Under $20
Yarra Burn Premium Cuvee Rose NV $16-$19
Score 89 Value Good
Salmon-pink Victorian pinot noir-chardonnay bubbly from respected fizz-maker Ed Carr. It has clean raspberry and strawberry shortcake aromas, and while it's dry overall, a pleasant hint of sweetness carries through, softening the finish. (Cork; 12.5 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? No.
Food ideas Sticky barbecued chicken wings; salmon sushi.
Stockists include Dan Murphy's stores; Kemenys, Bondi (NSW).
Reillys Clare Valley Shiraz 2012 $18-$20
Score 90 Value Fantastic
Reillys great value Clare reds are hearty and generous. This earthy shiraz opens with spicy raspberry and blackberry fruit, a dab of sweet oak, and a hint of farmyard. It's juicy, big-flavoured and complete with balanced tannins. (Screw cap; 14.5 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Drink over four years.
Food ideas Barbecued meats; root vegetable empanadas.
Stockists include Nicks Wine Merchants, Doncaster East (Vic); Platinum Liquor, Bellevue Hill (NSW).
$20-$35
Clonakilla Canberra District Riesling 2014 $33-$35
Score 94 Value Good
Known best for reds, Clonakilla also makes excellent riesling. The 2014 has light, pristine varietal aromas of lime, spring blossom and apple pie. It has lovely concentration with zesty vibrancy and a long fragrant finish. (Screw cap; 12.5 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Drink over six years.
Food ideas Grilled delicate fish; Vietnamese rice paper rolls.
Stockists include City Wine Shop, Melbourne (Vic); Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW)
Fontanafredda Ebbio Langhe Nebbiolo 2012 $28-$30
Score 90 Value Good
A Piedmontese nebbiolo of good colour and classic varietal identity. Strawberry, floral, spice and tarry aromas lead through a medium bodied, savoury palate, framed in lip-smacking acidity and dry, grippy tannins. (Screw cap; 13.5 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Drink over three years.
Food ideas Risotto with Italian sausage; Milanese-style veal chops.
Stockists include Botanical, South Yarra (Vic); Camperdown Cellars, Darlinghurst (NSW).
Indulge Yourself
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2012 $82-$85
Score 94 Value Good
Beautifully understated, classy Margaret River chardonnay, with intense, white peach, citrus, honey, mineral and spicy oak elements in charming balance. It's rich in the mouth with great texture and a long, chalky-dry finish. (Screw cap; 13 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Drink over three years.
Food ideas Cold English-style veal and ham pie; crispy prawn cutlets.
Stockists include Melbourne Wine House, Southbank (Vic); Bellevue Hill Bottle Shop (NSW).
Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2010 $95-$100
Score 95 Value Good
Classic Barossa shiraz of powerful personality. Blackberries, cassis, spice, vanilla and choc-coconut meet the nose; generous, powerful flavours, full body and ripe tannins fill the mouth. A lingering mocha-like aftertaste completes the picture. (Screw cap; 14 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Yes, two to 15 years.
Food ideas Roast beef; kangaroo.
Stockists include Boccaccio Cellars, Balwyn (Vic); Sixty Darling Street Fine Wine, Balmain East (NSW).
Wine of the week
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV $65-$75
Score 95 Value Good
Among well-known champagnes, this is great non-vintage wine – a mellow interplay between apple, peach and citrus characters, yeasty, praline complexity, smooth richness, and delicious tang. Often discounted too, so shop around. (Cork; 12.5 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? No.
Food ideas The freshest chicken sandwiches; strawberries.
Stockists include Dan Murphy's stores; Vintage Cellars stores.
Brew
Mornington Pale Ale $3-$4 330ml bottle
Score 95 Value Good
From Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, this creamy, golden, cloudy ale is fragrant with passionfruit, florals and malty richness. Complex, profound flavours have a tight, minerally backbone. Beer for contemplation, not guzzling. (4.7 per cent alcohol.)
Stockists include Blackhearts & Sparrows stores (Vic); Camperdown Cellars, Darlinghurst (NSW).
Something Different
Score 90 Value Good
Eric Bordelet Poiré Granit 2013 $45-$47
Perry is cider made from pears. From Normandy in France, this charming, lightly foaming example has delicate pear aromas. A light, soft palate gently suggests fruit sweetness, made mouth-watering by fresh acidity. (Cork; 4 per cent alcohol.)
Stockists include Prince Wine Store, South Melbourne (Vic); Annandale Cellars (NSW).