An enticingly affordable way to discover the joys of pinot meunier in all of its white peach roundness, wild strawberry freshness and marshmallow precociousness, all kept in obedient line thanks to no malolactic fermentation and low dosage. $45 at Cracka and Jimmy Watson’s, $50 at Grays.

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Méo-Camuzet’s négociant wines aren’t a patch on its home-grown domaine offerings, and Philibert is the most affordable way to get a patch of the good turf. It’s rounded and fruity with juicy white peach on the front, quickly pulling into a determined, structured, lingering finish. An impressive vintage for this vineyard. $50 at Steves.

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I’ve been buying Rockford’s fabled black fizz for fifteen years but never have I seen it cleaner and more refined than the August 2011 disgorgement. Polished Barossa black fruits, dark choc and mixed spice with refined tannins and a long, pure finish. The legend is alive and well. Buy at the cellar door in person […]

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The stars have aligned and one of Australia’s most celebrated chardonnay talents has caressed the fruits of the Yarra’s greatest Grand Cru site in the finest vintage in years. The result is one of the top five Australian chardonnays I’ve tasted in the past three years. Just 3444 bottles will vanish in no time, especially […]

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The gorgeous seductive perfume and succulent red fruits of Champagne’s two finest pinot noir villages are on full display here, maintaining an elegant refinement and restrained subtlety. One of the best value rosés this year at $65 at Prince Wine Stores.

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Need a smart red for the masses this silly season? Properly made, mature vine Langhorne Creek shiraz has no right to be sold off at cleanskin prices, so get in fast. Impressive, plush fruit depth and presence of black plums and berries, with supportive dark choc oak. Perfect for Christmas with the in-laws. Ho, ho, […]

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Geographe produces a finer and more restrained chardonnay than its illustrious neighbour, Margaret River, making this pretty little almost unoaked thing a delightful summertime quaffer. Pristine lemon blossom, grapefruit, white peach and even some chalky minerality. $13.50 at United Cellars.

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O’Leary Walker rieslings are the bargains of the Clare, especially when they nail a vintage as confidently as they did this year. The cool season’s kaffir lime, granny smith and lemon zest meets the approachable softness of guava and peach. $17 at Dan’s.

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Albariño is the perky little Spanish white we thought we grew here, but didn’t. Here’s the real thing, and it thrashes the more expensive contenders that tend to be too old and under cork. Young, fresh and screw capped, it’s soft and spicy, with apple and pear fruit finishing crunchy and pure. $18 at Sunshine […]

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Larry Cherubino’s wizardry for the masses – the textural finesse of the master for just $18 at Dan’s. An impressively medium-bodied style, clocking in at under 14% on the Richter scale, yet with sumptuous richness of dark plum, black cherry, black pepper and mixed spice.

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