Tasted&rated.

2018 Yarra Yering Light Dry Red

A striking purple-red colour, with all the exuberance of youth: upfront tangy, juicy raspberry and black fruits laced with spice and red liquorice. Framed by fine, supple tannins, bright acidity across its lighter body and deliciousness with every sip.

$95, 95 points

2016 Marli Russell by Mount Mary RP2 Yarra Valley

A ripper of a blend – 50% grenache, 20% each of mourvedre and shiraz and then 10% cinsault. What’s appealing about the end result is it’s savoury through and through, with a flurry of woodsy spices and roasted meat aromas, ironstone and red fruits, plus pomegranate twang. Medium bodied with ripe, slightly grainy tannins and a neat tension to the acidity. Beautiful balance. Yum.

$65, 95 points

2016 Luke Lambert Nebbiolo

A warmer vintage has resulted in a slightly fleshier wine, but this still has all the hallmarks of a restrained style. The tannins are pitchperfect – ripe, salivating, the texture of raw silk with a delicious dryness on the finish. Aromas of warm earth, cherry pips, florals, a smidge of liquorice/aniseed, very fine and long on the palate. Medium bodied, savoury and moreish.

$60, 95 points

2017 Out of Step Willowlake Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Wild fermentation in mostly seasoned French oak, with 20% getting up to 10 days skin contact adds another layer of complexity, texture and savouriness. This has a refreshing lemon-barley water accent with crunchy daikon, pine needles, spice and zesty acidity.

$28, 95 points

2017 TarraWarra Estate Barbera

This hits the spot. Undeniably varietal with its blush of purple-red, cherry pips and just-ripe raspberries, newly made potpourri and plenty of warm spice. Medium bodied, with easy supple tannins and refreshing acidity. A beauty.

$28, 95 points