Brancott Estate Brut NV
Gloriously nutty, lemon shortbread-like aromas waft forth and command you to sip this cracker of a local methode champenoise. "Good, honest bubbles," were the first words that came to mind when I tasted this - it's so well-crafted and oozes charm and elegance for such a wallet-friendly price. Crisp acidity, a full, smooth mouthfeel and superb length of flavour brings it into the what's-not-to-love section for me. Widely available.
Price: $17
Petane Station Esk Valley Gewurztraminer 2014
I'm an unashamed gewurztraminer fan. This new release from Petane (pee-tarn-ee) Station is saturated with fresh ginger, lychee, jasmine and peach flavours. It's rich, generous and goes beautifully with spicy food.
Price: $40
Champagne Drappier Carte d'Or NV
This is such a pretty wine - a shimmering soft gold colour with the tiniest of pinprick bubbles snaking their way from the base to the rim of the glass. It's ethereally light, with lifted lemon and sweet almond biscuit aromas. In the mouth it is generous, toasty and full, yet has beautiful balance, crispness and verve on the finish. French fizz like this for less than $50? That's outrageously good value for money in my book.
Price: $49
