Whether it be around a big table with the best of friends, or a candlelit dinner with the one you love, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the 5 best wines at the moment.
This Chenin Blanc is a classic variety with considerable ageing potential. Although pretty lean for the first few years, after 5 years it develops a toasty richness, baked green fruit, lanolin and wet stone and lovely refreshing acid. 2010 Optimist Chenin Blanc, from Coriole Vineyards, $28, coriole.com
The Cremant is a Sparkling wine, made from a single block of Chenin Blanc and is absolutely perfect as an apertif, or as a way to while away a nice, humid afternoon, especially if there are oysters about. 2014 Blind Corner Cremant, from Blind Corner, $45, blindcorner.com.au
This wine bursts with an intense dark fruit aroma, coupled with an edge of vanillin and Chinese 5-spice. Although the palate is rich and earthy with young vibrant tannins, that will smooth out given some time. 2015 Margan Cabernet Sauvignon, from Margan, $25, margan.com.au
The result of a very dry 2005 vintage, the Heathcote Shiraz Reserve 2005 is intense and very fruit driven with notes of the characteristic Heathcote eucalypt and white pepper. It is perfect for either a special occasion or as a heartfelt gift. Heathcote Shiraz Reserve 2005, from Hanging Rock Winery & Vineyard, $105, hangingrock.com.au
A single vintage prosecco that is both biodynamic and of pure Italian quality, this Extra Dry version combines the variety’s aromatic qualities with its fine bubbles, with a soft, yet dry and well balanced mouth feel thanks to a strong balanced acidity. Perlage Organic Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry, The Liquor Baroness, $35, theliquorbaroness.com.au
