1. Best Whites
South Point Estate Central Victorian Sauvignon Blanc 2013 – $5 at ALDI Yes, just $5, and it’s as good as the cheaper Kiwi Savvies. Remarkable value.
McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Chardonnay 2013 – $8.50 at Dan M’s. McWilliams try hard to give this wine some attitude with careful blending and oak maturation. Don’t know how they do it for the money. The 2012 is as good as it gets, the 2013 needs a bit of time for the oak to settle down.
Montes Classic Series Chardonnay 2013 – $8.50, Dan M’s. Riper and more forward than the 2012, touch up with some aromatic oak. Bit obvious but will please many people. From Chile.
Deen De Bortoli Vat 7 Chardonnay 2012 – $10 at Winestar. Pretty good value for money – good fruit, well-made, round with a crisp finish.
Marques De Tezona Macabeo 2013 – $9 at Bayfields. Made from the ubiquitous Macabeo and Sauvignon Blanc, this is always a crisp dry white that’s good value. CM at the Winefront says it’s a great seafood style and gives it 90 points. At $9, that makes it a serious bargain.
2. Best Reds
Angove Long Row Shiraz 2012 – $8 at OurCellar. Halliday called this ‘one of the great all-time bargains,’ and gave it 92 Points. Mike Bennie at the Winefront raved about and gave it 90. Be quick: the 2013 is out.
Arrogant Frog Croak Rotie Shiraz 2012 – $8.50 at Dan M’s. Fair chance that this is made by Aussies in the Languedoc region of France. Well-made, easy-drinking red with plenty of charm.
Marques De Tezona Tempranillo 2013 – $9 at Kemenys. ‘Love that it’s got a savoury edge and a bit of grunt, which is pretty rare at the pointy value end of red wine,’ says Gary at the Winefront. ‘Bang per buck is off the charts. 89 points.’ What more can we ask for?
Bengalee Barossa Valley (Greenock) Shiraz 2012 – $10 at GLUG. David Farmer raves about this wine from a good year and the right corner of the Barossa Valley.
3. Best Sparkling
Azahara Chardonnay Pinot Noir Nv – $10 at Winestar Much better than the label or the price suggest. Great crowd pleaser. Super value.
Lindemans Reserve Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2009 – $10 at Winestar. Another bubbly that is far better than you’d expect at this price.
4. Best Dessert Wine
Cleanskins Taster’s Choice Botrytis Semillon 375mL – $9 at Dan M’s. This was a pleasant surprise: a sticky with attitude, not just a sweet white. Nothing is overdone here, lovely drink.
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