Rolf Binder Veritas Mourvedre Grenache 2012

Deliberately made with minimal intervention, this wine was made using natural yeasts, matured on lees (skins) and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

A blend of Mourvedre and Grenache (quantities unknown), I spent a fair bit of time making sense of the aromas spilling from the glass. There was just so much to digest.

Distinct ground black pepper, raspberry tart, dark berry fruits and a touch of boiled lolly were coupled with earthy characters and charred oak. Every whiff delivered something new.

Those not keen on pepper and earth may be forgiven for turning this away. But if you are up for it, dig in! The flavours are rich and a good wash of fruit with depth flows through the mouth finishing with some peppery spice delivering an excellent length.

Have with barbequed meats.

A very good deal for $20.

Who: Rolf Binder
What: Mourvedre and Grenache (13.5% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $20

www.rolfbinder.com

Domain Day Lagrein 2010

Usually blended away, this Italian variety was made to stand on its own with only 250 cases produced.

The wine is quite savoury with a wash of fruit coming late. Dried thyme, sage and even mint. Some melted chocolate and damp earth also bob their heads up.

The fruit on the palate is light and soft and a good dash of spice dominates.
There is some bright acidity and a drying, moreish finish . A spicy kick lingers well after the wine is down the hatch too.

A good wine and a neat fit for tomato based foods.

Who: Domain Day
What: Lagrein (13.5% alc)
Where: Mt Crawford, Barossa Valley
When: 2010
How: $30

www.domainday.com.au

Cooks Lot Riesling 2013

I lined this up with a few Rieslings and it didn't stack up.

Green apple skin, canned apples, white flowers and some lemon presented decent aromas. The palate was clean, crisp and drying. Some textural character with finger lime acid tightness evident but there was a spicy element which just didn't seem to be a neat fit. Green apple crunch on the finish.

You could easily have this with fish and chips, however, the Riesling market is very competitive around the $20 mark and for your hard earned you can do better.

Who: Cooks Lot Wines
What: Riesling (13.2% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2013
How: $20

www.cookslot.com.au

Ballandean Estate Malbec 2012

From Queenland's Granite Belt, this Malbec is part of Ballandean Estate's 'Messing About' range which is based on alternative varieties. Fiano and Saperavi are also included in this range.

I really enjoyed this wine. A variety usually blended away, this effort makes Malbec stand up for the right reasons.

Straight up there were earthy and dry herb characters but it wasn't until day two this wine hit its straps. Juicy fruit highlighted by mulberries, plums and a good dash of spice. A slight whiff of violets making an appearance too. The spice contributing to a good mouth warmth but the mouthfeel is smooth. A generous and moreish length finished a very satisfying drop.

To get the best from it now, decant and slosh it about or hang on to it for a year or two. The wine will easily cellar for a decade.

Would I buy it? Absolutely. One for the cellar.

Available online or at the cellar door.

Who: Ballandean Estate
What: Malbec (14.3% alc)
Where: Granite Belt
When: 2012
How: $35

www.ballandeanestate.com

De Bortoli Vinoque Heathcote Shiraz 2012

This drop took a while to get moving and it was only until day three it got its act together.

Cardamon, black and red fruits and an attractive spice lift. The fruit was concentrated but the acid was hard. Bone dry in the mouth and finishing with grippy tannins.

Not for me.

Who: De Bortoli Wines
What: Shiraz (14.5% alc)
Where: Heathcote
When: 2012
How: $18

www.debortoli.com.au

De Bortoli Windy Peak Chardonnay 2012

A very slurpable Chardy at a great price. Listed at $15 RRP, you can often see this discounted better than that.

Peachy and tropical fruit with some attractive florals. Good fruit is carried through the wine. There is a smear of buttery oak which adds well to the flavour profile.

In many cases you get what you pay for. In this instance, you get a little more than you expect. A ripper!

Widely available.

Who: De Bortoli
What: Chardonnay (12.5% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2012
How: $15

www.debortoli.com.au

Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache 2012

I've said it before and I'll happily say it again. This wine is like the old boot. Ever reliable and it doesn't miss a beat.

Bright in the glass, white pepper and earthy spice come to the fore quickly. Nicely balanced throwing up some mouth warmth; the stuff you could snuggle up to in front of the fire. I got a sense though, perhaps something was being held back. Considering it has only been in the bottle a year, some more age may reveal this.

All that said, a solid drop yet to let me down. If you like Grenache you'll jump on board with this pretty quickly.

Who: Yalumba
What: Grenache (13.5% alc)
Where: Barossa Valley
When: 2012
How: $20

www.yalumba.com

Domain Day 'One Serious' Merlot 2009

A flavoursome wine but no X factor for me.

