Italian style
Feudo Arancio 2018 Grillo
This lovely little quaffer from Sicily is one the best wine bargains around right now so stock up on a few bottles for when it gets warmer. Imported by www.singlevineyard.com. Think enticing aromas, a tropical fruit salad palate and a light, fresh, crisp finish. This is versatile and delicious and would pair with anything from traditional fish and chips to a vegetable frittata. I’ve seen it on special at both Amato’s in Leichhardt and Annandale Cellars. $19.
Cheap as chips
Deakin Estate 2018 Shiraz
Who says you can’t find anything decent to drink for under a tenner? This is a terrific quaffing wine made from 100% shiraz from Red Cliffs near Mildura in the Murray Darling district of Victoria. It’s nicely balanced, soft and supple with plummy fruit to the fore and just a hint of oak. It’s one for enjoying now, perhaps with a backyard barbecue, or maybe with a pizza with the lot. Try First Choice liquor stores, where it has been discounted. $10.
Delicious blend
Terre a Terre 2016 Wrattonbully Red
Terre a Terre is the family label of Xavier Bizot, whose family owns Champagne House Bollinger, and Lucy Croser, whose father is one of Australia’s most influential winemakers. This is a lip-smackingly good blend of cabernet franc, shiraz and merlot with a good percentage of new French oak adding complexity and palate interest. Only 630 cases were produced, so speed might be of the essence if you want to snap up some of a wine of style and substance. $32.
Serious chardonnay
Kooyong 2018 Estate Chardonnay
It has serious rivals in Tasmania and the Yarra Valley but for me, right now, the Mornington Peninsula is producing some of Australia’s most spectacular cool-climate chardonnays. Kooyong WinemakerGlen Hayley is certainly on song. This is a wine of balance and poise, still a little tightly wound but perhaps destined to offer some of the pleasures of fine white Burgundy without the price tag. Intensity, citrus and mineral notes rule. $44.
Something special
Hurley Vineyard 2017 Estate Pinot Noir
It is over a decade ago that a Mornington Peninsula couple made contact to ask if I would be interested in sampling their new range of pinots. Since then, now Victorian Supreme Court Judge Kevin Bell and his legal eagle partner Tricia Byrnes have built a reputation for superb quality across their estate and single-vineyard wines. This is their entry level pinot but it is absolutely superb; de-stemmed fruit, pure, unfiltered, unfined, savoury, structured and full of joyful drinking pleasure. $48.
Winsor Dobbin – www.gourmetontheroad.blogspot.com.