Moondah Brook Verdelho 2009 – up to $18 – **

Gingin, Swan Valley and Pemberton, Western Australia. Pale straw. Bright aromas of tropical fruit salad. Medium weighted juicy palate continues with young pineapple and paw paw along with soft acidity.

Mount Langhi Ghiran Cliff Edge Riesling 2009 – up to $25 – **

Western Victoria. Pale with light green edge. Lemon zesty nose. Fresh lime, Granny Smith apples and dried pear on the palate lead to a slightly off-dry finish.

Chandon Vintage Brut 2007 – up to $40 – ****

Multi-region. Chardonnay – 54% and pinot noir – 46%. Golden hues, vigorous bead. Nose of just-baked Tarte Tatin and Apricot Danish. Mellow, rich mouthfeel. A complexity of well-integrated flavours includes apricot conserve, crusty baguette and delicate lime marmalade. The finish is long and satisfying and is supported by medium acidity.

Yering Station MVR 2008 – up to $25 – ***

Yarra Valley, Victoria. Blend of marsanne, viognier, roussanne. Light gold. Bouquet of honeysuckle and white blossoms. Velvety palate has hints of lemon butter, honeycomb and toasted almonds. Dry and full as you swallow.

Cab Mac Barossa Valley Shiraz 2008 – $20 – ***

The name is based on the late Stephen Hickinbotham’s brilliant development of the traditional carbonic maceration method. Medium ruby. Lifted nose of Kirsch and raspberry conserve. Soft, attractive, fruity palate of ripe summer berries with enough mild tannins to add structure. A fine accompaniment, served cooled, for a spring picnic.

Scrimaglio Rocca Nivo Barbera D’Asti – high $30s – ****

Region: Nizza Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy. Denominazione Di Origine Controllata Superiore. Dark cherry hues. Dusty, forest floor, tobacco and prunes on the nose. Dry and mildly astringent as you sip. Mouth-filling and savoury with hints of truffles, tapenade, bitter chocolate and quince paste. Delizioso!

Wildwood – Winemakers Reserve Petit Verdot 2009 – up to $45 – ****

Sunbury, Victoria. This varietal is often blended with cabernet sauvignon in Bordeaux reds. Mid-crimson, violet edging. Aromatic smoky, blueberry bouquet. Beautifully balanced, mid-weighted red, jam-packed with youthful berries over silky tannins. Tasty moreish finish.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate V&A Lane Cabernet Shiraz 2008 – seen around $40 – ****

Deep ruby, shades of purple. Rich and spicy blackcurrant and blackberry nose with a hint of toasted oak. Solid and smooth as velvet in the mouth. Intensity of fruit dominates the flavour profile while fine tannins provide effortless structural support. The finish is lasting and displays typical Wynns’ fruit concentration.

Ratings

***** – outstanding

**** – classy

*** – first-rate

** – good stuff

* – commercial

Price approximate in Australian dollars