Oxford Landing Pinot Grigio 2015 $7-$9
Score 87 Value Fantastic
Inexpensive pinot grigio is a risky business for the buyer but this wine from the South Australian Murray Valley ticks boxes. Light pear, crushed grape and hazelnut aromas are followed by a succulent palate of savoury flavour, balance and lightly firm finish. (Screw cap; 13 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? No.
Food idea Salt and pepper calamari.
Stockists include Porter's Liquor, Pyrmont (NSW); Morris Jones & Co., Windsor (Vic)
Paxton MV Shiraz 2014 $18-$20
Score 90 Value Good
A deeply coloured McLaren Vale shiraz with juicy aromas and a light floral touch. It's fruit driven with little apparent oak, and it tastes flowing and soft with a blackberry-ish aftertaste and soft, ripe tannins. (Screw cap; 14.5 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? No need.
Food idea Barbecued steaks.
Stockists include Camperdown Cellars, (NSW); Wine Republic, Fitzroy (Vic)
John Duval Plexus Marsanne Roussanne Viognier 2014 $28-$30
Score 92 Value Good
An aromatic Barossa white with viognier's influence readily apparent in its floral, musky aromas. Stone fruit and herbal notes add interest, and the palate has good depth, easy texture and a gently dry finish. (Screw cap; 13 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Drink over two years.
Food idea Pan-fried fish.
Stockists include Cellarbrations, Elwood (Vic); Sixty Darling Street, Balmain East (NSW)
Pizzini Pietra Rossa Sangiovese 2013 $26-$28
Score 91 Value Good
Pietra Rossa equals red stone. Iron-rich King Valley earth provides a sangiovese with cherry, plum, new leather, clove and spice aromas, and a flowing mouthful with integrated fine tannins and mouth-watering acidity. (Screw cap; 13.8 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Drink over two years.
Food idea Eggplant alla parmigiana.
Stockists include Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW); Leo's Fine Food & Wine, Kew (Vic)
Keller Riesling von der Fels 2014 $57-$60
Score 93 Value Good
Rheinhessen riesling of purity and elegance. Apple, kaffir lime and slate aromas give zest and interest, and the intense palate of citrus and green pineapple flavours is nicely sustained, finishing vibrant and tingly. (Cork; 12 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Yes, one to five years.
Food idea Crab cakes.
Stockists include Prince Wine Store, South Melbourne (Vic.); Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW)
Reynella Basket Pressed McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $60-$65
Score 93 Value Good
Reynella cabernets of the 1960s can still impress. This modern rendition offers violet, black fruit, tapenade and lead pencil aromas that lead through a smooth, medium weight palate of harmony, length and integrated tannins. (Screw cap; 14 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Yes, two to 15 years.
Food idea Pot-roasted lamb shanks.
Stockists include Dan Murphy's stores.
Pondalowie MT+ Tempranillo 2013 $27-$29
Score 92 Value Good
Excellent Bendigo region tempranillo with aromas of sarsaparilla, dark berries, mint and tar. It combines savoury mystery with appealing freshness, medium body and attractive texture, finishing with balanced grainy tannins. (Screw cap; 13.5 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? Drink over three years.
Food idea Baby lamb cutlets.
Stockists include: Best Cellars, East Sydney (NSW); Rathdowne Cellars, Carlton North (Vic)
Kangarilla Road The Veil Savagnin Blanc 2013 $28-$30
Score 89 Value Good
Inspired by vin jaune from France's Jura, The Veil is pungent with flor yeast, high-toned cidery characters and nutty oxidative notes. It has complex personality with piercing acidity and a lingering finish. (Screw cap; 14 per cent alcohol.)
Ageing? No.
Food idea Gruyere-style cheeses.
Stockists include Casa Ciuccio, Fitzroy (Vic); Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW)