top value wines
W E LCO M E Regardless of whether a wine is $15 or $150, it has to be a great drink. But there’s no denying that excellent wine at an affordable price brings with it an extra level of excitement. That’s why we’ve curated this handy guide full of wines priced $30 and under, all of which are top raters and featured with their reviews. The 75 wines in this guide (organised by RRP) come from right around the country and range from riesling to saperavi. We hope it helps you find some new wines to your taste. Cheers, The Halliday Wine Companion team
Wineries pay to be included in this guide.
03 l $15-$20 17 l $21-24 31 l $25-$30
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Wines priced $15-$20
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SHIRAZ
Across the Lake Wines Great Southern, WA
2014 Across the Lake Shiraz Estate-grown, hand-picked, 20 days on skins, matured in oak (30% new) for 12 months. An old friend returns to the Wine Companion, the wine contract-made by Coby Ladwig. Savoury, spicy purple and black fruits grafted onto the mediumbodied palate, which is long and well balanced. A steal at the price. 14.5% alc.
Coby Ladwig Winemaker
What inspires you to keep this wine at this price? Due to the invaluable input of the local community at harvest time who donates their time to hand-pick our small vineyard, we like to make our wine as affordable as possible for everyone to enjoy.
Telephone 0409685373 Email derek.stanton@bigpond.com Website acrossthelakewines.com.au
RRP $15 / 2034 Across the Lake
★★★★ 4
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S H I R A Z B LE N D
d’Arenberg
McLaren Vale, South Australia
2014 d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache Hand-picked, a small percentage of whole bunches in the wild yeast fermentation, matured in used puncheons. An attractive medium-bodied shiraz with black and red cherry fruit flavours; the length and mouthfeel is very good. Expensive, classy packaging. 14% alc.
Chester Osborn Winemaker
How do you approach the wines in your collection in context of one another? Pride in your craft doesn’t disintegrate just because a wine sells for a smaller amount than another. If it has the d’Arenberg name on it, I make sure it says something about our style of winemaking and that I am proud of it. Any of our wines could be the first introduction people have to our winery, and it is essential they are wines of character and style.
Telephone (08) 82213407 Email wine@darenberg.com.au Website darenberg.com.au Instagram @darenbergwine
RRP $18 / 2024 d’Arenberg
★★★★★ 5
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PINOT NOIR
Take it to the Grave South Australia
2016 Take it to the Grave Pinot Noir The front label says SA but it’s 100 per cent Adelaide Hills; an interesting marketing ploy. The wine over-delivers itself handsomely on the price, almost to ‘how do they do it’ territory. It tastes of boysenberry, black cherry, orange oil and anise, the mix of sweetness, tang and spiciness quite exquisitely well done. You pretty much can’t go wrong here. 13% alc.
Nicholas Crampton Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? A drinking experience that exceeds expectations given the price paid. Take it to the Grave offers wines expressive of their varietal and region for a very fair price: affordable enough for mid-week enjoyment and enticing enough for special occasions.
Telephone 1300 778 047 Email sales@fourthwavewine.com.au Website takeittothegrave.com.au
RRP $18 / 2020 Take it to the Grave
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C A B E RN E T S AU V I G N O N
Take it to the Grave South Australia
2016 Take it to the Grave Cabernet Sauvignon Before you know it, you’re asking for a second glass. It’s such an irresistible red. It puts on a vibrant display of flavour, all aniseed, blackberry and mint, then accessorises with slips of sweet red berries and florals. Drink now, drink well. 13.5% alc. CM
Nicholas Crampton Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? A drinking experience that exceeds expectations given the price paid. Take it to the Grave offers wines expressive of their varietal and region for a very fair price: affordable enough for mid-week enjoyment and enticing enough for special occasions.
Telephone 1300 778 047 Email sales@fourthwavewine.com.au Website takeittothegrave.com.au
RRP $18 / 2018 Take it to the Grave
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S AU V I G N O N B L A N C
Pepper Tree Wines Hunter Valley, NSW
2017 Pepper Tree Hunter Valley Orange Semillon Sauvignon Blanc The blend works well, the contribution of the varieties complementing each other. Lime and lemon citrus notes create the melody, gently tropical fruits providing the rhythm. Overall, it has excellent drive and life-giving acidity. 12.8% alc.
