Bargain Buy.
Baily and Baily 2018 Silhouette Series Sauvignon Blanc
Looking for an easy-drinking quaffing wine that offers terrific value? This brisk white from Woolworths-owned Baily and Baily comes in a one-litre bottle and is perfect for after work tipples as the weather starts to warm up. You’ll find a mix of tropical fruit and citrus flavours here in a fresh, lively white that is great for refreshment but would also pair well with salads or old style-fish and chips. Available for $10 from BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores.
Stylish Blend
Zema Estate 2015 Cluny
A four-year-old blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot from one of Coonawarra’s best family-owned producers really ought to command a higher price point – which is great news for lovers of stylish, medium-bodied reds. The Zema family only release their wines when they feel they are at their peak and this is in the zone right now. Small amounts of cabernet franc and malbec have been added to produce a delightful food friendly Bordeaux-style wine with Australian attitude. $26.
Something different
Jim Barry 2018 Assyrtiko
This is Australia’s first commercially released white wine made from the Greek grape variety assyrtiko, which thrives on the island of Santorini. The vines were planted in 2012. If you enjoy wines in the crisp and lively style of albarino or verdelho then this will be right up your alley with its vibrancy and immediate drinking appeal. One of a number of recent stellar releases from this family winery in the Clare Valley that have hit the bullseye. Pair with pan-fried fish fillets. $35.
Tasmanian treat
Mania 2018 Pinot Noir
Mania is the “budget” label of Jim and Daisy Chatto, who also produce premium Tasmanian wines under their Isle and Chatto labels. This is a blend of fruit from three different regions; the Huon Valley, Tamar Valley and East Coast, hand-picked and sorted, wild fermented and matured in aged French oak puncheons for 10 months. Distributed by Fourth Wave Wines, this is well balanced and immediately accessible but still has the style and complexity for which Chatto is known. Well worth checking out. $33.