Top drops of the month
2017 Oliver’s Taranga Tempranillo, McLaren Vale, $32 A great example of how the tempranillo grape can produce red wines with an irresistible combination of black fruit and firm, grippy tannins. Perfect with grilled garlicky lamb. oliverstaranga.com
Melbourne Gin Company Single Shot, Yarra Valley, $95 After years focusing on producing just one gin, MGC has branched out with an outstanding spirit that makes the best Martini I’ve had in years. melbournegincompany.com
2018 Bertrand Bespoke L’Ecume des Jours, Central Victoria, $36 This excellent pét-nat is a blend of white and red grapes, which are brought together to produce a sparkling wine that’s both crunchy-apple refreshing and savoury-nut satisfying. maisonlapalus.com
2018 Stargazer Riesling, Tasmania, $38 Beautiful expression of wild-fermented Tasmanian riesling from a single vineyard in the Coal River Valley near Hobart: scintillating floral, citrusy aromatics; shimmering and juicy on the tongue. stargazerwine.com.au
2016 Domaine Gauby Vieilles Vignes Blanc, Côtes Catalanes, $80 Wonderful white from the south of France that evokes the sun-baked countryside with its ripe yellow fruit, hints of garrigue herb and fresh mineral texture. Imported by apostrophewine.com.au