Editor’s Picks

As we get over the shock of saying goodbye to summer, we turn our thoughts to winter getaways and evenings by an open fireplace, enjoying a flavoursome wine. Here are explore DRINKS Publishing Editor Ashley Pini’s picks for this time of year.

$20 and Below

YALUMBA THE Y SERIES VIOGNIER 2018

RRP: $15 Region: South Australia Editor’s note: Viognier is the perfect white varietal for autumn. Aromas of orange blossom, fresh ginger and honeysuckle are followed by flavours of pineapple, Chinese white tea and dried fig.

BROWN BROTHERS PROSECCO

RRP: $18.99 Region: King Valley Editor’s note: We firmly believe sparkling is for anytime of year and you can’t beat the value of this wine. This is fresh and vibrant with delicate aromas of pear and apple.

TAYLORS ESTATE TEMPRANILLO 2017

RRP: $19 Region: Clare Valley and McLaren Vale Editor’s note: A bright, mediumbodied wine with lots of juicy red fruits and a balanced mouthfeel. Very enjoyable.

$30 and Below

RUTHERGLEN ESTATES NV MUSCAT

RRP: $22 Region: Rutherglen Editor’s note: A deliciously warming wine. Fresh and complex. Raisins, toffee, caramel, butterscotch, dried fruit and nuts.

STONIER PINOT NOIR 2016

RRP: $24.99 Region: Mornington Peninsula Editor’s note: Distinctive sappy cherry and cola aromas. An approachable wine, with red berry and spice flavours, fresh acidity and fine, firm tannins.

MCGUIGAN THE SHORTLIST RIESLING 2017

RRP: $28.99 Region: Eden Valley Editor’s note: Riesling, for me, is great in any season. This is a fuller style of the varietal, with aromas and flavour in balance - citrus, floral and a hint of spice.

$40 and Below

MOUNT PLEASANT ELIZABETH CELLAR AGED SEMILLON 2009

RRP: $35 Region: Hunter Valley Editor’s note: This is a wine to get excited about. Aged semillon doesn’t get better than this. It has toasty and honey characters on the nose and a rich, vibrant and zesty palate.

YES SAID THE SEAL 2016 PINOT NOIR

RRP: $38 Region: Bellarine Peninsula Editor’s note: This wine was named Australia’s best pinot noir last year. It has opulent cherry spice and red berry aromas, and is soft and easy to drink with juicy fruit flavour.

DEVIL’S LAIR CHARDONNAY 2015

RRP: $39 Region: Margaret River Editor’s note: I love a flavoursome chardonnay in autumn. This is layered with lemon meringue, pink grapefruit and vanilla nougat aromas, plus melon, pear and oak flavours.

$50 and Over

ST HUGO BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2014

RRP: $54.99 Region: Barossa Valley Editor’s note: A very dense and rich wine. On the nose, there is a ripe cherry note with lifted oak to support. The palate has dense fruit flavours, big tannins and a long finish.

VIDAL LEGACY CHARDONNAY 2016

RRP: $55 Region: Hawke’s Bay Editor’s note: An ageworthy chardonnay. Complex, flinty notes are the signature of this flagship wine, plus citrus, pink grapefruit and roasted nuts.

GRANT BURGE SHADRACH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010

RRP: $91.99 Region: Barossa Editor’s note: You can’t miss a good cabernet at this time of year, and this is an iconic Australian wine. Concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, eucalyptus and mint, plus flavours of spicy berry fruit and liquorice.