Blueberry characters are the hero here and they coat the palate thick. A solid wine which is smooth and those who shy away from the spice of Shiraz would appreciate what is on offer. Taut in some respects with a drying finish, I prefer wines with a point of difference.

A solid wine, yes. Easy to drink, yes. Would I buy it, no.

Who: Domain Day
What: Merlot (13.5% alc)
Where: Mt Crawford, Barossa Valley
When: 2009
How: $35

www.domainday.com.au

Montalto Hawkins Hill Chardonnay 2012

A single vineyard wine, the only sulphur added during winemaking was at bottling. The fruit was hand picked and whole bunch pressed.

A little more golden in appearance than The Eleven Chardonnay 2012, this wine is more broader and giving.

Almonds, melon and stone fruit hit the spot with a polished minerality. A little more oak and juicer fruit in this wine enhance the depth. Beautifully balanced with a tremendously long finish. It's as though the fruit just floats on your tongue.

I enjoyed this wine more than the The Eleven though both are impressive expressions of Chardonnay.

Who: Montalto
What: Chardonnay (13.3% alc)
Where: Mornington Peninsula
When: 2012
How: $55

www.montalto.com.au

Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2013

Riesling is certainly not a variety you'd assume would prosper on the Granite Belt but winemaker Peter McGlashan is certainly not afraid to challenge the norm and try new things. He came across a patch of Riesling and hasn't looked back.

This 2013 is his first crack at the variety and if this is the start, he is ready to scale some lofty heights.

Citrusy with white flowers, the wine is quite textural yet clean and pure. Flavours are persistent with a squeeze of lime rushing in right at the death, something which I thought was fantastic.

Very well priced and something you could wash your Thai dish down with or just drink it on its own to quench your need for Riesling.

I'd be most interested to see how this would age in five and ten years. I guess time will tell.

Available at the cellar door, online or at Craft bottleshop in Brisbane.

Who: Ridgemill Estate
What: Riesling (11.5% alc)
Where: Granite Belt
When: 2013
How: $18

www.ridgemillestate.com

Ballandean Estate Viognier 2013

An interesting wine this, simply because it is not an 'in ya face' style Viognier.

Florals, honeysuckle and white flower aromas stand aside for a waft of apricot skin. Dried apricot flavours on the palate move to a furry type grip and slippery finish. There is some mouth warmth.

Good palate weight and very easy to drink with a length just hanging around longer than expected. Serve with lunch on a hot day with anything from sushi to chicken to salads.

Who: Ballandean Estate
What: Viognier (13.7% alc)
Where: Granite Belt
When: 2013
How: $22

www.ballandeanestate.com

Magpie Estate 'The Fakir' Grenache 2010

After a few drinks you'd hate to mispronounce the name of this wine, but that's precisely the aim of the game I'm lead to believe.

Magpie Estate wines are made by Rolf Binder with the focus on Rhone styles. The fruit is sourced from a number of Barossa valley growers.

This Grenache didn't waste any time to get going. Blackberry and blackcurrant, a gentle dash of pepper and dried spice moved to some leather and a touch of oak.

Despite the 14% alcohol, the wine was softer than expected. Supple fruit producing a wine ready to drink in the next few years.

Day two delivered a wine which moved away from the fruit driven style to more of a savoury type with a sprinkling of dried thyme characters.

A handy wine and well priced which I would recommend.

Who: Magpie Estate
What: Grenache (14% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2010
How: $25

www.magpieestate.com

Shottesbrooke Estate Shiraz 2011

I dig this. For eighteen bucks it's worth a look.

Meaty and bold, blue and red fruits move about harmoniously. Unmistakable earth and spice lurk with intent too.

The fruit washes through the mouth well only to ride a wave of peppery spice rushing back. A long soft finish rounds out a great little wine.

Readily available. Get amongst it!

Who: Shottesbrooke
What: Shiraz (14.5% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2011
How: $18

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

Montalto The Eleven Chardonnay 2012

This single vineyard wine is named after the oldest eleven rows of Chardonnay on the north facing vineyards.

I tasted this alongside the Hawkins Hill Chardonnay 2012 which was an interesting exercise. Of the two, this wine appeared a more leaner and refined style compared to the Hawkins Hill which was more broader on the palate.

The only sulphur added during winemaking was at bottling. The fruit was hand picked and whole bunch pressed.

Quite delicate with creamy, peach and nutty characters. There is an attractive aromatic funk and textural goodness in the mouth. Linear on the palate, the flavours are nicely balanced and long. Great consistency from the nose to the palate.

The winemaking style is quite interesting and although won't go into the 'trial' techniques used by winemaker Simon Black, it's worth checking out the website.

Moreish and easy to sip away.

