Sensuous savvy
Holm Oak 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
Most sauvignon blancs are unoaked, fresh and lively and fall away after a year or two in bottle.
Husband and wife team Tim and Rebecca Duffy take a different approach at Holm Oak in the Tamar Valley, Tasmania.
While this is zingy and vigorous in its youth, it has also seen fermentation in older oak barrels for 20% of the fruit, adding textural interest and weight to the palate.
An affordable introduction to Tasssie sauvignon blanc. $25.
Barbecue bargain
Pitchfork 2014 Margaret River Shiraz
It is hard to find a label to beat Pitchfork when it comes to value for money and this intense, fruit-driven red is hard to match when it comes to quality everyday drinking.
There is no great complexity here but there is a whole lot of immediate drinking pleasure in a wine carefully crafted by experienced vigneron Michael Kerrigan.
Think dark plum flavours with hints of pepper and appealing softness on the palate. $16.
Rosé revelation
Even Keel 2016 Sangiovese Rosé
Sam Coverdale is a very talented Mornington Peninsula winemaker who is behind the Polperro and Even Keel wine labels.
For this savoury and very quaffable Italian-style rosé, he sources sangiovese grapes from Heathcote.
With several weeks of warm weather still remaining, this is a very good choice for cool and crisp refreshment.
Bright fruit, savoury characters and a dry finish. $28.
