2021 Lyons Will Riesling, Macedon Ranges
A generous and well-rounded take on riesling from Renata Morello, this 100% handpicked and sorted wine saw 50% of the fruit destemmed, while the rest was whole bunch pressed before fermentation in seasoned oak. There is a nice interplay between honeysuckle and citrus, underpinned by mineral complexity. lyonswillestate.com.au
2017 Moon Marsanne, Nagambie
From one of Nagambie’s best advocates of minimal intervention winemaking comes this fine, elegant marsanne, showcasing crisp natural acidity and restrained fruit flavours. A succession of rich savoury notes and texture, framed by gentle tannins, leads to a long finish. moonwine.com.au
2018 Ocean Eight Verve Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula
Winemaker Mike Aylward is renowned for his take on Mornington Peninsula chardonnay. The vibrant 2018 Verve Chardonnay has aromas of grapefruit and lemon with some mineral components. Fruit intensity on the palate leads to a crisp, dry and very long finish. oceaneight.com.au
2021 Terrason Aligoté, King Valley
This is Terrason’s fourth release aligoté, a textural white wine from Burgundy’s lesser-known grape variety. Picked early, fermented naturally and aged in old barrels for eight months, this wine has great natural acidity, a citrus-dominant palate and an ability to age incredibly well. terrasonwines.com
2021 Scion Rosé, Rutherglen
Winemaker Rowly Milhinch looks to durif for his rosé – not just to hero Rutherglen’s most iconic and unique red grape, but also to home in on the fresh and delicate flavours revealed without its firm tannins. Guava, white peach and melon flavours are supported by a savoury mouthfeel with a fine, clean finish. scionwine.com.au
2020 Clyde Park Estate Pinot Noir, Geelong
A blend of all five blocks and seven pinot noir clones from Clyde Park’s estate has resulted in a textured and complex wine. Lean and angular in body, it has juicy acidity and firm tannin with aromatic notes of blackcurrant leaf, crunchy redcurrants and red cherry with hints of vanilla and toast. clydepark.com.au
2017 Lightfoot & Sons Cliff Block Pinot Noir, Gippsland
Made with 25% whole bunch and around 35% new French oak, this pinot noir, sourced from the naturally exposed and low yielding Cliff Block at the southern end of the Myrtle Point vineyard, is highly aromatic, savoury and textural. lightfootwines.com
2018 A.Rodda Cuvée de Chez, Beechworth
Cuvée de Chez loosely translates as ‘cellar blend’ and it’s Adrian Rodda’s interpretation of a traditional claret Bordeaux blend. Dark cherries and plum aromas with violets and wild herbs. The supple fruit weight is melds seamlessly with fine, velvety tannins providing great balance and finesse. aroddawines.com.au
2020 Ben Haines Syrah, Grampians
Ben Haines aims to showcase the vastness of aroma, flavour and texture in his wines, along with elegance, detail and poise. This 2020 syrah hits the brief. Naturally fermented and unfiltered, it is a deliciously approachable medium-bodied wine championing the unique Grampians terroir. benhaines.wine
2020 Jasper Hill Georgia & Friends Shiraz, Heathcote
Extreme drought preceding the 2020 harvest resulted in a very small vintage of excellent Georgia’s Paddock fruit from Jasper Hill’s unirrigated vineyard. It was complemented with the addition of some purchased grapes from Heathcote friends, resulting in a wine with lifted aromas and complex flavours of mixed red and black berries with typical spiciness. jasperhill.com.au
2019 Mayford Tempranillo, Alpine Valleys
Winemaker Eleana Anderson handpicked 14 small parcels of fruit for this wine. It has perfumed aromas of dark cherry and cocoa dust with savoury charred meats and soy. The mid-weight palate has poise and balance, with fleshy dark fruits, bitter chocolate and velvety tannins. mayfordwines.com
2018 Yarra Yering Dry Red No.1, Yarra Valley
A blend of 55% cabernet, 28% merlot, 12% malbec and 5% petit verdot, this brooding yet exquisite wine showcases the complexity of the Yarra Yering site. Fruit power is its hallmark, complemented by a bright acid drive and tannins that form a solid foundation for a long future. yarrayering.com