Who: Montalto
What: Chardonnay (12.7% alc)
Where: Mornington Peninsula
When: 2012
How: $55

www.montalto.com.au

Domain Day "G" Garganega 2011

This is the first Australian Garganega I have tasted and I could happily have plenty more if they are made like this.

Those who have had Soave previously would have had a taste for the grape as it makes up at least 70% of the wine (as per Vinodiversity - thanks Darby!)

In Australia there are only a handful of producers making Garganega with Domain Day being the first to plant it. Only 270 dozen of the 2011 were made.

Lots of tropical zip to this wine. Dried pineapple, pears and even a sherbety kick. After some time in the glass some baked apple and spiced characters seep through.

What struck me was how the minerality on the mid-palate just sticks.

A great summer option! Chill it down and pass the prawns.

Who: Domain Day
What: Garganega (12.5% alc)
Where: Mt Crawford, Barossa Valley
When: 2011
How: $22

www.domainday.com.au

De Bortoli Sacred Hill Chardonnay 2013

It is easy to scoff at a sub ten dollar wine and assume it is below par. Granted there are too many that fall into that category yet there are still plenty of shining lights. Take this Sacred Hill Chardy...

For $7 it is pretty damn good drinking and quite often the Sacred Hill range is discounted beyond this RRP which makes it even better value.

Tropical and stone fruit characters run riot with generous lashings of fleshy peach. There is some oak present but there is enough fruit there to override that. To my surprise there was some very good textural interest which leads to an impressive length.

A wine hard to ignore considering what you get for your dollar. This is most certainly a bargain worth getting your hands on.

Who: De Bortoli Wines
What: Chardonnay (12.5% alc)
Where: Riverina
When: 2013
How: $7

www.debortoli.com.au

Yelland & Papps Sete Di Vino 2012

Well here's a blend you won't run into often and there is certainly plenty going on. The blend consists of 29% Lagrein, 27% Dolcetto, 24% Barbera and 20% Primitivo.

Stewed fruit, boot polish, earth, sarsparella even a slight dried flower perfume.

The palate is soft and then unleashes an abrasive side. Gutsy then delicate. Faint sweetness then drying. Lots going on.

I found it quite intriguing as there was plenty to offer. Initially only a blend of Lagrein, Dolcetto and Barbera, the Primitivo was thrown in to add some guts and X factor. Mission accomplished.

Decant to refresh the wine and enjoy.

Who: Yelland & Papps
What: Lagrein, Dolcetto, Barbera, Primitivo (13% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $20

www.yellandandpapps.com

Yalumba The Strapper 2012

Gee this is a reliable drop year after year.

A blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Shiraz and 25% Mataro all from the Barossa Valley, the fruit was separately fermented in oak and some stainless steel before aging for nine months in varying types of French and Hungarian oak.

The fruit punches well through here with an abundance of forest fruit flavours. Roasted and barbequed meat, black fruit and savory spice characters all add to a delightfully easy drinking drop. Some gentle pepperiness lingers on a fine and soft finish.

Well blended and the price is right. Simply, a solid wine which won't disappoint.

Who: Yalumba
What: Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro (13.5% alc)
Where: Barossa Valley
When: 2012
How: $20

www.yalumba.com

Yalumba Roussanne 2012

From the Eden Valley, this is the first release of a straight Roussanne varietal from Yalumba.

Wild fermented in old oak, pears, citrus peel, stone fruit and flowers walk to a neat beat. Good weight with a creamy type texture. Flavours linger large, long enough for you to have something to think about.

The wine was still kicking along well after a few days. Aging potential here indeed.

A thumbs up from me and something worth considering given the opportunity.

Who: Yalumba
What: Roussanne (13.5% alc)
Where: Eden Valley
When: 2012
How: $25

www.yalumba.com

Meerea Park Hell Hole Shiraz 2011

A wine to savour.

The vines were planted in the 1960's and the fruit was hand harvested. Fermentation took place in open vats and 40% new French oak was used for 22 months.

Some beef jus, red fruits, five spice, and olives. Sleek, the wine softened furthermore over three days. I really liked the fruit on offer. A very moreish length which was fine and supple.

The two words which just kept singing out to me were refined and persistent.

Although approachable now, further time in the bottle will see it mesh together furthermore. Stick it on the shopping list.


Who: Meerea Park
What: Shiraz (13.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2011
How: $54

www.meereapark.com.au

Yelland & Papps Vin De Soif 2012

This range of wines from Yelland & Papps is made for drinking now. The grab a bottle and have with your take away type.

For this reason I wasn't that fussed on the wine. It started to hit its straps on day two, a bit late for that evening tipple with a meal.

A blend of 65% Grenache, 27% Mataro, 5% Shiraz and 3% Carignan, the acid balance seemed a little out of whack. After some air and a night to rest up it settled down and was softer and more approachable. Earthy, blood plums, red fruits, a good nip of spice and some oak influence all contributing.

