FOOD FRIENDLY
From some of the biggest names in wine to small batches from family-owned operations, wine writer Winsor Dobbin pinpoints some of the best recent releases for pairing with food.
Aussie Classic
Penfolds 2023 St Henri Shiraz
The new Penfolds Collection wines are being released this week and if the stellar 2022 Grange is beyond your budget at $1000 a bottle, then you might consider the St Henri as a more affordable “special occasion” red. Since the 1950s this has been a classic choice with the 2023 a blend of fruit from usual suspects McLaren Vale, Barossa and Padthaway augmented by grapes from Frankland River and Port Lincoln. This release is right in the zone with bright fruit allied to impressive structure. A serious wine that would be lots of fun paired with steak frites. $135.
Perennial Favourite
Shaw + Smith 2026 Sauvignon Blanc
This is the 37th vintage of Australia’s benchmark premium sauvignon blanc from the cool Adelaide Hills. The strength of this wine is that it always delivers exactly what its fans have come to expect. This offers aromatics, vibrancy, fresh pink grapefruit character, and dryness on the palate. There is no intrusive oak, no excessive lees stirring: just immediate drinkability. This pairs with just about any seafood dish, or Chinese food, and is designed for enjoying over the next couple of years. Enjoy chilled, but not too chilled. $36.
Orange star
Ross Hill 2024 Pinnacle Series Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is rarely seen as a stand-alone grape variety. It is usually blended with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and other Bordeaux varieties, except in the Loire Valley, where it is common in Chinon and surrounding regions. Cabernet franc came to Australia in James Busby’s vine collection of 1832 but remains a niche variety. This new vintage from family-owned Orange producer Ross Hill is made by widely travelled winemaker Chris Jessop and is super impressive. It is a red of style and finesse. It is purple, vivacious, spritely and grippy. Bring on grilled lamb chops. Drink now or cellar confidently. $50.
Stylish buy
Williams Crossing 2025 Chardonnay
Since 1989, family-owned and -operated Curly Flat has been producing premium wines from the Macedon Ranges in Victoria with a focus on chardonnay and pinot noir. Williams Crossing is its entry level label. Generous yet energetic and well balanced, this is vibrant and approachable with citrus and stone fruit characters allied to mainly older oak in a support role. It offers both texture and style and is excellent value. You could easily pay a lot more for a wine of this quality, Highly recommended at $34.
Tasmanian treat
Pipers 2025 Pinot Noir
You can easily pay more than $100 a bottle for quality Tasmanian pinot noir at your local bottle shop, so popular has the style become. Cool-climate pinot is all the rage right now; food friendly and well balanced and this sibling to the Pipers Brook wines certainly comes in at a good price point. It is berry fruit driven with a smart but soft finish and silky structure. It is a blend of grapes grown at Pipers Brook and at Strathlynn on the west bank of the Tamar River, 70km away. Pair this with a fricassee of mushrooms. $30.
NSW winner
David O’Dea 2025 No Added Preservative Organic Shiraz
Keen to drink wine from New South Wales? To enjoy a red from a family producer? To support an organic winery? To drink wine without extra preservatives? To give a go to an organic producer? To drink wine that is Vegan friendly? If a lot of boxes have been ticked, Sydney-based Single Vineyard Sellers distributes this juicy, spicy and affordable barbecue-friendly shiraz made by the O’Dea family at Windowrie, outside Canowindra in the Central West. $25.
See more of Winsor’s wine news and reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com
