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Easy drinking
McGuigan 2012 Bin Series No.2000 Shiraz
For those on a tight budget, the McGuigan Bin Series shiraz and chardonnay are reliable choices at a very reasonable price.
There’s a new-look label but the value remains unchanged. Soft and easy to drink, this medium-bodied wine offers bright red and black fruit flavours, hints of cocoa, and immediate drinkability.
A good portion of the fruit comes from the Limestone Coast of South Australia, which is known for quality wines more expensive than this.
Pair it with roast lamb. $10-12.
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Splash Out
Derwent Estate 2013 Chardonnay
The Derwent Estate vineyards, overlooking the river just outside Hobart, provide most of the fruit for Penfolds’ Yattarna chardonnay, which retails for around $120 a bottle.
The owners also keep some fruit for their own label, however, and this is top-notch Tasmanian chardy – very clean, very crisp, and also full of interest on the palate with a creamy texture, restrained oak and a bright, lingering citrus acid finish.
Try it with pan-fried whiting. Delicious. $37.
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Enjoyable blend
Margan 2013 Field Blend Block 11
This is probably the cheapest wine in the range of Hunter Valley winery Margan, but it is also one of the most accessible and immediately enjoyable.
A no-fuss blend of shiraz, tempranillo and mataro grapes grown in the same vineyard; it is a soft, easy-drinking style of red, perfect for pairing with a summer barbecue or as a partner on a pizza and pasta night.
A fun wine for immediate enjoyment. $15-16.