Not for me.

Who: Yelland & Papps
What: Grenache, Mataro, Shiraz, Carignan (12.5% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $20

www.yellandandpapps.com

Rocland Estate Lot 147 Shiraz 2008

Strap yourself in for a big Barossa Shiraz.

.

Super dark appearance the wine is bursting with chocolate and blackberries. Deep and concentrated, perhaps a little too much? I can see how the power can turn some off yet appeal to many.

Despite the wine's punch there is a softer side. Iron fist in a velvet glove like. Five years of aging has certainly helped mesh all elements together. The palate balanced with a super long length.

Some cedar characters poke through but the fruit jostles it back into place. Stated at 15% alcohol, I suggest it takes up some of the 1.5% variance available.

Good to drink now and will certainly cellar for at least the medium term.

Ensure you are seated with a slab of protein or a block of chocolate at the ready.

Who: Rocland Estate
What: Shiraz (15% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2008
How: $45

www.roclandestate.com

Yelland & Papps Vermentino 2013

Vermentino is a great alternative for a summer time drop. This is evidenced by the planned increase in production of this wine at Yelland & Papps in 2014. Vineyards will be pulled up and more Vermentino planted. A sparkling Vermentino is also made by these guys, but that's a story for another time.

This wine exhibits lots of lemons and citrusy characters with some honeycomb of all things lurking in the background. I keep coming back to the lemony twang which adds just a little extra zip to the palate. Nice!

Well priced and very slurpable. Chill down and enjoy in the sunshine with friends.

Who: Yelland & Papps
What: Vermentino (12.5% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $20

www.yellandandpapps.com

Raidis Estate 'Billy' Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Dry grown and harvested from a single vineyard, the wine sat in French oak 18 months.

Leafy, slight capsicum, black fruits and some faint oak are all very inviting. The wine's brightness and juicy characters are easily picked up from just one whiff.

A fruit forward style with plenty of juicy black fruit and blackberry jam flavours prominent.

Wonderfully soft in the mouth, the wine has a delicious length with supple tannins which last longer than a minute.

Packed and driven by fruit there is lots to like. Lots!

Priced very well for $25 and I wine I'd happily enjoy now to get the most from that vibrant fruit. Aging the wine medium term will do it no harm either.

Who: Raidis Estate
What: Cabernet Sauvignon (14.6% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2010
How: $25

www.raidis.com.au

Toolangi Block F Chardonnay 2011

Pure indulgence. An absolutely impeccable Chardonnay.

Adjustments were made to make this wine due to the wet vintage of 2011. Hand picked as usual, however, the crop was more carefully scrutinised. Normally 1-1.5 tonnes per acre are harvested but vintage conditions resulted in much less exemplary fruit. As a result only the best bunches were picked and sorted. The wine was made at Oakridge and only 270 dozen were produced.

Quite attractive aromatics of stone fruit, fleshy peach, almonds and nougat. Oyster shell characters chimed in along with some creamy vanillin oak.

Eleven months in French oak puncheons, peach flavours roll through with layers of flavour continually peeling off and revealing themselves. There is plenty of fruit to carry the wine through to a deliciously long length. The fruit weight sublime.

Wickedly delicious, soft and delicate.

If you love Chardonnay this is certainly a wine to go chasing.

Who: Toolangi Wines
What: Chardonnay (13% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2011
How: $58

www.toolangi.com

Payten & Jones Paul's Range Chardonnay 2012

As with all Payten and Jones wines, this Chardonnay is certainly an expression of site, variety and the two pairs of hands behind the label.

The fruit is harvested by hand from their Tarrawarra vineyard. A slight cloudy appearance which delivers some sweaty funk, nougat, biscuity and underripe peach aromas. A flavoursome palate which is not too dense yet throws out generous lashings of fruit. Some oxidative handling and wild ferment elements add another dimension.

A soft finish to a mighty easy drinking drop. Pour me another glass!


Who: Payten & Jones
What: Chardonnay (12.5% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2012
How: $40

www.PaytenandJones.com.au

Cooks Lot Pinot Gris 2013

Quite a tasty Pinot Gris here. Duncan Cook uses partial barrel fermentation to good effect with his white wines, specifically his Sauvignon Blanc and now this Pinot Gris.

Distinct spiced pears with ever so subtle apricot and honey characters. The palate delivers plenty of textural interest and a touch of minerality with a great length to finish.

Priced very well once again for twenty dollars and a wine I'd be happy to buy.

Who: Cooks Lot Wines
What: Pinot Gris (13.2% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2013
How: $20

www.CooksLot.com.au

Stargazer Pinot Noir 2012

Samantha Connew has successfully started her own label and what an entrance she has made. Her first release wines included a Derwent Valley Riesling and this Pinot Noir. 2014 looks promising with the addition of a Tassie Chardonnay to the line up.

