From thirst quenchers to serious food companions, wine writer Winsor Dobbin suggests some recent releases to tantalise your taste buds.
Irish tribute
Clonakilla 2024 O’Riada Shiraz
Sean O’Riada was one of the stars of 20th-century Irish music and a close friend, and cousin, of Clonakilla founder John Kirk. This superb – and surprisingly affordable – shiraz is named in his honour. It is a classic cool-climate shiraz from the Canberra region with floral notes, brambly red fruit, and spice and it is ready for immediate enjoyment. We paired it with steak and onions on a crispy ciabatta roll, but it would go well with any red meat or mushroom dish. Just lovely. $45.
Summer fun
De BortolI Lemon & Lime Spritz
A high refreshment quotient and effortless drinkability have seen spritzes boom over the past few years. This is a new release from the De Bortoli family that taps into the enduring popularity of citrus in drinks. Crafted from a lightly sparkling wine base, it blends lemon’s bright freshness with lime’s zesty, zingy acidity. It is under 10% alcohol by volume – and is vegetarian and Vegan friendly. I can imagine enjoying a glass or two of this well chilled with a picnic or on the beach. $24.
Tassie treat
Stoney Rise 2025 Chardonnay
Joe Holyman, once the Tasmanian wicketkeeper, is now one of the island state’s top winemakers, crafting captivating wines under the Holyman and Stoney Rise labels. This is a stylish cool-climate chardonnay that offers exceptional value. It comes from a fantastic vintage, and the fruit was sourced from a small vineyard in the north-west of the state. Think dry stone fruit flavours with impressive, and refreshing, acidity. Oak plays a minor support role with the vibrant fruit taking the lead role. $35.
Hunter Surprise
Meerea Park 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
The warm and getting warmer Hunter Valley is not where you might expect to find a classy cabernet sauvignon, but this one from a reliably good family winery with a pedigree dating back to 1991 is shining, nonetheless. Making a 100% cabernet in Pokolbin is a year-by-year proposition but the Lochleven vineyard, planted over 50 years ago, has delivered big time with a traditional “claret” from an excellent vintage. Only 100 dozen were made. Pair with a roast lamb en croute. $50.
Stylish Rosé
Peter Lehmann 2025 The Barossan Rosé
My wife is usually a very moderator imbiber, but she came back for a couple of extra pours of this lip-smacking savoury rosé made in the Barossa Valley by a brand that is usually known for its full-flavoured reds. This one is made from grenache grapes and is a particularly good choice for enjoying chilled over the warmer months of the year. It comes in an eye-catching bottle and shows off wild berry aromas and flavours. Medium- bodied, dry, and very food friendly. $25 – but look out for it on special.
Italian accent
Pizzini 2024 Nonna Gisella Sangiovese
The Pizzini family crafts wines made from Italian grape varieties that are designed to pair with classic Italian dishes. This one from the La Famiglia range is made from the Chianti grape, sangiovese, that thrives in the family vineyards in north-east Victoria. The name pays tribute to a family matriarch – and the wine pairs perfectly with a simple wood-fired pizza. This wine is aged in a mixture of large format older oak barrels and barriques with some batches aged in stainless steel tanks to maintain vibrancy and freshness. Mission accomplished. No need to wait, enjoy this one right now. $25.
Next month: Christmas drink suggestions
See more of Winsor’s wine tips and news at www.gourmetontheroad.com.