Gwyn Olsen Winemaker
How do you ensure value across your range of wines? Value across our Pepper Tree Varietal range means creating wines that are expressive of place and variety, with an infinite drinkability. We are aiming to make wines in our varietal range that grab people for both their price tag, drinkability and deliciousness.
Telephone 02 4909 7100 Email ptwinery@peppertreewines.com.au Website peppertreewines.com.au Instagram @peppertreewines
RRP $19 / 2022 Pepper Tree Wines
★★★★★ 8
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M E RLO T
Pepper Tree Wines Hunter Valley, NSW
2015 Pepper Tree Wrattonbully Coonawarra Merlot Light but healthy colour; this could have some of the exciting new merlot clonal material, but the vines would be very young. Management of tannins and oak is the key to a very smart wine at this price, which is not to deny the contribution of the red and black cherry/ berry fruits. 13.9% alc.
Gwyn Olsen Winemaker
How do you ensure you can offer value across your range? Value across our Pepper Tree Varietal range means creating wines that are expressive of place and variety, with an infinite drinkability. We are aiming to make wines in this range that grab people for their price tag, drinkability and deliciousness.
Telephone 02 4909 7100 Email ptwinery@peppertreewines.com.au Website peppertreewines.com.au Instagram @peppertreewines
RRP $19 / 2025 Pepper Tree Wines
★★★★★ 9
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S AU V I G N O N B L A N C
Berton Vineyards Eden Valley, SA
2016 Berton Vineyard High Eden Sauvignon Blanc Has so much tropical fruits – lychee, passionfruit and gooseberry – that you have to ask when does much become too much. The cultured yeast used has a 100% success rate in amplifying the aroma and flavour of sauvignon blanc, but there has to be the core there in the first place, the cool High Eden climate the ultimate genesis of what you find in the glass. 13% alc.
James Ceccato Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? We at Berton Vineyards, choose to see value as “the lowest price without any compromise”. Our High Eden Sauvignon Blanc shows this philosophy to deliver uncompromising wines because it’s important to us that our customers believe in us.
Telephone 02 6968 1600 Email wine@bertonvineyards.com.au Website bertonvineyards.com.au Instagram @bertonvineyards
RRP $20 / 2018 Berton Vineyard
★★★★ 10
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A RN E I S
Catherine Vale Vineyard Hunter Valley, NSW
2016 Catherine Vale Vineyard Arneis Presumably from young vines, but the wine has vibrancy and excellent acidity to its mix of lemon zest and apple skin flavours. Well worth looking for it. Its future bottle development is unknowable. 11.5% alc.
John Hordern Winemaker
Where does the value lie in this wine? This rare white wine grape, which originated in Piedmont in the 15th century, was almost extinct until its revival in the 1970s. The 2016 vintage is a very pleasant wine, well suited to lunchtime drinking. It is great paired with seafood, acidic salads and has been served with Mexican bean soup aboard Virgin flights in recent years.
Telephone 02 6579 1334 Email wine@catherinevale.com.au Website catherinevale.com.au
RRP $20 / 2022
Catherine Vale Vineyard
★★★★ 11
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RI E S LI N G
Coola Road Mount Gambier, SA
2017 Coola Road Single Vineyard Mount Gambier Riesling A super-intense riesling, fermented dry, but only 11% alcohol. It’s still quartzwhite, the palate with a lemon sherbet blast of power. Whatever else, this wine needs a bare minimum of 5 years, more probably 10. Given its price, finding room to lay down a dozen bottles and embark on a long journey of discovery shouldn’t be a problem. It could be the bargain of a lifetime. 11% alc.
John Innes Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? Value in wine directly relates to the level of enjoyment. This beautifully clean riesling is full in flavour and high in acidity, giving it the additional benefit of shelf life – it could be enjoyed immediately or cellared for several years. High acidity and minimal human influence during growth and winemaking allows for this.
Telephone 0487 700 422 Email louise@seddonridge.com.au Website coolaroad.com Instagram @coolaroadwines
RRP $20 / 2023 Coola Road
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Coola Road Mount Gambier, SA
2017 Coola Road Single Vineyard Mount Gambier Sauvignon Blanc Intensely flavoured, although not as assertive as the riesling. That said, its cut-grass and herb aromas and sour lemon fruit flavours are very unusual, albeit not the least unpleasant, and perfect for fish and chips. 11% alc.
