A founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, Jim Barry is a legendary Clare Valley out t. Its wines run the gamut of styles (and prices) from the renowned Jim Barry Watervale Riesling ($20) through to the magnf cent ‘Armagh’ Shiraz ($325). Assyrtiko is a lipsmacking white variety originally from Greece, now grown in Clare, in this exciting first. A tantalising taste of Santorini, Australian-style – delicious! “Garrique bush and flowers bouquet; the vines have grown another dimension, as has the flavour intensity, which is almost shocking - sour lemon, fresh-cut herbs, red apple... 94pts” (Halliday).

With 130 years of expertise under the family’s belt, Angove have plenty of experience to call upon. In recent years they have been awarded ‘Winery of the Year’ and many medals besides for individual wines. Fourth generation John Angove now heads up the cellar that Dr William Angove started in 1886 near Adelaide (by making award winning brandy – a product they’re still famous for) and, besides championing unusual grapes, John also pioneers modern styles of wine. His 2018 turns its back on the weighty, golden, heavily oaked Chardonnays of last century and embraces bright stone fruit, shot through by lemony brilliance. No wonder this grape is back in favour.

The 2019 Trimboli “Salvatore” Trebbiano has scooped a Gold medal at the Australian Italian Varietal Awards Wine Show. The wine then went on to receive the Trophy at the same show and then…….. Chief Judges Award for Most Exciting Wine of the Show. Sa, whho has won hhundreds and hundreds of Golds over the years (plus some MAJOR Trophhies) hhas always handled this Italian white grape superbly, and you will love it every bit as much as the show judges. White fruit, elegant chharm and a lick of French oak. Delicious!

Venezie in northern Italy boasts an Alpine climate that makes it perfect for crisp, aromatic whites like this. Pinot Grigio is the preferred grape here, but this ‘visionary’ white is an inspired blend, courtesy of Alessandro Gallici. Born in Friuli, he knows the vineyards here like the back of his hand. In Visionario Alessandro combines local Friulano with other grapes such as Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer, to create a wonderfully aromatic white that’s a massive customer favourite. It’s terrific on its own and has natural affinity with fish dishes such as trout with almonds, or with creamy pasta.

Dr Forrest and his wife Brigid (also a doctor) use techniques in the vineyard to allow the grapes to obtain maximum flavour, but keep sugar (and therefore alcohol) levels down. No fancy winery or laboratory tricks – just some very clever canopy management and timing as to when they pick. This delicious lower alcohol (9.5%) Rosé melds Pinot Noir with the white grape Arneis to create a delightfully fresh and lively pink, bursting with fresh strawberries, ripe red cherry, and just a hint of aromatic herbs like sage and thyme.

Forrest Estate now have vineyards in premium Otago and Gimlett Gravels but grapes for Field of Stones Sauvignon are pure Marlborough, grown on the very stony soil adjacent to the Forrest winery, hence the name ‘Field of Stones’. The fruit is harvested in the cool of the night and early morning to maximise the mineral freshness and the lemon thyme, elderflower and guava flavours. Bring on the seafood platter!

A slight textural and richness through to the palate leaving pronounced acidity, a character typical of cool climate vineyards.