One of Connew's last wines at the Hunter Valley's Tower Estate was the very impressive Panaroma Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010. I can see why she is drawn to this patch of dirt because it is from here the fruit is sourced for this wine.

The single vineyard is in Tasmania's Huon Valley with the block planted in 1998. Made at the Bay of Fires winery, 1534 bottles were produced. Hand picked and 100% wild fermented with 25% whole bunches used, not being fined nor filtered.

Funky aromas of stewed raspberries, mulch and moist undergrowth set the scene. A slight whiff of cinnamon spice also pushes through. Interesting and engaging aromas indeed.

The fruit is soft and delicate. A reduced strawberry character washes through. Juicy acid seems to stick as do super fine grainy like tannins. The spice character sits in the background along with the faint touch of oak (30% new French puncheons). There is a definite feminine and masculine thing going on here. Soft to begin with yet some grunt to finish. Precisely the objective the winemaker set out to achieve. A beautifully structured and presented wine.

Available through premium outlets such as Brisbane's Craft Wine Store (end of November), Sydney's Camperdown Cellars, Five Ways Cellars and Bonds Corner Cellars or simply jump online.

Who: Stargrazer
What: Pinot Noir (12.5% alc)
Where: Huon Valley, Tasmania
When: 2012
How: $50

www.stargazerwine.com.au

Stargazer Riesling 2013

The best Riesling I have had this year? Umm...Yes!

A creation of Samantha Connew, the fruit is sourced from a single vineyard 20 minutes north of Hobart in the Derwent Valley, the vines were planted in 1993. With a total of 1854 bottles produced, the fruit was 100% wild yeast fermented and left on lees until bottling.

Dangerously fresh, the wine leaps from the glass. Aromas are bright with lime juice, finger lime pulp and white flowers stealing centre stage. The wild yeast fermentation has done its bit and the sexy texture is what lured me in. It's stone fruit like and just hangs on. Simply divine. There is a squeeze of lime juice on the finish with a zingy citrusy thing going on just to give you something else to think about.

Rated on the International Riesling Foundation taste profile as Medium Dry.

Available through premium outlets such as Brisbane's Craft Wine Store (end of November), Sydney's Camperdown Cellars, Five Ways Cellars and Bonds Corner Cellars or simply jump online.

Sunshine, lying under a shady tree and this...yep. Sounds perfect.

Who: Stargrazer
What: Riesling (12.5% alc)
Where: Derwent Valley, Tasmania
When: 2013
How: $30

www.stargazerwine.com.au

De Bortoli La Bossa Pinot Grigio 2013

Those seeking a drop without much dosh in the back pocket, this may be your thing. And you get change from a tenner!

I must admit, I was very pleasantly surprised with what was delivered here. The wine certainly punches above a $9 bottle.

Pale in appearance, grassy with plenty of textural interest. Pear flavours are rounded off by a citrus twist. A handy length too.

Nine bucks! A bargain.

Chill it down and enjoy with poultry, seafood or on its own.

Who: De Bortoli Wines
What: Pinot Grigio (11.5% alc)
Where: Riverina
When: 2013
How: $9

www.debortoli.com.au

Payten & Jones Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2012

Another deliciously different drop from Behn Payten and Troy Jones.

Meaty, dirty, earthy with some dried flower characters thrown in for good measure.

A soft wine with grunt factor. If you're up for it, there's lots to like. Some slightly bright acid which softened come day two and three. Yummy plum, plum compote and cherry flavours washing about with just a hint of oak. Good length with plenty to chew on.

Great drinking and good buying for $27.

Contact directly for availability.

Who: Payten & Jones
What: Pinot Noir (13% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2012
How: $27

www.PaytenandJones.com.au

Duck Duck Goose Shiraz 2012

People love a bargain and I reckon this has super bargain factor written all over it.

A label from the Barossa Valley's Rocland Estate, all the elements of a good approachable wine are present.

Some sweet fruit to start off, there is an abundance of blueberries and chocolate to chew on. Good use of oak adds some more character. The highlight for me though was the juicy fruit which was soft and super smooth. An impressive length only enticed another sip.

A great deal for $18 rrp but a quick Google search revealed the wine is priced around the $15 at a national large chain outlet.

Get stuck into this. Why not!


Who: Duck Duck Goose (Rocland Estate)
What: Shiraz (14% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $18

www.roclandestate.com

DiGiorgio Family Wines Emporio 2009

Here is another well presented drop from Coonawarra's DiGiorgio Family Wines.

A blend of Merlot (47%), Cabernet Sauvignon (41%) and Cabernet Franc (12%), throw it into a decanter and give it a good thrashing. After being resuscitated with some air, some good fruit characters spring into action.