John Innes Winemaker
What do you believe constitutes value in wine? Value in wine directly relates to the price paid relative to the drinker’s level of enjoyment. This crisp sauvignon blanc provides plenty of punch for its small price, and is equally enjoyable by itself or with a summer meal.
Telephone 0487 700 422 Email louise@seddonridge.com.au Website coolaroad.com Instagram @coolaroadwines
RRP $20 / 2022 Coola Road
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S E M I LLO N
De Iuliis Wines Hunter Valley, NSW
2017 De Iuliis Hunter Valley Semillon The bouquet has a quiver of citrus, lemongrass and talc, the palate firing its arrows with perfect precision, filling the senses with Meyer lemon juice and crisp acidity. The wine is open for business but also has a great future. 10.9% alc.
Mike De Iuliis Winemaker
In what ways does this wine offer value? Hunter Valley semillon offers wine drinkers some of the greatest value wines in the market today. They are wines that not only drink well in their youth, but can also be cellared for many years with fabulous rewards for everyone who gets to try them.
Telephone 02 4993 8000 Email cellardoor@dewine.com.au Website dewine.com.au Instagram @deiuliiswine
RRP $20 / 2037 De Iuliis
★★★★★ 14
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RO S É
Geoff Merrill Wines McLaren Vale, SA
2017 Geoff Merrill Bush Vine McLaren Vale Grenache Rosé Over the decades has shared the limelight with Charles Melton on the rosé stage. Pale, bright crimson; fresh and lively, with a platter of red fruits and a crisp, clean finish. A little on the light side. 13.5% alc.
Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich Winemakers
How do you define value when it comes to wine? We see value as exceeding the customer’s expectations by delivering top-quality wine well within their budget. Producing full-flavoured, affordable wines ready for the table has always been the Geoff Merrill philosophy.
Telephone 08 8381 6877 Email info@geoffmerrillwines.com.au Website geoffmerrillwines.com.au Instagram @geoffmerrillwines
RRP $20 / 2018 Geoff Merrill Wines
★★★★★ 15
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RI E S LI N G
Highland Heritage Estate Orange, NSW
2013 Highland Heritage Estate Orange Riesling Fine developed aromas of quince, marzipan, bees wax, Rose’s lime and orange blossom, all licked with a gentle waft of kerosene. The palate is light and beginning to tiptoe across the dainty, balletic precipice of precision and intensity of flavour. While the acid is natural, the finish peters out just short of the line. 11.5% alc. NG
John Hordern Winemaker (left)
How do you define value when it comes to wine? The value of wine is the enjoyment and pleasure you experience as you sip each wine. The wines that we produce under the Highland Heritage Estate are made to reflect the elegance and structure of premium single vineyard varietals grown on the estate. This is achieved by combining the passions of viticulturist and the winemakers’ to produce a wine that has a lovely mouthfeel and flavour. The value is that these wines are ready to drink when released and also can be cellared with confidence.
Telephone 02 6363 5602 Email cellar.door@hhev.com.au Website highlandheritageestate.com.au
RRP $20 / 2020 Highland Heritage Estate
★★★★★ 16
Wines PRICED $21-$24
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RI E S LI N G
Capital Wines Canberra District, ACT
2016 Capital Wines The Whip Riesling It’s easy to sit back, relax and just enjoy this for what it is – a gorgeous, very approachable riesling. It will go some distance thanks to the line of very fine lemony acidity. There’s Meyer lemon and lime juice freshness and blossom adding to its appeal. 10.7% alc. JF
Andrew McEwin and Phil Scott Winemakers
Where does value enter the equation with this wine? This wine is from German Giesenheim clones. The Canberra District is increasingly known for its rieslings and this vintage is up there with the best of them, as was proved by it receiving a gold medal at the Canberra Regional Wine Show. The wine has classic varietal aromas balanced with crisp citrus acidity on the palate.
