Hay Shed Hill 2023 Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

An outstanding example of Margaret River cabernet that has settled nicely with some time in bottle. Hay Shed Hill is a reliably good producer and Block 2 was planted over 50 years ago, producing fruit with intensity and elegance. This is a wine that will certainly find favour with lovers of Left Bank Bordeaux. Deeply coloured, this has classic dark fruit flavours with dusty hints. The oak is well integrated and the tannins finish with rewarding softness. You could cellar this, but it it is already enticing. We paired it with rare roast lamb - a most amiable combo. $63. https://hayshedhill.com.au/ 

Mr Riggs 2025 Generation Series Mrs Riggs Pinot Gris

 

I tend to associate experienced McLaren Vale winemaker Ben Riggs with red wines, but this excellent pinot gris made from Adelaide Hills fruit proves he is also a dab hand with whites. This is actually more grigio than gris in style, with some fresh florals leading on to bright, white stone fruit flavours and some brisk, food-friendly acid. Riggs has not been a fan of the variety in the past but was impressed by the quality of the fruit from a Woodside vineyard. I'm not a massive pg fan either, but this offers terrific summer drinking and excellent value. $24. https://mrriggs.com.au/

Keyneton Ridge 2024 Reserve Pinot Noir

Kyneton Ridge is a label worth keeping an eye on, The Kyneton Ridge vineyard and winery is situated in the Macedon Ranges, around an north-west of Melbourne and home to several excellent producers. This is a very varietal pinot noir from family winemaker Patrick Wood with a nice balance between youthful juicy fruit flavours and more savoury characters. It is very much a small-batch production, with just 200 cases made from fruit grown on the estate vineyard. The 12 months its has spent in quality French oak adds some impressive texture to the vibrant fruit and earthy/undergrowth notes. This would be good with Chinese roast duck. $50. https://kynetonridge.com.au/