Gorgeously slurpy and earthy, and full of concentrated savoury edges and punchy flavours. These are the wines that inspire a period where only French wines are good enough. You might even book some flights.

Domaine La Florane Côtes du Rhône Grenache 2022

Chardonnay's richness meets cool-climate restraint. To be a good character you need some contradictions, those will give you broad appeal after all. This has that crisp stone fruit and some generous oak spice, with a refreshing line of acidity. Yum.

Tamburlaine Point 65 Chardonnay 2023

We sent some of our retail staff to Latta and they came back going on and on about this Grenache which was still in barrel at that point, but wow. It’s all grown up now, and into a thought-provoking, delicious wine that’s full of strawberries, sweet spice and candied fruit.

Latta Presence Grenache Early Release Shays Flat 2023

A lot is happening in every glass, but it’s more a party rather than a confused Socratic dialogue – though it would give some calm to the latter. Notes are sap, sweet, dark cherries, and spicy oak, meaning despite my clunky description, it’s amazing.

Fighting Gully Rd Pinot Noir 2023

Aged in large format, old oak for less inference. Nadia Curto shines with La Morra fruit. Every decision she’s made is to let the grapes speak, and after a soft decant, you’ll love all the earthy spice and tannin-soaked fruit that glide over your palate and sink into your heart.

Nadia Curto Barolo La Foia 2020

Plucked from red soils and fermented mostly destemmed, but all as one ferment. It’s Classic Yarra flightiness and lift right here. That means florals and flavour that have a nice concentration, plus balanced oak and subtle bunchy spice with tannins that build and expand into (and beyond) your second glass.

First Foot Forward Pinot Noir 2023

Each precious vessel gets 800 of litres of YV juice and comes out with a firmer, structural feel which is offset by some subtle grassy notes and enough citrus to keep things crisp. It’s an impressive local side-step for those Loire Valley blanc lovers out there.

First Foot Forward Amphora Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Vivid and flush with lush fruits, earthy edges, and some savoury spice. Saltfleet is absolutely delicious and a great rendition of a local Rhône blend. Take it to a BBQ and show it off, and don’t be surprised if people ask for wine recommendations.

Saltfleet GSM 2023

Generous. There's a slightly drying aspect we adore because it keeps everything refreshing. Strongly mineral, a subtle cherry note among all the apple turnover and rye-dough. It’s all sleek and made with a Pinot Meunier dominated blend.

Maurice Grumier Ô Ma Vallée Champagne NV

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

Groiss Gemitscher Satz Braitenpuechtorff 2022

This feels like a wine that’s showing off a lot of charming assets. From the green apple snap and zest of lemon citrus to the light mealy note from some time on lees, along with the chalky pith that is almost palpable, and dipped in salt. If you ever wished your Muscadet had some effervescence, this is the wine for you.

Zudugarai Getariako Txakolina 2023

24’s Riesling comes with concentrated lime, lemon thyme and citrus blossom. With subtle layers of coriander and lemongrass, gun smoke and autumn fruits. Put it on the table when you’re making a curry for instant cuisine elevation.

Ottelia Riesling 2024

Need a sure thing that lets you know you're making all the right choices? Here it is with an unbelievable profile. Pours deep purple and has a weave of dark spices and star anise, plus some cassis and currants. Very French for Geelong, from those fruits to the acidity and unfolding effect you get as you drink. Absolutely cellarable.

Provenance Geelong SV Pinot Noir 2022

Hello from the Eden Valley, your slightly cooler, more elevated region bordering the Barossa for those playing along at home. Drinks like a summer evening, complete with cooling, minty tannin (breeze) and a velvety fruit warmth that's rich and inviting. Feels like a red to sit with at the park over a couple of chapters, or some nice conversation.

Barr Eden Dreams of Gold Shiraz 2023

Full of raspberries, citrus and a little chalky rind structure to unleash at picnics where the people you’re sharing with will just be a smidge happier than those drinking something else.

Pittnauer Pitti Konig Rose 2023

The soils here are also shallow and a bed of Kimmeridgian marl helps push through all that minerality. Monsieur Michel's bottles are full of tonic water bitterness that's kept fresh with citrus. and a little soft grapefruit.

Louis Michel Chablis Montee de Tonnerre 1er Cru 2021

With a little decant Intrinsic settles and comes through bright with boysenberry, pomegranate and some cherry-depth. Owen Latta and his crew have done amazingly well, and made the most of trying weather conditions. This is one to cellar, or enjoy now and it’s punching well above its price point.

Eastern Peake Intrinsic Pinot Noir 2022 MAGNUM 1500ml

Eastern Peake Intrinsic Pinot Noir 2022

Full of raspberry mousse and some subtle spice, it’s delicious and will absolutely inspire gossip, and maybe even some tension (between people, there’s plenty in the wine). Hand-picked and whole bunch pressed, you won’t care about knocking some ball through a gate, you’ll just want another glass.