- McPherson Full Fifteen Sparkling Red NV
Region: Nagambie, Victoria
Grapes: 42% Shiraz, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Durif (12.4% ABV)
Sparkling red wine is an Aussie speciality – and this rich example, from the creator of some of our most popular wines, doesn’t disappoint. It began with Andrew McPherson’s vision to craft a big, smooth, spicy red that over-delivered on flavour – and he did just that. Hints of pepper, spice, blackberries & cherries on the nose with the palate offering rich, ripe fruits with a gentle mousse and excellent berry length. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, with enough depth and versatility to pair with BBQs, roast dinners or with festive foods. Laithwaites (online) £13.99 - Stanton & Killeen Arinto 2021
Region: Rutherglen, Victoria
Grape: 100% Arinto (13% ABV)
Stanton & Killeen has been family-owned for seven generations. That is a lot of expertise passed down through generations! There is a tiny number of Australia wineries to produce this Portuguese variety. A bright white, with floral nuances and lively notes of nectarine and zippy citrus fruit. Minerality on the palate accompanies a fresh and elongated finish. Arinto compliments seafood, duck or simply a picnic in the summer sunshine. SW Wines (online) £18.20, on offer from £26 - Jim Barry The Aegean Assyrtiko 2023
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Grape: 100% Assyrtiko (11.4% ABV)
In 2012 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Vineyard was the first site in Australia to be planted with indigenous vines of Santorini. Assyrtiko vine thrives in nutrient-deprived, volcanic soils and exposed conditions with little rainfall. By contrast, Clare Valley has a very mild climate, but the reality of climate change and water scarcity means the drought tolerant Assyrtiko is ideally suited. 10% of the juice is fermented in oak and aged on its lees before blending with the rest of the wine, giving depth to its texture and complexity. With aromas of fresh citrus and herbs, this fruity wine is complimented by clean acidity and slightly salty notes. A wonderful pairing for fresh fish dishes, roasted vegetables and chargrilled white meats. Majestic (Lewes) £16.50
- V-on-YAY Viognier 2024
Region: Riverina, New South Wales
Grape: 100% Viognier (13% ABV)
Viognier is native to France’s northern Rhône, was nearing extinction just three decades ago. Its revival came via California, before being picked up in Australia. V On Yay is a superb example from De Bortoli, a family-run estate who have been making wines in Riverina, New South Wales, for over 90 years. For this white wine, grapes were picked in the cool early hours, fermented at low temperatures and bottled early to preserve freshness. Expect juicy peach and apricot flavours, with hints of tropical fruit and white blossom. Chill well and enjoy on its own, with salmon or a noodle stir-fry. Laithwaites (online) £11.99 - LAS Vino Chenin Blanc Dynamic Blend 2018
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc (14% ABV)
A certified organic and biodynamic site at the northern end of the cape. The fruit was hand-picked at
one time, chilled overnight and hand sorted prior to being lightly cold pressed as whole bunches, very gently over a few hours. The juice was left to naturally settle prior to a wild fermentation in a combination of French barriques. (70%) and clay amphora (30%). Fortnightly lees stirring prior to being bottled with no fining and no filtration. The wine is bright and fresh, crisp and lively, with a dry finish and brisk acidity. A touch of nuttiness. Honey grew the longer it was in the glass. Struck-flint notes add to complexity. The palate has good weight and concentration. Butlers Wine Cellar £37.50 - Tromboli’s Pink Duck Rosé 2024
Region: Big Rivers, New South Wales
Grapes: 98% Montepulciano & 2% Vermentino (13% ABV)
Sam Trimboli has been making fruit-filled Aussie wines that customers adore for nearly three decades. His Italian grandfather grew small quantities of grapes in their hometown in Reggio, Calabria. The family emigrated from Italy to Australia in 1967. Now at his own cellar, he’s made us the tangy-fresh Pink Duck. On the nose it offers raspberry, strawberry and sweet grenadine notes with fresh and crisp with ripe summer fruits and subtle minerality on the palate. Laithwaites (online) £9.99
- Philip Shaw The Wirewalker Pinot Noir 2021
Region: Orange, New South Wales
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir (13.5% ABV)
Philip Shaw has been making wine for 56 years. Twice International Winemaker of the Year and
Australian Winemaker of the Year. The wines are estate grown and made at Koomooloo Vineyard. The nose is vibrant and perfumed with aromas of wild strawberries, red cherry, and raspberry, layered with hints of rose petal, forest floor, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is supple and silky, offering fresh red fruit flavours with touches of clove, earth, and toasted oak. Quaff £20.99 - Sons of Eden Remus Old Vine Shiraz 2019
Region: Eden Valley, South Australia
Grape: 100% Shiraz (14% ABV)
The product of fruit from 50-year-old Eden Valley vines on precious low yielding sites and meticulous winemaking. All the fruit is handpicked and fermented in small open topped vessels with maturation being in mainly new French oak barrels. The aromas are of red berries and blackcurrants with dusty dried spice hints. While on the palate the fruit flavours are generous and concentrated. Quaff £56.49 - Campbells Rutherglen Muscat NV (5 years average age)
Region: Rutherglen, Victoria
Grape: 100% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (17.5% ABV)
This Muscat has vibrant fruit and subtle richness. Enjoy as an aperitif, with soft cheese or over ice
cream in the summer. Five generations of Campbells have proudly produced Rutherglen muscats since. Our unique solera system ensures the ultimate expression of muscat. Liquid sultana and raisin
character with hints of caramel and a rich, sweet finish. South Downs Cellars £17.95 per ½ bottle
The wines were accompanied by a selection of crackers, 24-month aged Cheddar, Cricket St Thomas British Camembert and fruit cake.
The Chenin Blanc was the group’s favourite white and the Shiraz the preferred red.