Gundog Estate 2024 The Chase Semillon

 

Nothing says mid summer like a chilled young Hunter Valley semillon, preferably paired with some freshly shucked oysters. Gundog Estate is a rising star of Hunter winemaking with vigneron Matt Burton producing wines not only from the Hunter but also the Canberra region and the Hilltops. This is 100% Hunter with grapes picked from old vines that produce vibrant and intense flavours. This has citrus and Granny Smith elements to the fore, allied to lively fresh acid on the finish, where you might also find lemongrass hints. Serve well chilled with seafood, or cellar for up to a decade. $36. https://gundogestate.com.au/    

Turkey Flat 2024 Rosé

It is hard to think of a wine more suited to summer quaffing than this perennial favourite from the consistently impressive team at Turkey Flat in the Barossa. Chill it a bit and then enjoy with a picnic, at the beach, or on the verandah, It is fresh and fun - and won't break the bank. This is 30th release of what is Australia's favourite dry rosé with its delicious summer pudding notes and brisk acid on the palate. Think berry and citrus vibrancy. Brilliant for $27. https://www.turkeyflat.com.au/

Wickhams Road 2024 Yea Valley Chardonnay

 

If you can find a better Australian chardonnay than this for the price I'll be very surprised. Wickhams Road is the entry level label for Yarra Valley standout Hoddles Creek, using grower fruit rather than estate grapes. Made from fruit from the Yea Valley, 100+ km east of Melbourne, where the Yea and Goulburn rivers meet, it is one of two chardonnays, just edging out the Yarra Valley release in this vintage. But both offer formidable value. This is fresh, vibrant and seriously gluggable with winemaker Frano d"Anna saying he is "getting to grips with the site". Very varietal, youthful, refreshing and crisply delicious. Give it a go and prepare to be impressed. Pork belly is called for. $20.  https://www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au/

Castle Rock 2024 'Skywalk' Riesling

 

Riesling offers some of the best buying in Australia right now - and it is a great wine choice as we head into the warmer months. Rob Diletti, winemaker at his family's Castle Rock estate in the Porongurups in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, has no fewer than five current release rieslings in his range, all of them excellent. This is one of the entry level wines but its a sparky, spunky number full of youthful vigour. Cool ferment in stainless steel equals lemony flavours, vibrancy, a dry finish and a wine that is dangerously drinkable when served lightly chilled. Pair with a seafood platter. $28.  www.castlerockestate.com.au

Francois Lurton 2023 La Mule en Provence Rosé

Hidden behind one of the blandest, hard-to-read labels around, you'll find one of the best value wines for summer quaffing. Made by Francois Lurton, a member of one of France's most famous winemaking families, for Aldi stores, this offers the essence of a Provencal summer with its pale colour and bright wild berry notes, alongside savoury characters and some lively minerally tang on the palate. It is made largely from grenache and cinsault grapes and we paired it with spicy kofta skewers and tahini cauliflower, but it would pair with anything from a picnic to a vegetable quiche. Lovely stuff for enjoying well chilled. $12.99.   

Boydell’s 2024 Barrington Field Blend White

What a gloriously gluggable white wine for enjoying over the summer. This is the first field blend from Hunter Valley-based Boydell’s, a label with a long history. It is a rather unusual blend of 40% verdelho with 20% fiano, 20% chardonnay and 20% gruner veltliner. The four elements come together brilliantly with three varieties unoaked and the chardonnay spending some time in barrel before being blended. This is all about refreshment and vibrancy and a wine ideal for enjoying with a picnic or a seafood feast. Drink young and serve well chilled. $35. https://boydells.com.au/

PHi 2022 Syrah Grenache

 

Taking a sip of this wine is like taking a vinous trip to the Rhone Valley. PHI is the 21st letter of the Ancient Greek alphabet and symbolises balance, harmony and proportion. This red blend has all that and more. There is juiciness, but also elegance. There's savoury and spicy notes, but also impressive fruit weight. The grapes comes from Heathcote and the wine is made by the De Bortoli Yarra Valley team. I paired it with some poached tuna and teriyaki aubergine and it proved an inspired combo. A wine for savouring, with or without food. Soft and plush on the finish. Serious but fun. And downright delicious. $35. https://www.debortoli.com.au/