Wines from the US still seem to be lacking in Australian bottle shops, however a number of wine importing enthusiasts have recently upped the stars-and-stripes ante.

Steve Naughton of Pinot Now is a dedicated importer who has been bringing in the pick of premium Oregon producers. Cristom, Elk Cove, Chehalem, Evesham Wood and Scott Paul represent some of the best wines available with a focus on pinot noir.

While Oregon may be known for wines sourced by pinot noir enthusiasts, California is where the big end of town goes to play. The Napa Valley, internationally famous for cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and chardonnay, shows a much greater breadth of styles.

A recent foray into boutique wine production by Melbourne-based couple Michelle Edwards and Daniel Fischl has resulted in an interesting US variety. Their first release, Linnaea Rhizotomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($55), is more elegant and less smothered by oak than the genuine big wines of this type from Napa Valley.

Perhaps the most interesting producer available freely here is Bonny Doon – the vision of Californian winemaker Randall Grahm has resulted in unusual blends and an adherence to seeking unique flavours. Bonny Doon Contra 2009 ($45) is superbly complex, while Bonny Doon Albarino 2010 ($45) is possibly the best example of the refreshing white variety outside its native Spain.

For more of our top wine picks be sure to check out our favourite red and white wines from around the world.