Telephone 02 6230 2022 Email info@capitalwines.com.au Website capitalwines.com.au Instagram @capitalwines
RRP $21 / 2028 Capital Wines
★★★★★ 18
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S AU V I G N O N B L A N C
Capital Wines Canberra District, ACT
2016 Capital Wines The Swinger Sauvignon Blanc Mid-straw gold; whole-bunch pressed (cultured yeast) and barrel ferment add the textural dimension while the bouquet is heady with glacé lemons, fennel, wood smoke, green gage plums, and pine needles. A sweet tail tempered by lemony acidity. 12.8% alc. JF
Andrew McEwin and Phil Scott Winemakers
In what way does this wine represent good value? The grapes for this trophywinning wine come from an outstanding vineyard in the NSW hills of Hall near the ACT border. The wine has lovely fullness and flow to the palate as a result of barrel fermentation in older oak, while retaining crispness and freshness.
Telephone 02 6230 2022 Email info@capitalwines.com.au Website capitalwines.com.au Instagram @capitalwines
RRP $21 / 2021 Capital Wines
★★★★★ 19
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Clairault
Margaret River, WA
2016 Clairault Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon A 79/21% blend, 80% cool-fermented in stainless steel, 20% fermented in French barriques. A compelling exercise in wine power politics, playing the sauvignon blanc versus semillon game and stainless steel versus barrel fermentation split. All this adds up to flamboyant flavours and texture, white stone fruit with a crosscut of acidity on the long palate. 13.5% alc.
Bruce Dukes Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? Value in wine is related to sheer enjoyment! I find that element of excitement in wine when the aromatics draw me in, the fruits are pure and the textures are generous. You simply need to pour a glass of this lovely wine and have it transport you to the magic vineyards of Margaret River. Use the code HALLIDAYSBS when ordering a case and pay just $18.50 a bottle. Offer valid online until January 31.
Telephone 08 9755 6225 Email wine@clairaultstreicker.com.au Website clairaultstreicker.com.au Instagram @CS_Wines
RRP $22 / 2021 Clairault I Streicker Wines
★★★★★ 20
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C A B E RN E T S AU V I G N O N
Renzaglia Wines Central Ranges, NSW
2015 Renzaglia Cabernet Sauvignon From the estate Mount Panorama Vineyard at Bathurst. This is in fact a delicious, easy-access light to medium-bodied cabernet with cassis driving the juicy palate, and no green tannin or other unripe flavours whatsoever. Good fun, good value. 14.1% alc.
Mark Renzaglia Winemaker
How do you perceive value when it comes to wine? A good-value wine is much more than an acceptable wine at a low price. I am constantly searching for wines from small producers that speak of the winemaker and location, where passion, energy and innovation are behind the wine.
Telephone 0413196036 Email mark@renzagliawines.com.au Website renzagliawines.com.au Instagram @renzagliawines
RRP $22 / 2020 Renzaglia Wines
★★★★ 21
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Saracen Estates Margaret River, WA
2016 Saracen Estates Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon A 60/40% blend made by Clive Otto. Vibrantly intense and juicy, lemon citrus, snow pea and white stone fruit are dominant, pushing tropicals off centre stage; excellent mouthfeel and length. 13.6% alc.
Maree Saraceni Owner
Clive Otto Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? Margaret River sauvignon blanc semillon blends are fresh and lively, as well as complex and satisfying. Ours has everything going for it. The wine is crisp, light and fresh, and at a very affordable price. Enjoy it on a beautiful sunny afternoon on its own or matched to fresh seafood.
Telephone 08 9486 9410 Email admin@saracenestates.com.au Website saracenestates.com.au Instagram @saracenestates
RRP $22 / 2019 Saracen Estates
★★★★ 22
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SHIRAZ
Dickinson Estate Blackwood Valley, WA
2015 Dickinson Estate Blackwood Valley Shiraz Deeply coloured, it has a complex bouquet with black fruits, spices and French oak to the fore, the medium-bodied palate closely tracking the bouquet and adding soft, ripe tannins to the package. A flying start in the Wine Companion, auguring well for the future. 14.5% alc.
Coby Ladwig Winemaker
How do you offer value across the wines in your range? We proudly produce excellent wines that are value for money. This comes from producing nice, clean and ripe fruit from which our award-winning winemaker crafts the wines that bear our name. Coby Ladwig was judged to be in the top 10 of Australia’s Young Winemakers in 2014.
Telephone 08 9769 1080 Email trevor@dickinsonestate.com.au Website dickinsonestate.com.au
RRP $23 / 2030 Dickinson Estate
★★★★★ 23
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RI E S LI N G
Dionysus Winery Canberra District, ACT
2016 Dionysus Winery Canberra District Riesling Bright straw-green; absolutely flooded with Bickford’s lime juice, Granny Smith apple an afterthought. There’s ample acidity to provide balance and underwrite the future, but it’s of secondary importance for a wine that Dionysus himself would have consumed in large quantities. 11.2% alc.
