As you can imagine, the folk who live on Strout Road have heard a lot of trout jokes. If you can’t beat them, join them, say the Strout Rd Vintners. They may only be a small outfit, but they’re certainly making a big splash with their luscious, mouthfilling wines, like this fresh and beautifully balanced Chardonnay which takes its fruit from vineyards in Langhorne Creek, which has long been a region touted as an insider's top tip for exceptional value.

On an estate vineyard in Wrattonbully South Australia, two sisters are producing wines which are winning hearts, palates and awards around the world. Named after the morning ritual of assembling their eight children "at the gate" in time for the school bus.This lightly oaked white was 1/3 pressed directly into new French oak for a wild yeast and a malolactic fermentation, the remaining 2/3 given a cool slow ferment and no malolactic.The blending of the traditional barrel techniques and the varietal characters maintained have created a wine that is rich in balance and structure.

Born-and-bred Hunter Valley specialist, Aaron Mercer spent years at Tamburlaine, and had stints at Tyrrell’s and Brokenwood, before setting up on his own. He’s also worked in California, France and Germany so brings a great deal of experience to his winemaking, with a a great small-batch range from premium Hunter Valley sites, Tumbarumba and Orange. This classy, gently oaked Hunter Chardonnay boasts fresh peach, vanilla, and pannacotta flavours and a nutty edge.

”… this is attractive if somewhat shy with its aromas and flavours – a hint of lemon, ginger cream and neat acidity.” (Toni Paterson, The Halliday Wine Companion. Born-and-bred Hunter Valley specialist, Aaron Mercer spent years at Tamburlaine, and had stints at Tyrrell’s and Brokenwood, before setting up on his own. He’s also worked in California, France and Germany so brings a great deal of experience to his winemaking, with a a great small-batch range from premium Hunter Valley sites, Orange and Tumbarumba – as here in this lovely 92pt Chardonnay. For Mercer, these wines are a passion project, only to be produced when great parcels of fruit come into the winery. They are built to be age-worthy and exemplary examples of a region.

Pop open this great value and delicious sparkler. It's from Tasmanian Vintners, a joint venture between Tassie businessman Rod Roberts and Fogarty Wine Group (Deep Woods, Evans & Tate, Dalwhinnie). They've attracted some extraordinary winemakers, including Marlborough-born Liam McElhinney, the former Jimmy Watson Trophy winner. The brief is to produce stylish, modern wines from premium Tasmanian fruit with an identity that remains somewhat mysterious. This sparkling cuvee boasts crisp apple, lemon and hints of strawberry and cashew. A lovely way to kick off a backyard feast. Yum!

A fluffy mousse quickly evaporates leaving behind a very pale straw coloured base that has a fine bead flowing through it with plenty of persistence. Pear and red apple scents drift out of the glass followed by hints of quince and subtle lees like notes. Crisp and highly refreshing the palate features pear and ripe apple fruits over a citrus and lees back drop. Racy in its feel its finishes dry and slightly chalky. Alc. 12%