and gentle tannins, along with some savoury hints on the palate. The price is a bargain, too: for a classy, immediately enjoyable red. $30. https://www.flametreewines.com/