Michael O’Dea Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? We focus on quality in all phases of the process and our aim is to make the best quality wine we can from our estate fruit. This focus ensures wine of great flavour and individuality, which provides value for our customers.
Telephone 02 6227 0208 or 0411 730 724 Email admin@dionysus-winery.com.au Website dionysus-winery.com.au
RRP $23 / 2025 Dionysus Winery
★★★★I 24
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RI E S LI N G
Kilikanoon Wines Clare Valley, South Australia
2016 Kilikanoon Mort’s Block Watervale Riesling Like all Kilikanoon’s Rieslings, no frills to the vinification, just attention to detail. Incongruously, it is a blend of three vineyards. The bouquet owes as much to minerally notes as to citrus fruit, and the palate duly brings structure and length for the lemon/lime flavours and firm finish. 12.5% alc.
Kevin Mitchell Winemaker
How do you believe this wine presents value for money? This bone-dry, intense riesling expresses the juicy lemon and lime flavours for which the Watervale sub-appellation of the Clare Valley is known. It is 100 per cent hand-picked and made exclusively from free-run juice, delivering reserve quality without a high price. Enter the code #Halliday2017 to secure a 15 per cent discount on any wine purchased from the Kilikanoon store.
Telephone 08 8843 4206 Email cellardoor@kilikanoon.com.au Website kilikanoon.com.au Instagram @kilikanoonwines
RRP $25 / 2031 Kilikanoon Wines
★★★★★ 25
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O T H E R RE D S
Patritti Adelaide, SA
2014 Patritti Barossa Valley Saperavi Dense, impenetrable purple colour leads into a dense, sultry black lair of fruit, graphite and tannins, bigger on every count than the ’15. It’s still grossly immature, and it will take many years before its winemakers will know how to get the best – not the most – out of it. 14.5% alc.
James Mungall & Ben Heide Winemakers
What can you tell us about saperavi as a wine style? As an alternative varietal, saperavi is an extremely versatile wine. Its complex flavours can be explored without food, but it also pairs well with almost any cuisine. You can drink it now or cellar it. Saperavi will deliver consumers a wine odyssey that lasts well over 20 years.
Telephone 08 8296 8261 Email cellardoor@patritti.com.au Website patritti.com.au Instagram @patritti_wines
RRP $24 / 2029 Patritti Wines
★★★★★ 26
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RO S É
Pepper Tree Wines Hunter Valley, NSW
2017 Pepper Tree Limited Release Pinot Noir Rosé Estate-grown. The bouquet is unusual but inviting, the palate with a core of spiced strawberries, citrussy acidity standing guard against all comers until the aftertaste diminishes. 13.3% alc.
Gwyn Olsen Winemaker
How did you approach the winemaking for this rosé? Rosé value for us is all about targeting the right blocks to produce the best wines. Specific blocks with great flavour are picked, and in the winery we focus on making light, dry, crisp and refreshing rosé that people are drinking to enjoy the fruit expression and value the commitment to making good rosé!
Telephone 02 4909 7100 Email ptwinery@peppertreewines.com.au Website peppertreewines.com.au Instagram @peppertreewines
RRP $24 / 2017 Pepper Tree Wines
★★★★★ 27
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RO S É
Pepper Tree Wines Hunter Valley, NSW
2017 Pepper Tree Limited Release Coonawarra Rosé Produced from estategrown merlot. Pale, bright pink; the highly fragrant/ perfumed bouquet flirts with spices, then stands aside for the crisp, lively palate to take centre stage, throwing in strawberry coulis as an afterthought. Snappy wine. 13.5% alc.
Gwyn Olsen Winemaker
What do you aim to achieve when crafting rosé? We focus on making light, dry, crisp and refreshing rosé, which we do by targeting specific blocks with great flavour to produce the best possible wines.
