SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Two impressive sub-$25 shirazes are among the stars as wine writer Winsor Dobbin selects some standouts for winter enjoyment.
Famous name
McWilliam’s 2024 Terra Shiraz
There is a new entry into the competitive sub-$20 wine bracket in Australia. Newly-launched TERRA, designed for everyday drinking, comes from one of the most famous labels in Australia – Riverina-based McWillam’s, which has been under the ownership of the Calabria Family Wine Group since 2021. I’ve checked out all four wines. The presentation is excellent with this shiraz an outstandingly good buy. It is a medium-bodied all-purpose red that is extremely food friendly. $19.99.
Classic Cabernet
Xanadu 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
When a sub-$50 wine from a consistently excellent producer is awarded the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show at the 2026 National Wine Show of Australia and named Red Wine of Show then it deserves serious attention. Winemaker Glenn Goodall and his Margaret River winemaking team have hit this one out of the park and it is seriously underpriced. It is a classic cabernet with all the elements in place. Cassis/dark choc flavours, well integrated oak and superb balance and length. Ready to enjoy right now with a winter casserole. $45.
Tasmanian treat
Two Tonne Tasmania South Pinot Noir 2025
Ricky Evans’ Two Tonne Tasmania range offers an affordable introduction to the joys of cool-climate wines from Tasmania. This is one of three pinots in the collection; the others being from the north, and the east coast. It is a blend of fruit from the Huon, Derwent and Coal River valleys – some of the coolest regions in the country. Nicely layered, with classic Tassie pinot characters, this would be brilliant matched with some Chinese roast duck. $39.
Yarra star
Hoddles Creek 2025 Chardonnay
The d’Anna family are legendary for offering high-quality chardonnays and pinots from the Yarra Valley that offer outstanding value. This new-release chardonnay strikes just the right balance between fruit flavour and elegance despite this being the earliest pick of the grapes for over a quarter of a century. Pair this with anything from crispy pork belly to a spicy prawn omelette. $26.
Top value
D-Reserve 2023 Barossa Shiraz
Dee Vine Estate expands its reach from Beelbangera in the Riverina to various premium regions with its D-Reserve range. Very quaffable, this is excellent value for money. It has aromas of dark plums, black pepper and Asian spices while the palate is rich and complex with impressive tannin structure and a soft finish. You could pair this with anything from a lamb roast to a mushroom quiche. $25.
French accent
Windowrie Sakura 2026 Picpoul Blanc
Yes, wines from the 2026 vintage are in the shops. This is a zingy Australian take on the French Picpoul de Pinet; a lively, high-acid unoaked white wine from the Languedoc region of southern France. Grown and made by the O’Dea family at organic producer Windowrie in the western ranges of NSW, it would be a terrific partner for some spicy Portuguese-style roast chicken. Our friends at Single Vineyard Sellers are the distributors and you can expect lively lemon, lime and green apple flavours. Serve well chilled. $35.
See more of Winsor’s wine news and reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com
