Fraser Gallop Estate Chardonnay 2016, Margaret River $26
This well-priced young chardonnay has a light hue and restrained straw-hay aromas over lemon and grapefruit nuances, which also fill the palate. The finish is clean, crisp and refreshing. It has early–picked vitality, purity of fruit and sensitively handled oak. (13 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Drink now to seven years.
Food idea Chicken poached in master stock.
Stockists include Moncur Cellars, Woollahra (NSW); Parkhill Cellars, North Melbourne (Vic).
Score 93
Parson's Paddock Shiraz 2016, Langhorne Creek $14
A slightly callow, fruit-driven youngster with earth, licorice and berry-like primary fruit aromas, a gutsy palate with chewy tannins. Overall, it's a bold and slightly rustic red, with some heat in its finish. Good value. (14.5 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Drink now to 10 years.
Food idea Barbecued pork sausages.
Stockists include 1st Choice Liquor nationally; Liquor Market (Vic).
Score 86
An appealing grenache with unusually deep colour, a sweet lolly confectionery-like aroma and succulent, fruit-sweet palate that finishes long. It has light to medium weight, and the right amount of tannin to provide structure and a clean finish. (14.5 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Best now to 10 years.
Food idea Steak and mushroom pie.
Stockists include Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW); Finest Drop Cellars, Hampton (Vic); New Zealand distributor Macvine International, Auckland.
Score 90
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Vineyard Merlot, 2014 Margaret River $65
The colour is deep and there are blackberry and dark-olive aromas with a patina of toasty oak, while the palate is medium-full bodied with good intensity of red and blue fruits, spices and the barest herbal note. Good richness and fleshy extract. It really satisfies. It's not in retail just yet, but the 2013 is also very good. (14 per cent alcohol; screw-cap)
Ageing? Drink now to 12 years.
Food idea Thin grilled wagyu steak with soy sauce and wasabi.
Stockists include Wine House, Southbank (Vic); Wine Square, Camperdown (NSW).
Score 94