Telephone 02 4909 7100 Email ptwinery@peppertreewines.com.au Website peppertreewines.com.au Instagram @peppertreewines
RRP $24 / 2018 Pepper Tree Wines
★★★★★ 28
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S AU V I G N O N B L A N C B LE N D
Xanadu Wines Margaret River, WA
2017 Xanadu DJL Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon A gold and trophy winner at the Sydney Wine Show ’17. Partial barrel ferment has undoubtedly been the crux of the texture and structure that led to its trophy, but, of course, it is in any event a wine at which Margaret River excels. Here tropical and grassy/herbal components are on even terms. 13% alc.
Glenn Goodall & Brendan Carr Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so is value! Vibrancy, personality and a sense of place are important in wine, but it’s often the experience of sharing it with good company and good food that I value most.
Telephone 08 9758 9500 Email info@xanaduwines.com Website xanaduwines.com Instagram @xanaduwines
RRP $24 / 2021 Xanadu Wines
★★★★★ 29
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SHIRAZ
McPherson Wine Co. Central Victoria
2016 McPherson
Don’t Tell Gary Shiraz From the Grampians, matured in new and used French oak. The cool climate comes through strongly, giving the black fruits focus and length, coupled with overall balance; the finish is fresh and vibrant. 14.5% alc.
Jo Nash
Winemaker How do you define value when it comes to wine? To me the value is in the occasion, the coming together of family and friends along with the delight and enjoyment the wine brings to the table. Wine is appreciated across many occasions in our lives and producing a beautiful wine to be shared among others is, for me, priceless.
Telephone 03 9263 0200 Email info@mcphersonwines.com.au Website mcphersonwines.com.au Instagram @mwcwines
RRP $24 / 2031 McPherson Wine Co.
★★★★ 30
WINES PRICED $25-$30
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RI E S LI N G
Carillion Wines Orange, NSW
2017 Carillion Orange Riesling Despite its suitable climate, Orange is seldom mentioned in discussions of the best Australian regions for the variety. The orange blossom bouquet isn’t triggered by the name, but most certainly from the glass; the palate veers back to more conventional citrus flavours, but keeps offering pleasure, finishing crisp and clean. 13% alc.
Tim Davis Vigneron
What does value mean to you when it comes to wine? Value doesn’t always mean inexpensive. It is all about whether a wine over-delivers and punches above its weight. On another level, value can also be achieved in trying new and alternative wine varieties and styles that you may not have seen before. These are all ways that we strive to provide value in our wines.
Telephone 02 4990 7535 Email cellardoor@tallaveragrove.com.au Website carillionorange.com.au Instagram @tallaveragrovevineyard
RRP $25 / 2032 Tallavera Grove
★★★★★ 32
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C H A RD O N N AY
Charles Sturt University Winery Riverina, NSW
2016 Charles Sturt University Tumbarumba Chardonnay Hand-picked from a single vineyard, fermented and matured in new and used French oak. Attractive wine, the fruit base delicate but well balanced by the oak on the juicy palate, with a mix of stone fruit and citrus, the acidity precise. 13.5% alc.
Campbell Meeks Winemaker
How did you approach the production of this wine? The grapes for this wine were handpicked from a premium cool climate Tumbarumba vineyard. A wine made to reflect a sense of place, this elegant chardonnay has class that far exceeds the modest price point.
Telephone 02 6933 2435 Email csuwinery@csu.edu.au Website winery.csu.edu.au
RRP $25 / 2024 Charles Sturt University Winery
★★★★★ 33
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SHIRAZ
Long Rail Gully Wines Canberra District, ACT
2015 Long Rail Gully Murrumbateman Shiraz Bright, full crimsonpurple; the expressive bouquet tells of the spicy cherry-accented fruit of the fresh, supple mediumbodied palate. Additional complexity comes via notes of pepper joining the spice, superfine tannins and oak, the last integrated. 13.8% alc.
Richard Parker Winemaker
What can you tell us about this wine? No corners were cut in the making of this elegant cool climate shiraz – a flagship variety for the Canberra District. A portion of whole bunches were used in the hand-plunged ferments. Aged for 12 months in French oak barriques with 30 per cent being new. Handpicked, plunged and crafted, the fact that this is $25 is a bonus!
Telephone 0419 257 574 Email richard@longrailgully.com.au Website longrailgully.com.au Instagram @longrailgully
RRP $25 / 2029 Long Rail Gully Wines
★★★★I 34
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P I N O T G RI G I O
Patritti Adelaide, SA
2017 Patritti Adelaide Hills Pinot Grigio Straw-green; has as much flavour as grigio can be expected to have. Spiced pear and apple blossom. A real wine with intensity and length. 12.5% alc.
