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Seductively alluring chardonnay, with the vivacity of grapefruit blossom perfume that might be more expected in a one-year-old chardonnay than a three-year-old. Its fragrance does not fade for a single moment during its long, linear finish, defined by a wonderfully textural, mineral, chalky mouth feel. All the complexity of grapefruit pith, lemon zest and white […]

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Such precision of Margaret River cabernet is extremely rare at this price. Brilliant blackcurrants, blackberries and black olives, yet for all its concentration, impeccably refined and medium-bodied. This is a consummately textured wine of signature Margaret River gravelly tannins that pull a full-flavoured palate into a finely honed finish. $27 at Kemeny’s.

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It’s fifty years since this vineyard produced the first botrytis riesling in the country, and it remains among the finest. The secret is the acidity of the cool King Valley, pulling the finish in tight and refreshing, balancing its unctuous sweetness of baked peach, apricot and honey. A beautifully balanced wine of outstanding persistence, topped […]

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For sauvignon to retain such vitality and energy in the presence of complexity as profound as this defines a lifetime achievement for James Healy and Ivan Sutherland. Magnificent ripples of green pea, capsicum, mint, grapefruit, lime and lemon, then wood smoke and flint. Scintillating mineral presence, pristine freshness and outstanding length. If you thought sauvignon […]

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Such distinctive varietal and regional definition rarely emerges from WA at this price. Juicy, ripe blackcurrant, cassis and blackberry fruits are underlined by fine, supple tannins, with nicely balanced grip on the finish. $13.50 at Discount Wines and direct from Alkoomi.

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New Zealand’s first commercial methode traditionnelle bubbles has struck new levels of finesse this year. From mature Gisborne vineyards, with a full year on lees, this chardonnay pinot noir blend is crisp and fresh with lemon zest and peach fruit, well-gauged dosage sweetness and balanced appeal. It’s simple and commercial, but refreshing, clean and insane […]

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Uber-talented Tash Mooney is contract winemaker for the Oakbank vineyard of Sidewood. Stable Hill is its bargain second label, with a single vineyard estate chardonnay of high-tensile grapefruit, lemon, peach and white nectarine fruit. A zippy acid backbone unashamedly tells the story of a cool vintage in the Hills. A crunchy aperitif now, or let […]

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Single estate vineyard Adelaide Hills shiraz with an impressive fruit profile of black plum, blackberry and dark cherry lingering long amid finely textured tannins and integrated oak. Classic nuances of Adelaide Hills black pepper complete a balanced and poised style. All this for just $10 at Get Wines Direct.

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Y Series is one of the most reliable performers in the sub-$15 sauvignon stakes, and the latest rendition is an accurate expression of a cool vintage. Devoted followers of this label will note more asparagus, cut grass, tinned peas and capsicum in this release, while maintaining classic Y Series zesty citrus profile and accurate varietal […]

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An exciting newcomer to the Y Series family, harvested early from two Renmark vineyards to produce a refreshingly low alcohol style, fermented cold to retain zippy lime zest accents and matured for two months on lees to build a finely textured palate. A perfect match for sushi, sashimi and any Asian seafood canapés. $9.50 at […]

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