Rodney Macuja
Numbered from top to bottom, left to right
1. CLOUDY BUT FINE
2016 Dal Zotto Prosecco Col Fondo, King Valley, $27
Undisgorged (“col fondo” means “with the lees”) this is attractively cloudy, with enticing yeasty smells and a good creamy texture. Look, too, for the just-released 2017 vintage. dalzotto.com.au
2. NEW CLASSIC NEB
2016 Luke Lambert Nebbiolo, Yarra Valley, $60
Be patient with this elegant nebbiolo and you’ll be rewarded. Give it plenty of air in a decanter and big-bowled glassware and it reveals layer after layer of entrancing subtle perfume. lukelambertwines.com.au
3. WINTER WARMER
Wig & Pen Russian Imperial Stout, Canberra, $40
A longtime winter favourite at Canberra’s much-loved real ale house, this dark, rich and strong Imperial Stout is now available in bottle. The next batch is due in June. facebook.com/wigandpen.canberra
4. LUNCHEON CLARET
2015 Goulée by Cos, Medoc, $99
Delicious, ripe, supple, modern-style claret made by one of the great chateaux, Cos d’Estournel. Already incredibly approachable and extremely enjoyable now, and will cellar well. airoldifinewines.com.au
4. STYLISH SAUVIGNON
2014 Geoff Weaver Ferus, Adelaide Hills, $45
One of Australia’s most underrated wine styles is barrel-matured sauvignon blanc, and Ferus is a top example: tangy and textural, complex and citrusy. geoffweaver.com.au
6. RICH ITALIAN
2015 Fantinel Tenuta Sant’Helena Ribolla Gialla, Collio, $35
The ribolla gialla grape thrives in Italy’s north-east, where it produces rich but refreshing whites like this one: lots of ripe yellow grape flavour but with a crisp, savoury finish. atlanticwines.com.au
7. SPICY GRENACHE
2017 Seppeltsfield Grenache, Barossa Valley, $25
My pick of the three wines released under the revamped Seppeltsfield label, this is a lovely example of the new-wave Barossa grenache style: juicy, bright, spicy and slurpy. seppeltsfield.com.au
