Some excellent wines for enjoying over the last days of summer
Back in vogue
Yalumba 2019 Y Series Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is back in vogue with cooler regions of Australia leading the way. The Y Series wines represent some of Australia’s best value everyday drinking and this is a prime example with bright, lifted fruit, wild ferment having added some punch palate interest and some crisp tropical fruit flavours on the palate. Fresh, lively and a lovely wine for enjoying a glass or two after work – and it is labelled as vegan-friendly. $12.
Magical merlot
Majella 2017 Coonawarra Merlot
Majella is one of the most reliable labels from Coonawarra, hidden away in remote country between Adelaide and Melbourne. This is one of Australia’s better merlots with traditional softness on the palate but allied to some oak interest. It is barrel fermented and then aged for 15 months in French oak. There’s a fragrant cassis nose and smooth ripe dark berry flavours. Pair with shepherd’s pie, or any mince dish. $35.
Summer style
Sandalford 2019 Wilyabrup Rosé
Made from cabernet sauvignon grapes grown in Margaret River, this is a terrific choice for enjoying chilled at the tail-end of summer. Bright and lively with berries and cream characters/cherry clafoutis notes with hints of Asian spice and green leaf, this can be paired with either Middle Eastern flavours or lightly spiced dishes from Vietnam. The textural zesty palate also makes it a fun quaffer without food. $25.
Pinot pleasure
Hesketh 2019 Rules of Engagement Pinot Grigio
This has to be one of the best value “drink now” whites on the market, full of the joys of summer with freshness, vibrancy and a hint of Italian style. Winemaker Zeeda Kilm has taken some quality Limestone Coast fruit and done very little to it. The end result is a racy, fruit-driven wine that’s perfect for picnics or a day out on the Bay Run circuit. $15.
Something special
Eldridge Estate 2019 PTG
This juicy, fruity Mornington Peninsula wine is inspired by the pinot noir-gamay blends of Burgundy, known as passetoutgrains– and has a cult following. There should be far more Australian wines made in this bright and breezy fashion, which is perfect for warm Australian summers. Buy a bottle or two of this (winemaker David Lloyd is doing it tough with his health at the moment) and chill it before drinking. You’ll see exactly what I am talking about. $35.
Surprise packet
Meerea Park 2019 XYZ Chardonnay
When you think the Hunter Valley you tend to think of shiraz and semillon, perhaps verdelho. Chardonnay, however, also shines in certain sites and this is a very good example. It’s a very modern style of chardonnay, picked early, I suspect, with barrel ferment oak characters merely adding some structure. There is excellent fruit quality with stone fruit flavours and ripe melon to the fore. Pair with poultry dishes. $25.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.blogspot.com.