Galognano La Foresta Chianti Colli Senesi 2022

Grown in one of our favourite Yarra Valley subregions, Dixons Creek, this is a cool climate-styled Shiraz that’s full of true-to-style dark fruits like violets and dark plums, whilst still being easy-drinking in the Bistro way – just like that inspiring Syrah we loved in the Rhône Valley too long ago.

BISTRO Shiraz 2022

Torn sage, ripe mulberry and berries, here’s a full-blooded Shiraz, vibrant and plush with a friendly (juicy) side. Ticks all the Shiraz boxes without ever scaring anyone off – in other words, balanced.

Curator Wine Co Hamlets Shiraz 2023

Bright, lovely and age-worthy. It’s Chianti from a master and vines that average 40 years in age. Look for a delicate cherries and plums that flow with some savoury spices and a flick of tobacco. There's also some crisp acidity that’ll cut right through a Tuscan t-bone, or Bistecca all Fiorentina for those of you who "parla Italiano". Yum.

Rodano Viacosta Chianti Classico Riserva 2019

We hit the coast after eight days walking and swam all afternoon. Renato showed me a cave where there was a crate of Solfare Bianco Magnums! Every sip was vibrant and fresh with citrus, plus a gentle oxidative note. The beach was empty so we stayed overnight. I've never slept so well or found that place again, lucky Blackhearts sell the wine though.

Passofonduto Solfare Bianco 2023 Magnum

We hit the coast after eight days walking and swam all afternoon. Renato showed me a cave where there was a crate of Solfare Bianco. Every sip was vibrant and fresh with citrus, plus a gentle oxidative note. The beach was empty so we stayed overnight. I've never slept so well or found that place again, lucky Blackhearts sell the wine though.

Passofonduto Solfare Bianco Grillo Cataratto 2023

Felsina Chianti Classico 2021

All Nebbiolo from Piedmont is pretty in its own way, but this has roses, acacia and so much flowy, concentrated cherry. Skip the carbs, and just enjoy another glass but take it slow so you and the palate can really unwind together.

Poderi Colla Langhe Nebbiolo 2021

Texture and a subtle orange glow thanks to just a moment on skins and a partial ferment in amphora. Crack it open when you want flavours that hit clean and luscious; like lemon curd, rockmelon and honeysuckle.

Eck Wines Number 2 Marsanne 2024

Delicious, slightly richer example of the varietal and very much chardonnay adjacent. All ripe fruits, from red apple and nectarine to a basket of stone fruits that all wash down with a dab of almond meal.

Russell & Suitor Alejandro Fiano 2024

Crispy apple crunch wrapped in liquid gold that drips down with bitter almond skins. It’s a side-step for a Rhône Valley white wine lover that holds onto some savouriness and goes very well with creaminess.

Cavalier Pepe Lila Irpinia Falanghina 2022

Saturating fruits and classically grippy in style. This plays red through to black fruits, and pours with that complex energy we love Bill Downie for. There’s also no shortage of spice and this will evolve beautifully over the years if you're patient enough to cellar.

William Downie Bull Swamp Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024

Honky Chateau Fawnsy Skin Contact 2024

Envinate Lousas Doad Mencia 2022

A Grenache, Syrah blend with saturated tannins that a Shiraz drinker with French tendencies will absolutely love you for. Give it a swirl to access more of the wild plum, aniseed and cooling lavender.

Mas des Bressades Tradition Rouge 2022

Ripe, textural and summery, they seem to have bottled early December. All those delicious afternoons that come with cantaloupe, stone fruit and an enriched freshness. A brilliant gift for the Gris-Chardonnay lovers in your life.

Domaine La Florane A Fleur Blanc White Blend 2023

Domaine La Florane Côtes du Rhône Grenache 2022

Elderton E Series Chardonnay 2023

Well isn’t this a bit fun? Especially with that little extra heft in the fruit that boldens the structure. If orange segments and pink berries give you a refreshing smile, then you should grab a bottle and head to the park. Never mind the weather, you’ll be shining.

Carto Wines PétNat Rosé 2022

Drink it cold and by the mouthful. Of course it will sip well, but we prefer it at a boogie between inspiring conversations while some house music thuds a joyously repetitive beat, which like the wine, is a little juicy and very fun.