This RDJ has all the Coal River qualities but with even more depth and drive than a lot of wines coming out of the region. That means blackberries on the palate alongside a cranberry-laced acidity and an almost raspy tannin that’s long and fine.

L'appel Wines Coal Valley RDJ Pinot Noir 2024

These are the kind of wines that’ll have detouring on your next trip to Sicily so you can walk through vines/lava fields and see where and how it all happens. Wines from Etna are extraordinary, especially when they’re silky with red/blue fruits, black pepper and a salty, savoury chewy finish like this one. Deserves some cellaring.

Passopisciaro Passorosso 2022

Gigondas is a slice of winey heaven 90 minutes north of Marseilles in the Southern Rhône where the Grenache is bold, rich and elegant. Santa Duc takes Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault from various places in the sub-region to shape a wine that simultaneously speaks to the area, and the Domaine’s interpretation.

Santa Duc Gigondas Aux Lieux Dits 2021

That’s another way of saying value and alluding to the fact that the profile is luscious, round and full of ripe lemon zest, florals and the minerally backbone we’re all searching for. Séguinot-Bordet was founded in 1590.

Seguinot Bordet Petit Chablis 2023

Has all the bold flavours but serves them up in an elegant profile that tastes like smoked meats, spices, stony minerals and olive tapenade that unfurl in gentle layers.

Natacha Chave Crozes Hermitage 2022

Spent one year in barrel and offers a big step up from Petit Chablis, but still good value. All citrus, but with flickers of stone fruit and hazelnut, and a smidge of richness, but still drinks clean.

Garnier & Fils Chablis 2023

A bottle to celebrate with, gift, or make the most of a night/day with! Deliciously open and creamy with white flowers, honey blossom and a pinch of salinity. This is punching above its weight so look out Champagne, here comes another breathtaking Crémant!

Domaine des Huards Initia Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

La Ragose Valpolicella Classico 2022

Parley Love Supreme Rose 2024

Pretty florals and delicate, lacy fruits that are very true-to-style for Pinot from Western Victorian - yes, that means a little forest floor depth and a slightly raspy tannin. Just delicious. Step aside Snape and Patrick Bateman, we may have a new favourite Anti-Hero. P.S. If I had to 'spoiler alert' that Snape quip, then you're probably too young to be buying wine.

Heroes Anti - Heroes Yeowarra Hill Pinot Noir 2023

Spends three years under flor and comes out all oxidative and super punchy with turmeric, curry leaf and chamomile spices. There’s also plenty of salinity and some driving acidity.

Municipal Flor Savagnin 2021

This feels minerally and delivers bitter herbs, some whole bunch snap, and delicate berries. Brilliant now and after some time in your cellar.

Bandicoot Run Pinot Noir 2023

Finesse and chisel. Elegant sublime white peaches and flowers in full bloom and just a drop of oak. This is also the first yield from new plantings which translates as a more generous profile, and a prosperous future.

Lyons Will Chardonnay 2024

Orange essence and delicate, falling strawberries that seem dipped in Campari. It’s a dreamy rosé that we absolutely love for all those flavours because they’re so elemental, easy and enjoyable, and yet deliciously complex.

Maurice Grumier Coeur de Rose Champagne Rose NV

There’s a little warmth to this wine but it still has finesse. Is Chateauneuf du Pape the ultimate steak/gifting wine? People who haven’t had the pleasure never forget their first glass.

Chateau de la Font du Loup Chateauneuf du Pape Signature 2022

Tastes of tropical fruits, rich yellow flowers and a delicate slice of tart pineapple. Very approachable style, get ready to love Chenin Blanc.

Le Pas Saint Martin La Pierre Frite Saumur Blanc 2022

Waxy green fruits and a nice level of concentration. We love Petit Chablis, but we love it even more when it tastes more than Petit. If we could call this Moyenne (medium) Chablis, we would, but the French are touchy when it comes to naming wines. Oyster shell edges, smooth aromatics, salty inflection and that refreshing, minerally backbone. Yes, another glass, please.

Domaine Jolly et Fils Petit Chablis 2023

We love the brilliant floral register here that’s kept tight thanks to a thin but sturdy backbone of acidity. The finish is chalky, and there’s also some salinity to dial up the appeal in a crispy, lovely way.

Alloucherry Deguerne Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV

A great bottle for gifting because everyone’s going to adore this Champagne. If you’re bringing the bubbles, get them to pick up some soft, delicate cheeses, like Brillat-Savarin or Brie.

Alloucherry Deguerne Selection Brut Champagne NV

Aside from GSM, there’s also a smidge of Carignan in here to add just a smidge of weight and depth to all the herby stewed plums and give those tannins an ever more rugged edge. A great BBQ wine, and the kind you save for a chilly evening.