James Mungall & Ben Heide Winemakers
What do you strive to achieve with this wine? Our aim is to make this wine one of those you can purchase year on year and know that it offers excellent quality, varietal consistency and great value for money.
Telephone 08 8296 8261 Email cellardoor@patritti.com.au Website patritti.com.au Instagram @patritti_wines
RRP $25 / 2020 Patritti Wines
★★★★★ 35
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Patritti Adelaide, SA
2017 Patritti Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc The one-time conservative, low profile Patritti has gone to the other extreme with some of its labels, including this – I like it, even though there is no information until you get to the back label. A distraction perhaps, for this is a seriously good Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc full of luscious fruit that doesn’t, however, go OTT. Citrus, stone fruit, red apple and tropical fruits all contribute, the acidity embedded in the fruit. 12.5% alc.
James Mungall & Ben Heide Winemakers
What do you believe gives this wine its edge? Different grape varieties perform better in different regions and we believe the Adelaide Hills is producing some of the best sauvignon blanc in Australia. The right grape variety/region selection allows us to produce excellent wines with all the flavours and finesse that people expect.
Telephone 08 8296 8261 Email cellardoor@patritti.com.au Website patritti.com.au Instagram @patritti_wines
RRP $25 / 2020 Patritti Wines
★★★★★ 36
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P I N O T N O I R B LE N D
Tokar Estate Yarra Valley, Victoria
2016 Tokar Estate Carafe & Tumbler Yarra Valley Pinot Shiraz It’s a bit more ‘serious’ than its moniker might suggest; this is clovey and firm with spiced cherries and plum notes making its quality obvious. You could treat this as a carefree red and drink it young – it has that covered – but the overall balance and shape suggest that this will mature well over the medium term, if not longer. 14.5% alc.
Martin Siebert Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? We saw a gap in our range for a “daytime red” with off-thechart drinkability, big fruit and big value. Enter Carafe & Tumbler Pinot Shiraz (aka Pinaz). This is a wine for enjoying while it is bright and youthful. Made from estate-grown fruit and with as much love and attention as our more expensive range.
Telephone 03 5964 9585 Email sales@tokarestate.com.au Website tokarestate.com.au Instagram @tokarestate
RRP $25 / 2025 Tokar Estate
★★★★★ 37
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Saracen Estates Margaret River, WA
2015 Saracen Estates Margaret River Cabernet Merlot A 75/25% blend from Wilyabrup, made by Paul Dixon. The colour is a relatively light crimsonpurple, but the wine has considerable impact and complexity on the medium-bodied palate, built-in tannins playing an important role in joining the differing streams of flavours. 14.5% alc.
Maree Saraceni Owner
Paul Dixon Winemaker
How do you believe this wine offers value? Margaret River cabernet sauvignon merlot blends are world renowned. This is a wonderful and affordable example. With soft and juicy flavours, integrated French oak and well-balanced tannins, it is a perfect match for wood-fired pizza or your next barbecue.
Telephone 08 9486 9410 Email admin@saracenestates.com.au Website saracenestates.com.au Instagram @saracenestates
RRP $26 / 2025 Saracen Estates
★★★★ 38
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T E M P R A N I LLO
Capital Wines Canberra District, ACT
2015 Capital Wines The Ambassador Tempranillo Is it the juicy, tangy and bright cherries and raspberries? Or the zesty snappy acidity? Whatever it is, this is a good drink. The palate balances all the exuberance of the variety with its raw silk tannins and considerable depth. 14% alc. JF
Andrew McEwin and Phil Scott Winemakers
How does this wine represent value to you? This wine is an elegant, fleshy wine and one of the bestsellers at our cellar door. It is principally Canberra District fruit with smaller quantities of grapes from a vineyard near Wagga that add a fragrant dimension. Having spent six months in older oak barrels, the wine retains the vibrancy and freshness of the fruit.
Telephone 02 6230 2022 Email info@capitalwines.com.au Website capitalwines.com.au Instagram @capitalwines
RRP $27 / 2022 Capital Wines
★★★★★ 39
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SHIRAZ
Charles Sturt University Winery Riverina, NSW
2016 Charles Sturt University Canberra District Shiraz Hand-picked, a small percentage of whole bunches in the wild yeast fermentation, matured in used puncheons. An attractive medium-bodied shiraz with black and red cherry fruit flavours; the length and mouthfeel is very good. Expensive, classy packaging. 14% alc.
