Numbered from top to bottom, left to right
1. WINTER RED
2016 Jones Malbec, Rutherglen, $35
An excellent example of the malbec grape: deep-purple fruit framed in fine, grippy, elegant tannins. Roast a leg of lamb with all the trimmings and you’re set for Sunday lunch. joneswinery.com.au
2. SAVVY WHITE
2016 Michael Hall Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills, $35
Another great wine from this consistently good producer: subtle barrel-ferment flavours and some time in bottle bring finesse and texture to sauvignon’s fresh floral fruitiness. michaelhallwines.com
3. WHISKY A GO GO
Koval Four Grain Whiskey, Chicago, $99
The standout spirit in an impressive range from this innovative US distillery; a blend of oats, malted barley, rye and wheat, it’s a full-flavoured, rich, golden whiskey with grunt. noblespirits.com.au
4. BARGAIN BUBBLES
2007 Charles de Cazanove Tradition, Reims, $61
Gorgeous, mature Champagne; layers of nutty, creamy flavour. Great value at $61, but Vintage Cellars have also had it on special for $55 each if you buy six. vintagecellars.com.au
5. CLASSIC VICTORIAN
2017 Bests Old Vines Pinot Meunier, Great Western, $100
Deceptively pale, pretty and fine now, this wine, made from vines planted 150 years ago, will also cellar superbly well, filling out and revealing great complexity over decades. bestswines.com
6. NEW NERO
2017 Sherrah Nero d’Avola, McLaren Vale, $30
A good new Vale producer to look out for; I like all the wines in Sherrah’s range, but there’s something particularly appealing about this bright, lip-smacking young nero. sherrahwines.com.au
7. SNAPPY CHIANTI
2015 Querceto Di Castellina L’Aura, Chianti Classico, $29
One sip of this bright, cherry-juicy, medium-bodied Chianti and I’m transported back to Castellina, tucking into a char-grilled bistecca alla Fiorentina. vinobambino.com.au