Lunch-style claret with sweeps of tannin and strokes of freshening herbs on a canvas of boysenberry, mulberry and cassis. Oh no, I've been looking at Ab-ex paintings again. Apologies, but it is beautiful.

In Reverie Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2021

Corymbia Calgardup Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Summer was pretty mild in Perth over 2022-23, so these grapes got a long ripening meaning plenty of depth and balance. There is a small portion of new oak to deepen the palate and bring cacao nib, liquorice root and blue fruits. It is svelte and supple and perfect for the Syrah drinkers in your life.

Battles Granitis Shiraz Viognier 2023

Texture and a clean, talcy feel that’s flowy with white nectarine, lime and passionfruit flowers. There’s some versatility here meaning it’ll handle spicy food very well and elevate packet dumplings into fine cuisine.

Galafrey Dry Grown Reserve Riesling 2023

Orange peel, musk, a cinnamon stick and sandalwood. You could burn them all as an offering to spark some good vibes, or you can pour this into your soon to be painted light orange glassware and taste it all and be refreshed.

LS Merchants Hoi Polloi Orange 2024

Pepper, spice, some smoky raspberry tea and good chew. If it were Shiraz we'd say it helped inspire Les Murray’s poetry, but it’s Syrah, so let's just hope it inspires you to a great dinner or late lunch. Ferment was all whole bunch so expect some lacey acidity and earthy drive.

Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Syrah 2022

Morus is something to savour and cellar. Of course you can decant and enjoy it tonight for a velvety statement that celebrates cassis, mulberry and quiet tannins. Morus is the indigenous name for a local species of Mulberry tree.

Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Matured in old barrels to develop texture and body, without overpowering the fruit with oak. It’s a refreshing take for Margaret River, but one we’re in awe of thanks to some super-flowy up-front fruit that comes through clean and bright.

Domaine Naturalist Discovery Chardonnay 2023

Super structural thanks to all that oak and trademark Margaret River Gingin – a Chardonnay clone that kills it in Margies. So, yes, you can still expect the spice and salt, but you get amplified, vibrant nectarine, peach skin and a squeeze of citrus too.

Deep Woods ESTATE Chardonnay 2023

Propping all that fruit up is some nice cashew, pulled warm bread and lemon rind. There’s a lot of drive and power here, but it’s never overwhelming.

Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023

A mid-weighted beauty that's spicey with layers of ripe white nectarine and peach leading to a creamy edge and some well-placed oak spice. Drink this early in the week for a little respite from the 9-5 grind!

Folklore Chardonnay 2022

Pull it out of your tote and pour it while on a park bench with one friend – the bottle’s too small for several people. Full of white and yellow peach and just a little oaky richness that hits the spot without overpowering the other flavours.

Robert Oatley Signature Series Chardonnay 2023 375ml

Bright, lifted blue fruits, spicy lined tannin and some chewy acidity – they might be some of the words you want to hear if you need a red for a BBQ. The fact that it's all savoury and chalky also means it’ll pair well with slow-roast lamb, blue cheese, and dark chocolate, so yes take it with you to that BBQ.

Higher Plane Time for Heroes Malbec 2023

Don't worry Chardonnay lovers who like tension, this is the best of both worlds and it’s kept nimble with some fresh and energetic peach skin laced acidity. Amazing winemaking and great value!

Domain Naturaliste Floris Chardonnay 2022

Sauvignon that offers fresh, lifted fragrances of gooseberry and lychee before the Semillion flows in throwing in fig, grapefruit and spice. Don’t fret, they’re all getting along in there, they’re just waiting for you to join them though.

Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2023

This wine offers citrus blossoms, talcy chalk and some lime, pulp, leaf and pith. Buy enough for everyone at your group Yum Cha dinner to get at least two glasses, you wouldn’t want anyone missing out.

Fervor Dokta Nova Riesling 2023

We’re in on that alone, but there’s also a sturdy backbone of compact stone fruit and a nice citrussy-sherbety pull of acidity to keep you energised over the warmer months. We recommend pouring this into a fishbowl-sized wine glass, giving it a little swirl and savouring everything it has to offer. Superb modern Chardonnay that also deserves some space in the cellar.

Nocturne Treeton Sub Region Chardonnay 2022

Malo-richness offset by bright acidity. This seems made for cheeses – the gooier the better. Take it to the park at twilight and enjoy the first glass for its vibes while the sun’s still up and the wine is uber cool, then your second after it’s set, when that bit of richness will warm you.

Fervor Funka Riche Chardonnay 2022

It feels like sitting at a cosy pub in late Autumn, early Spring and eating an amazing steak with peppercorn sauce while the AC fans warm air and that smell of cloves, leather and a fireplace (even though the fire’s not been lit in years) float through the air.

Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Syrah 2022

This a phenomenal wine that sings with some air time or rest in your cellar if you can bear to wait. A remarkable plot that translates into beguiling aromatics, mineral essence and laser-like focus.