Longview 2018 Saturnus Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is an Italian red grape variety from the Piedmont area where it is used in the classic wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. In Australia, it tends to show at its best in cooler regions, as exemplified by this excellent release from the Adelaide Hills, which offers more than a nod to the grape's ancestry. Dark notes, from licorice to prunes, black cherries to violets shine here in a medium-bodied red that encourages glugging rather than sipping. It is complex, savoury and bright with beguiling dusty tannins. Savoury notes ensure it will cellar well, but it is downright delicious right now - a vinous Lolita. A very solid 95/100. $50. www.longviewvineyard.com.au.  

Thorn-Clarke 2018 Vineyard Selection Mataro

Mataro, also known as mourvedre or monastrell, depending on where it is grown, is used in the reds of the Rhone Valley and Provence in France, in Spain and the California. In the Barossa Valley it is most often used as a blending grape (usuually with shiraz and grenache). Here is stands proudly alone. The fruit is from the Hoffman vineyard on Ebenenzer Road and while it is a ripe, assertive red it also has enough nuance to be enjoyable in its youth. Concentrated, dark, spicy and briary, it finishes with seductive softness. Pair it with offal dishes, or a vegetable quiche. $38. www.thornclarkewines.com. 

Kooyong 2018 Farrago Single Block Chardonnay

It is almost impossible to wrong with the single-vineyard chardonnay releases from esteemed Mornington Peninsula producer Kooyong; you can taste the attention to detail adopted by winemaker Glen Hayley and his vineyard team. This razor-sharp single-block wine is sourced from just 1.02 hectares of near 20-year-old chardonnay vines within the 2.76 hectare Farrago block. French oak and lees stirring have played a role but linear intensity and flinty minerality are the key element. If you love citrusy Chablis with zesty drive then you won't want to miss this. Well worth splashing out on. 95 points. $61. www.kooyonngwines.com.au.

Bremerton 2019 Special Release Grenache

It is a mystery why grenache is not more popular in Australia, particularly given it so often offers good drinking at very reasonable prices. This features juicy, fruity dark cherry flavours and medium-weight. There are spice hints alongside the bright fruit in a wine that can be enjoyed immediately - and is actually all about drink-now pleasure. Oak is very much in the background and you should slurp this a meat or mushroom pizza. $24. www.bremertonwines.com.au.

Rusty Mutt 2018 Vin Sol Tempranillo

There's a lot of care and attention that goes into the Rusty Mutt range; an eclectic McLaren Vale selection of viognier, shiraz, grenache and tempranillo that are hand plunged and basket pressed. This is a particularly appealing take on the Spanish grape variety tempranillo. The fruit is the hero with its bright dark cherry flavours allied to hints of spice and earthy deli notes. There is some fresh acidity and this would be terrific with anything from a Spanish omelette to paella. Deliciousness in a bottle. And it got better over two sucessive days once opened. $35. www.rustymutt.com.au/

Curly Flat 2018 Macedon Ranges Chardonnay

That you can buy one of Australia's finest chardonnays for under $50 a bottle is great news for wine lovers. This is a beautifully composed young chardonnay from a very good vintage in Victoria's Macedon Ranges that offers excellent value given the rising prices of white Burgundy. Estate-grown, vinified and bottled, this is the epitome of cool-climate purity with stone fruit and citrus notes in a lovers' tryst on the palate, refreshing acidity on the finish and come hither appeal. Subtle French oak aids and abets the deliciousness. If you are a lover of quality Chablis you'll want to have a crack at this. $46. https://curlyflat.com/    

Maretti 2018 Chianti

Pair this with a simple pizza Margareta, close your eyes, turn on some opera and may find yourself magically transported to a wonderful little trattoria in the back streets of Sienna. Or you may not. Either way this is a really lovely little slice of Italy; sangiovese with just a touch of cabernet, that may help add a little romance to your Friday night. Savoury and interesting, this is a lovely drop for a very reasonable price. $24. www.fourthwavewine.com.