The wine spent 30 months in a mix of new and old French and American oak prior to release.

I was taken by the dark purple colour. Not short on action, there are plenty of minty, leafy and stalky characters. Toss in some blackberry fruit, cedary and vanillin oak and you can start to get the picture.

There is some fruit sweetness and all is wrapped up with a drying finish and great length.

A good blend which would suit roasted meats well.

The DiGiorgio wines are well priced and this is yet another example.

Who: Di Giorgio Family Wines
What: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc (14% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2012
How: $23

www.DiGiorgio.com.au

Cooks Lot Pinot Noir 2013

Quality Pinot is not cheap and whilst there are several in the market under $20 of very good quality, the contest at the price point is heating up.

There is not too much wrong with this drop. It's a solid wine which delivers varietal characteristics.

Damp earth and mulchy characters get things moving. Gentle spice with fistfuls of morello cherry washing around. The finish is soft and fine.

Well priced, it's an easy drop to throw in your glass for a mid week tipple.

Who: Cooks Lot Wines
What: Pinot Noir (12.5% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2013
How: $20

www.CooksLot.com.au

Deen De Bortoli Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Get out the bargain bell and bang it till your hands hurt.

For twelve bucks this is a cracker and the Deen De Bortoli Vat range is often discounted below the RRP which makes it an even better deal.

Apples and green melon are the heroes here. The wine is more textural than aromatic, but at this price point, forget all that. It's refreshing and damn easy to throw back. The fruit lingers better than expected on the finish, and I must say, I did lean over to slip another drop or two more into the glass. I reckon you might too.

Drink with sunshine, seafood, chicken or on its own.

Widely available.

Who: De Bortoli Wines
What: Sauvignon Blanc (12.5% alc)
Where: Riverina
When: 2013

How: $12

www.debortoli.com.au

Raidis Estate 'The Kid' Riesling 2012

A single vineyard Coonawarra Riesling possessing some similarities to a Polish Hill Riesling. To that I refer to the minerality and river stone characteristics which are not hard to miss.

Pretty flowers engage the nose with some lemon and lime pith. There is some slight spiced apple thrown in. Tight acid but a very easy drinking drop nonetheless with a persistent length.

I had this open in the fridge for four days and it didn't budge. I'd be interested to see how it would age.

A good wine to chill out with. Someone say prawns?

Who: Raidis Estate
What: Riesling (12.6% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2012
How: $19

www.raidis.com.au

O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard 'Karma' Sparkling 2012

O'Reilly's is nestled in the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland at Canungra. A beautifully restored house the centre piece with vineyards out the front and a creek flowing out the back. A great spot for a picnic.

This sparkling Chambourcin is one of the varieties grown on site. Members from the wine club are invited to come a pick the fruit and then all reconvene to taste the product on release.

I've had Chambourcin in the form of a fortified previously but not a sparkling. The base wine was aged in American and French oak. Quite a soft wine which was light on the fizz. Blackcurrant, a touch of cola and some cherry the highlights but not much else jumping in to support it. The lack of length and depth of character are sadly obvious.

I respect that small scale sparkling production is not cheap, but $35 for this is certainly a stretch. Members receive a generous discount which comes in around $25 a bottle, but still, not enough to make me open my wallet.

Who: O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard
What: Chambourcin (11.8% alc)
Where: Canungra Valley, Gold Coast Hinterland
When: 2012
How: $35

www.oreillys.com.au/cvv

Payten & Jones Paul's Range Pinot Noir 2012

These wines from Payten & Jones continue to impress me. There is sooo much going on here.

Single vineyard fruit from Tarrawarra in the Yarra Valley, the complexity is impressive.

Straight up there were aromas of burnt sausage, oak char and dried herbs. These soften and morphed into a delicate wine. Loaded with flavour I felt like one peeled off to reveal the next. Typical Pinot traits delivered in the form of cherries and earthiness roll out. The wild robustness which sits in the background was the clincher for me. The approach these guys have to their winemaking is simple and damn I like it.

Super fine tannins with a persistent finish.

I just loved it.

Who: Payten & Jones
What: Pinot Noir (13% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2012
How: $40

www.PaytenandJones.com.au

DiGiorgio Family Wines Kongorong Pinot Noir 2012

This was a pleasant surprise. Pinot from near Coonawarra? Can't be so can it? I'm happy to say I took the blinkers off.

The fruit comes from Kongorong, just south of Mt Gambier. A slighter cooler climate certainly assists and this Pinot is not too shabby.

Tobacco leaf, dried leaf matter, meat jus all swim around in harmony. It's more earthy than fruit driven but concentrated berry and dark cherry flavours sit well.

There is good depth to the wine which fills the palate. Acid is a little firm but settled over a few days so medium term cellaring will help.

