Heggies 2010 Riesling

There is no grape variety in Australia that offers better value for money than riesling; and few labels can match Heggies (and sibling Pewsey Vale) when it comes to quality. The fact this wine can sometimes be found for well under $20 is both a surprise and a blessing for drinkers. From the high country of the Eden Valley, this is a wine of finesse and balance that's a very pale straw colour. There are classic lime and grapefruit aromas with luscious lemon/lime zest on the palate, minerality, zingy finishing acid and great drinkability. A prince of a wine at a pauper's price.
$20.

Whicher Ridge 2010 Riesling

The Frankland River region of Western Australia is producing some wonderfully poised rieslings and while this is only the second release from Whicher Ridge, it is right up with best. It's a svelte, citrus-driven style with not an inch of extra meat on its bones. Lime, grapefruit and lemon peel aromas and flavours dominate on a wine that is more on the flinty, river pebbles, minerally side of the spectrum and has some lovely linearity and crisp, cleansing acidity along with admirable 12.5% alcohol. One of those wines where one bottle may not be enough, and two would fit the bill a whole lot better. Pair it with fresh grilled sardines. www.whicherridge.com.au $28.

The Story 2009 Associates Grampians Shiraz

Rory Lane makes three excellent The Story shirazes using Grampians fruit and this entry level offering sells for around $22-24, which is far too cheap. I emailed Rory and told him as much - but even rising winemaking stars need cashflow. While the juicy Sableux and earthy Westgate weigh-in at around $45, this is an excellent way to acquaint yourself with The Story label. Fruit-driven with myriad berry and currant characters, it is slightly spicy with appealing bright acid, whole-bunch pressed, of medium weight with sensible 13.5% alcohol and with a very high drinkability factor. Give this a go next time you are looking for an affordable red to accompany bistro dishes. http://thestorywines.blogspot.com. $22-$24.

Invivo 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

I can hear the wine snobs scoffing from here. Marlborough sauvignon blanc may be a little passé in trendy circles, but there are still an awful lot of people out there who love it - and this is one of the best releases from 2010, a delightfully perky wine full of youthful exuberance. More restrained and elegant than many of its counterparts, this has tropical/floral aromas and is is driven by subtle citrus and gooseberries on the palate. Nicely textured with mere hints of herbaceousness, this is a delightful wine for enjoying well-chilled over summer. $18.

Coriole 2009 Sangiovese

The Lloyd family from McLaren Vale winery Coriole pioneered this Italian variety in Australia – first planting the Tuscan grape back in 1985, long before just about anyone else had thought of the idea. They now also make very good nebbiolo and barbera. This is the 23rd vintage of Coriole sangiovese amd it's a dependably good choice to pair with Italian dishes, charcuterie plates or roast meats. It’s savoury and silky with sweet cherry aromas and nicely restrained on the palate with plenty of length, good balance and soft tannins. Great value for the price. $22.

Ross 2008 Barossa Merlot

I've been having recent issues with Barossa reds - some of them are just too big and alcoholic. I've long had problems with Australian merlots, many of which are monochromatic and boring. This, however, had me re-thinking both points of view. It out-shone several highly credentialed reds in a recent tasting and went well with a steak dish, too. It's a seamless, soft red with dark berry flavours, hints of black olive and spice and has great structure for a wine in its price bracket. I can't remember the last time I drained a bottle of merlot - but this one is definitely empty. www.rosswines.com. $20.

Mitchell Harris 2010 Rosé

Winemaker John Harris is on fire with his recent releases; I've also been impressed with both his fumé-style sauvignon blancs and his cabernet sauvignons. This wine was one of the stars of a recent rosé tasting and left many bigger names trailing in its wake. It's a prototype for the new wave of savoury rosés that are making the style so popular this summer; vibrant and refreshing with sour cherry and grapefruit tanginess, but at the same time bone dry and intriguing. Made from early-picked pinot noir from the Macedon Ranges in Victoria and sangiovese from the Pyrenees, it is clean, impressively textured and delightfully easy to drink. www.mitchellharris.com.au. $22.