The Beast’s Holiday Wine Guide

By Alex Russell on December 20, 2013 in Food

During the holidays, many of us will want to treat ourselves to something a little more expensive, or something new. This guide might help.

Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc Drinkers
Many Margaret River SSBs land at $15ish. Splash out a bit and try Mantra ($20), Larry Cherubino (Pedestal – $25) and lots of other options. Consider the Shaw and Smith Sauv Blanc (Adelaide Hills) too, or if Marlborough is your thing, try Craggy Range, Saint Clair, Dog Point or Seresin.

If you’re looking to try something a little bit different, regular readers will know of my love of Hunter Semillons (Tyrrell’s, Thomas Wines, Brokenwood, etc). It’s worth looking for Vermentino too (Yalumba, Oliver’s Taranga, loads of others).

Chardonnay Drinkers
Aussie Chardonnay is amazing at the moment. You can get great stuff at any price point. Consider Leeuwin, Kooyong, By Farr, Howard Park, Dexter, Cullen, Freycinet, Montalto, Yarra Yering and Hoddles Creek. Or try the Kiwi wines such as Kumeu River ‘Mate’s Vineyard’ Chardonnay ($66 from Cracka). I’ll be drinking Christian Moreau Chablis – absolutely brilliant wines.

Consider Viognier, too. By Farr and Clonakilla are two of my favourites here. The Viognier Nouveau from Clonakilla is a more crisp, fresh, drink young style, while the regular Viognier will please just about any Chardonnay drinker and their guests.

Riesling Drinkers
You already know where it’s at, but if I can sway you, try something like a Gruner Veltliner (Hahndorf Hill or something Austrian) for something different. Or try German Riesling (you’ll want to spend a little here for something really good). Try Googling ‘Eurocentric’ for advice and sales.

Pinot Noir Drinkers
Have a look at some Burgundies. Most currently available stuff is great. 2012 Yarra is brilliant: Wanderer, William Downie, Thousand Candles, Yarra Yering and Mayer Close Planted (seriously, don’t miss it). If you haven’t tried it yet, go for the Ashton Hills Reserve from Adelaide Hills – one of the best Pinots I’ve tried all year. Others worth a try include By Farr, Curly Flat, Paringa and Stoney Rise ‘Holyman’.

Cabernet or Merlot Drinkers
Margaret River is hard to go past. The big names (Moss Wood, Cullen, Leeuwin, Howard Park) are always great but often hard to get. Kiwis do well here too, like Te Mata Coleraine (‘NZ’s greatest red’). If you drink Bordeaux, you probably already know what you want. If not, do your research first – that stuff is expensive.

Coonawarra is a bargain. The current Wynn’s Black Label is a belter, while the likes of Rymill, Parker, Yalumba Menzies and Katnook will treat you well. Or try Lake’s Folly from the Hunter – amazing stuff.

Shiraz Drinkers
I’ve noticed quite a few discounts on wines from the Barossa and McLaren Vale and they’re always amazing wines, so look around. Again, price will guide you here, but look at wines like Two Hands, Rusden, Peter Lehmann and many others.

Try Victoria too. The Grampians is a great region (Best’s, The Story, Mount Langi, Seppelt), as is Heathcote (Jasper Hill, Heathcote Estate, Tyrrell’s ‘Lunatiq’, Greenstone).

Grenache will also serve you well. My favourite here is Cirillo Estate 1850s, but look at d’Arenberg, Bethany, Yalumba single vineyards and loads of others.

If you’re after inspiration, try me on Twitter (@OzWineGuy). Let me know what you end up drinking over the break. Have a great holiday and see you in 2014!