'Fairhall Cliffs' Sauvignon Blanc, Marisco Vineyards, Marlborough
Marlborough at its finest. Only the best hand-picked Sauvignon Blanc grapes make it into this bottling by one of the region’s most respected winemakers. When fruit is at optimal ripeness, with bright and punchy aromatics, it’s harvested, lightly crushed and then fermented in stainless steel. Early bottling captures all its freshness, including elderflower, lemon and passion fruit notes.
'Vine Series' Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, Deakin Estate, South Eastern Australia
This is an Australian take on a typical French pairing: Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Light-bodied and refreshing, it is both crisp and well balanced – just as good as an aperitif as it is with light dishes. Crack it open, pour a glass and savour those zesty and tropical notes of lemon, lime, gooseberry and green apple.
'River Retreat' Pinot Grigio, Trentham Estate, Murray Darling
Lemony citrus, juicy pear, fresh-cut apple – this wine has all those bright and crisp aromas we love in Pinot Grigio. Grapes were picked in the cool of the night to maintain their zingy character. A homage to the Murray Darling region’s unique watery landscape, it’s feel-good in more ways than just flavour: each bottle’s purchase includes a donation to a nearby university foundation.
Vavasour Pinot Gris, Awatere Valley
Richly structured with layered flavours of fruit, ginger and mineral, this wine is proof that Marlborough can do more than world-class Sauvignon Blanc. The choice of the grape’s Gallic name, Pinot Gris – rather than the Italian Pinot Grigio – reflects the way some grapes are fermented in French oak barriques and aged with lees to add richness and texture.
Lakefield Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia
A classic white grape – Chardonnay – given a fresh twist in the Riverina sub-region of south-eastern Australia. Fresh green apple and lemon-rind aromas lead to flavours of ripe peach and melon. Rich and clear, with a creamy dry finish, this is a dream wine for food.
Andrew Peace Wines Chenin Blanc, Swan Hill
Australia is great at showcasing unique varietals – and this Chenin Blanc is a perfect example. Aromas of rose petal, grapefruit, pear and quince build into luscious summery flavours of peach, nectarine and guava. Crisp citrus acidity meets generous tropical fruit character. In short, the best of all worlds.
'Ingara' Montepulciano, Betheone, McLaren Vale
A Montepulciano, from Australia? You bet. The Betheone range, crafted by Vikas Gupta, is a tribute to people who follow new-found passions relentlessly, regardless of their background. It’s delicious proof that hard work and innovation can create wonderful things. Give your glass a swirl to release all the juicy black fruit and savoury flavours.
'Vine Series' Shiraz, Deakin Estate, South Eastern Australia
What would an Australasian Wine Club box be without an Aussie Shiraz? But this one gives you something a little bit different. It hails from the warm climate and fertile soils of the Big Rivers region in south-eastern Australia, rather than the more typical Barossa. A juicy and bold wine with notes of blackberry, damson, spice and pepper, it’s just the thing for pairing with food.
'Million Suns' Old Vine Grenache, Thistledown, Riverland
Few countries turn out Grenache quite like Australia – and few winemakers craft it quite like Thistledown. By making the most of premium vineyard sites across South Australia, they take the grape to a new level. This bottling from the Riverland area is richly aromatic, with layered and textural flavours of wild strawberry and spice. There is a bit of a succulent savoury hit in there too, which gets you craving the next sip.
'Stickleback' Red, Heartland, Langhorne Creek
A blend that typifies Australian innovation, from a producer that specialises in making knock-out reds. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz bring rich, savoury character and structure, while a touch of the rare Italian varietal Lagrein lends a kick of spice. Expect flavours of blackberry, red cherry and vanilla.
Lakefield Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, South Eastern Australia
Black cherry, vanilla, chocolate – this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot really gives classic claret a run for its money. Made by a winemaker who has bagged an International Wine & Spirits Competition gold medal, it truly reflects the Cranswick philosophy of excellent quality at good value for money.
'Full Moon' Durif, Andrew Peace Wines, Swan Hill
We promised some surprises in your case – and this Durif, also known as Petite Sirah, is one example. It thrives in the hot continental climate, showing all its lovely notes of black plum, damson, blueberry and spice. The wine’s name comes from owner Andrew Peace: one late summer’s evening he looked out over his Durif vines, and saw them illuminated by a beautiful full moon.