Campbell Meeks Winemaker
In what ways does this wine represent good value? Handpicked grapes from a superior site in the Canberra region went into this wine. While it is a classically medium-bodied shiraz, the palate delivers fresh, ripe fruit characters with satisfying length, finesse and extraordinary value for money.
Telephone 02 6933 2435 Email csuwinery@csu.edu.au Website winery.csu.edu.au
RRP $27 / 2029 Charles Sturt University Winery
★★★★★ 40
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Thorn-Clarke Wines Angaston, SA
2015 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Barossa Quartage A long-established blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot and merlot that has often exceeded expectations, both with the quality of the estategrown fruit, the way the components are handled in the winery, and the blending process. Everything about the wine defies the normal yawn that greets Barossa Valley Bordeaux blends with its bright mouthfeel and cedary fruit flavours. 14.5% alc.
Peter Kelly Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? My definition of value is a wine that offers more than its price tag might suggest. Our Shotfire Quartage is blended from four varieties and an extremely versatile drink. Pair it with a large range of different foods or it also drinks beautifully by itself. At this price, you can’t go wrong.
Telephone (08) 8564 3036 Email thornclarke@thornclarke.com.au Website thornclarkewines.com.au Instagram @thornclarke
RRP $27 / 2029 Thorn-Clarke Wines
★★★★★ 41
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C H A RD O N N AY
Howard Park
Great Southern, Western Australia
2016 Howard Park Flint Rock Mount Barker Chardonnay A mix of clones from the estate Mount Barrow Vineyard at Mount Barker, wild-fermented in (mostly) used French oak, matured on lees for 9 months. This is all about length and texture, in stark style contrast to its Howard Park sibling, and will mature with effortless grace and intensity. Bargain++. 13% alc.
Janice MacDonald Winemaker
How do you believe this wine represents value? Flint Rock Chardonnay exemplifies the superb quality of fruit grown in the vineyards of the Great Southern of Western Australia, which requires little intervention in the winery to produce wines of both elegance and substance. A vibrant flavour, well-judged acidity and subtle complexity from sympathetic oak treatment, make this wine an easy one to drink that is great value and a fitting entry point to the world of quality Western Australian chardonnay. Telephone 08 9756 5200 Email hpw@hpw.com.au Website howardparkwines.com.au Instagram @howardparkwines
RRP $28 / 2031 Burch Family Wines
★★★★★ 42
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Della Fay
Margaret River, WA
2014 Della Fay Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon An uncompromisingly full-bodied cabernet with a Bordeaux-like austerity to it despite its overcoat of new French oak. It’s built for the long haul, with a rock solid foundation of tannins. 14% alc.
Michael Kelly Winemaker
How do you define value when it comes to wine? I believe this is a very subjective issue when it comes to peoples’ assessment of what is value in what they decide to drink. From a winemaker’s view, value must have a few key criteria – varietal definition, regional fruit characteristics and of course, no faults. Every year we endeavour to improve the breed without adding extra cost, which is probably the hardest juggling act! This is a handmade cabernet from a small producer who takes great pride in every wine produced.
Telephone 0418 910 303/0418 939 707 Email dellafay@kellysvineyard.com.au Website kellysvineyard.com.au
RRP $30 / 2044 Della Fay Wines
★★★★★ 43
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M E RLO T
Oceans Estate Margaret River, WA
2015 Tomasi Merlot Vivid crimson-purple hue; Margaret River strikes again; for my part, merlot should be a blend of red and blackcurrant fruits with savoury, yet warm, tannins. It shouldn’t be driven by plum (which I see in the shiraz and pinot spectrums), but should be medium-bodied. 13.5% alc.
David Tomasi Owner
How do you believe this wine represents value? This wine shows pure fruit at a young age, which is where I find value in enjoying with family and friends. Produced from the cooler region in southern Margaret River area, it has a defined unique taste.
Telephone 08 9324 1100 Email david@tomasiwines.com.au Website tomasiwines.com.au
RRP $30 / 2025 Oceans Estate
★★★★ 44