Wine Guide

Under $20

De Bortoli Sacred Hill Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $6-$8

Score 88 Value Fantastic

De Bortoli's Sacred Hill wines are often absolute bargains. This is a case in point, a light, clean wine with an appetising mix of tropical and citrus-accented fruit, succulent balance and a sustained dry finish. (Screw cap; 12 per cent alcohol.)

Ageing? No.

Food idea Thai spring rolls.

Stockists include Amatos Liquor, Sydney​; Ritchies stores, Melbourne.

Fox Creek The Resolve Shiraz 2013 $15-$16

Score 88 Value Good

A deeply coloured, slightly porty wine, with aromas of plums, dark fruits, cloves and bakery spices. It isn't subtle, but it's velvety and generous, with a balanced counterpoint of mouth-drying tannins. (Screw cap; 13.9 per cent alcohol.)

Ageing? Drink over three years.

Food idea Steak and onion pie.

Stockists include Dan Murphy's.

$20-$35

Tightrope Walker Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2013 $20-$22

Score 92 Value Fantastic

From McWilliams' Yarra outpost, this pale chardonnay has appealing aromas of citrus, white peach, creme fraiche and a hint of smoky oak. It combines good depth with tangy freshness and a lingering mealy finish. (Screw cap; 13 per cent alcohol.)

Ageing? Drink over two years.

Food idea Salmon.

Stockists include Seddon Wine Store, Melbourne; Randwick Cellars, S

Juniper Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $21-$23

Score 92 Value Fantastic

Refined Margaret River cabernet at a good price. It smells of dark berries and currants, herbs and mocha, and the intense, middleweight palate has delicious fruit purity, finesse and a balanced foundation of soft tannins. (Screw cap; 14 per cent alcohol.)

Ageing? Drink over three years.

Food idea Pulled lamb shoulder with chickpeas and feta.

Stockists include Australian Wine Centre, Sydney; Cambridge Cellars, Melbourne.

Indulge yourself

Giesen The August 1888 Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $38-$40

Score 92 Value Good

Fascinating Marlborough sauvignon, complex with lees influence and carefully applied oak. White flower and guava aromas match the complexities through a full-bodied, sustained, rich palate. Savvy on steroids. (Screw cap; 14.5 per cent alcohol.)

Ageing? No.

Food idea Roasted pork belly.

Stockists include Lock, Stock & Bottle, Sydney; Chelsea Cellarbrations​, Melbourne.

Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $36-$38

Score 93 Value Good

Contemporary Coonawarra cabernet with black fruit, blackcurrant jam, bitter chocolate and lightly minty characters. Medium bodied, well balanced and tangy, it's a wine of excellent regional focus. (Screw cap; 13.5 per cent alcohol.)

Ageing? Drink over eight years.

Food idea Lamb ribs.

Stockists include Vintage Cellars; Dan Murphy's.

Wine of the week

Meerea Park Terracotta Semillon 2010 $30-$35

Score 96 Value Fantastic

A gorgeous maturing Hunter semillon with aromas of lemon, laundry soap, linseed and lanolin. It's savoury and full of interest. A toasty thread of bottle age doesn't impact freshness, and the plump, succulent palate has a lingering finish carried by zesty acidity. (Screw cap; 11 per cent alcohol.)

Ageing? Drink over four years.

Food idea Grilled chicken thighs with Vietnamese flavours.

Stockists include Nicks Wine Merchants, Melbourne; Vintage Blue, Sydney.

Something else

Clonakilla Vintage 2013 $43-$46

Score 93 Value Good

An unusual vintage port style made from Canberra region shiraz. A nose of plum, berry jubes, spice and slightly gamey spirit notes introduces a sweet warm mouthful of chocolatey richness, with fine cedary tannins underneath. (Screw cap; 18 per cent alcohol.)

Ageing? Yes, five years plus.

Food idea Mature cheddar.

Stockists include Five Way Cellars, Sydney; City Wine Shop, Melbourne.