I'd happily sip away at a glass.

My primary school librarian Mrs Keogh drilled it into us not to judge a book by it's cover. Fair enough too as this wine exemplifies those words.

Who: Di Giorgio Family Wines
What: Pinot Noir (14% alc)
Where: Kongorong, Limestone Coast
When: 2012
How: $35

www.DiGiorgio.com.au

Rocland Estate Barossa Grenache 2012

Aged in French and American oak, this wine delivers a dark appearance and I was hooked from the outset.

Good fruit with blackberries being the highlight. Juicy, deep and concentrated flavours were words that just kept coming to mind.

Certainly not confected, over the three days I had the wine open it continued to shine. Persistent indeed.

A handy Grenache and one I'd be happy to sip on and share with friends.

Medium term cellaring but it's good to go now.

Who: Rocland Estate
What: Grenache (14.5% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $25

www.roclandestate.com

Heritage Estate Frontignac 2012

Heritage Estate is based on the Granite Belt but the winery also has a satellite cellar door in the Gold Coast hinterland at Mt Tambourine.

I picked this up at the Granite Belt cellar door recently when I was in the 'hood. And I might just add, the cellar door is absolutely gorgeous. A former church which has been restored with a long wine tasting bench and a lovely cafe with many treats to sink your teeth into.

This Frontignac is quite slurpable. Straw like appearance with fresh aromas of flowers and musk. It's on the sweeter side and what it lacks in some respects, it suits the purpose to douse the fire of a curry. So I bought one and put it to the test. It worked a treat with a Thai green curry.

Not much acid but who cares. Job done. A waxy finish lingers. Not something I'd drink on its own but not a bad wine to look to when the mouth is burning.

Who: Heritage Estate
What: Frontignac (12.5% alc)
Where: Granite Belt
When: 2012
How: $16

www.heritagewines.com.au

Rocland Estate Chocolate Box GSM 2012

A good wine without the bells and whistles. Mind you, I did like the packaging.

Earthy, leathery, dried meat and cinnamon spice characters all highlighted a flavoursome palate. Some cozy mouth warmth made me wish it was winter again. I could see myself drinking this in front of a fire with some chocolate (how appropriate given the label) wedged in the side of my mouth.

Although the alcohol is up there, the wine doesn't give the appearance it is carrying 15%.

Enjoy with barbecued meat.

Who: Rocland Estate
What: Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre (15% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $22
www.roclandestate.com

DiGiorgio Family Wines Shiraz 2009

Having already spent 30 months in a mix of French and American oak, there is still plenty of development ahead of this wine despite it being a 2009 release.

Raspberry, some sweet mint, slight black pepper and earthy characters drive the bus.The mid palate is akin to a launch pad. All the action is here and the flavours didn't seep through to the back palate as much as I'd hoped.

The aging ability of the wine was clearly seen on the third day this wine was open. The palate was filled out much more. Certainly a keeper.

A good wine, and when you look at the price, it is worth having a look at. It certainly drinks better than some other $23 wines I have seen.

Who: Di Giorgio Family Wines
What: Shiraz (14% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2009
How: $23

www.DiGiorgio.com.au

Pizzini Nebbiolo 2010

This wine was absolutely humming on the third day I had it open. If anything, it highlighted the future this wine holds in the bottle for the next decade. It was simply divine.

Of all the Pizzini samples received, this was the only one to be sealed under cork. Plummy fruit and dark cherries bounced around beautifully. There was a subtle aniseed character in the mix too. Dried flowers and a little spice came to play also.

When you get powdery tannins, you know you've hit the jackpot, and that's how I felt here. Although a little firm, these will settle with time as you'd expect with good Nebbiolo. A drying long finish delivered a touch of dried herb to chew on.

Ideal for slow roasted meats, I've already got this on my shopping list. A very smart wine.

Who: Pizzini
What: Nebbiolo (13.8% alc)
Where: King Valley
When: 2010
How: $48

www.pizzini.com.au

Payten & Jones Yarra Valley Sangiovese 2012

From the label to the contents, this is some seriously head spinning booze. What a difference a couple of days make!

Day one greeted me with aromas of axle grease, grime, burnt rubber - the skid mark type. Rustic and rough, just the way the winemakers Behn Payten and Troy Jones like it. The palate was a little abrasive and I must admit I was attracted to the wine's point of difference. At the same time too, I can see many people struggling to get past taking a whiff. Char grilled lamb would go perfectly.

Hello day two. Whoa! I had to do a double take to see if it was the same wine I was looking at. All the aforementioned characters from day one seemed to have miraculously disappeared. Soft and supple, cherries deluxe. Some rose and dried flower traits shone through. A drying finish, man this was something to savour. A ripper.

