Jamie Goode

Our expert on the offerings that prove Aussie reds don’t have to be burly to pack a punch

It was Australian red wines that hooked me onto this most compelling of drinks. I loved them for their richness and bold flavours – and the ones I liked the most were the darkest, most intense and the burliest.

Yes, Australia can make big, rich reds but of late it’s also bringing out reds with freshness and balance. They’re still uniquely Aussie with lovely fruit – but so much more drinkable.

I still enjoy the old-school monsters, but these brighter reds are the ones I gravitate to most…

Oxford Landing Merlot 2020, South Australia, £7.25, The Co-op, 13.5% alcohol

This is fragrant and supple with dried herbs and some leafy green notes supporting the fresh cherry and strawberry fruit. Juicy and fresh with nice brightness and ease.

Vasse Felix Classic Shiraz 2020, Margaret River, Australia, £12, Tesco, 14% alcohol

Margaret River is an important wine region, just south of Perth, and this is a really nice Shiraz, showing a hint of spicy mint on the nose. In the mouth it’s vivid and supple with green hints and fresh black fruits.

Aldi Specially Selected Kooliburra Australian Shiraz 2020, South Australia, £5.99, Aldi, 14.5% alcohol

This is really lively with lovely sweet cherry and berry fruits. It’s so nice to find Shiraz at this price with such good balance.

Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet 2019, South Australia, £9, Asda, 14.5% alcohol

Leafy and fresh with herby hints and a twist of mint. Lots of vivid blackcurrant and cherry fruit here.

Houghton Heritage Red 2020, Western Australia, £12, Waitrose, 14% alcohol

Blending Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, this shows a minty edge to the bright cherry and plum fruit. Nice blackcurrant notes, too.

Chalk Springs Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2021, Australia, £8, Marks & Spencer, 14% alcohol

Brilliant value for money. This shows fine cherry and plum fruit with texture and a sappy red fruit finish.

Wynns The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Coonawarra, Australia, £15, Tesco, 13.5% alcohol

Coonawarra is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and this shows lovely dense, chalky blackcurrant fruit with hints of spice and gravel.