Track it down and have a look for yourself at how this wine develops before your own eyes.

It would be interesting to see how this develops in the bottle over the next five years, if you can withhold the urge to get into it.

Who: Payten & Jones
What: Sangiovese (13% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2012
How: $27

www.PaytenandJones.com.au

Pizzini Sangiovese 2012

If you are on the hunt for a foolproof food match, grab a bottle of this and tuck it under your arm. Dangerously drinkable, it is hard not to keep sipping away.

Highlighted by dried herbs, cherries, a touch of raspberry and a dash of spice, there is also a good whiff of dried twigs and undergrowth.

I really liked the juicy acidity and the firm tannins on the finish but the flavours on offer make this very enjoyable indeed.

Pizza, spag bol, you name it. A wine I'd certainly be happy to buy and share.

Who: Pizzini
What: Sangiovese (13.5% alc)
Where: King Valley
When: 2012
How: $26.50

www.pizzini.com.au

DiGiorgio Family Wines Blanc de Blanc 2012

A very easy drinking sparkling which leans itself to being enjoyed as an aperitif.

100% Coonawarra Chardonnay and bottle fermented for nine months.

Fresh characters of pears and apples with some biscuity nuances.

A cleansing palate and although the fruit is a bit thin, damn it is easy to sip away. A drying finish leaves a trail of nougat, biscuit and a little yeastiness.

Worth considering.

Who: Di Giorgio Family Wines
What: Chardonnay (11.5% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2012
How: $35

www.DiGiorgio.com.au

St Ronan's Pear Cider

I absolutely love the apple cider these guys punch out, and as tasty as that was, this is just as good. Both are made exactly the same, the only difference being one is apple and the other pear.

Icy cold, I was having this on a stinking hot day. Super refreshing, crisp, fresh and textural. I felt like someone had just dropped some freshly cut pears in my mouth.

Enter the pig on a spit and the experience went to a whole new level. A great match!

I shared this with a few friends and, well, the bottle (750ml) was gone before we could top up. Unanimous love and lots of talk about the textural appeal.

Available on tap too, it is hitting all the trendy Melbourne bars and independent stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Give your insides a treat with the apple or pear. You deserve it!

Who: St Ronan's Cider
What: Pear Cider (7% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
How: $27 (750mL)

www.StRonansCider.com.au

Cooks Lot Shiraz 2012

A pretty handy Shiraz from Duncan Cook here.

The wine was a little like the wet newspaper you pick up off your dew soaked front lawn. You ever so carefully peel back each page and something new comes to the fore. Over the space of a couple of hours and the ensuing three days this was certainly the case for me with this wine.

Earthy and leathery characters with some raspberry trying to poke its head through. Good oak sitting alongside some smoke and black pepper characters too. Lovely fruit weight on the palate delivered a soft and smooth wine. However, I sent out a search party for the back palate as it was certainly missing in action. A longish finish with capped it off well.

I'd happily buy this wine, as with all Cooks Lot wines, the price is very reasonable. I'd be most interested to see where five years and then ten years takes this.

Who: Cooks Lot Wines
What: Shiraz (13.5% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2012
How: $20

www.CooksLot.com.au

Raidis Estate "The Kelpie" Sauvignon Blanc 2012

After one whiff I initially thought this was a Sauvignon Blanc with some barrel work. Tick! Now that's the Sauvignon Blanc I have been liking lately. A quick chat with winemaker Steve Raidis burst my bubble. 100% tank! But you know what? I still liked it.

There is a point of difference here however. It's textural, and first and foremost, it drinks well. Certainly not the best varietal example I've had but I'd have a glass or two with lunch.

The aromas seemed a little constricted first up but once the belt was loosened up a little, spring flowers, herbs, green melon and gooseberries came to play. It didn't come across as a fresh Sauv Blanc as there was certainly more to it.

Textural interest reigned supreme with flavours which lasted nicely. A slight wash of musk in the mix added to the interest. Good acid too makes this an inviting wine to have with a lunchtime chicken salad.

Who: Raidis Estate
What: Sauvignon Blanc (12.7% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2012
How: $19

www.raidis.com.au

Payten & Jones Black Paddock Syrah 2012

A single vineyard wine, made in only small quantities.

Quite an earthy Syrah and not the elegant style I have previously come across from this region. Surrounded by black olive and red fruits, a good whiff picks up some burnt potato chip and oak char characters. These flowed through onto the palate,and to me, seemed to strangle the fruit.

Despite some time in the glass, as much as I wanted the wine to sing to me, sadly it didn't. But perhaps it's just me as this wine recently picked up a Bronze medal at the recent 2013 Yarra Valley Wine Show.

Who: Payten & Jones
What: Syrah (13% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2012
How: $40

www.PaytenandJones.com.au