- In need of some top new wines? The bottles here are signature labels from some of the country’s best regions and producers, and at $50 and under, they’re excellent value for money. Enjoy them on their own or as recommended by the winemakers with the tips ahead.
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2018 Gilbert Orange Shiraz
Deep crimson with purple hues. A plush and savoury palate of forest berry, white pepper and spice. This classic example of a cool-climate shiraz displays fine and elegant tannins with great softness – very much true to the site and season in which it was grown. -
2018 Artis Single Vineyard Adelaide Hills Gruner Veltliner
This vibrant, mid-weighted white features juicy acidity and a compelling textural interplay between fruit, freshness and a skinsy grip. Stone fruit flavours mingle with snap pea and peppery notes. -
2018 Jumy Estate Ode19 Grampians Shiraz
A cool-climate shiraz from Victoria’s Grampians that showcases elegance and purity with a plush, silky texture. It has flavours of lifted red cherry and raspberry fruits, with notes of black pepper and complex spice. -
2017 Max & Me The House Blend Eden Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Deep mahogany red in the glass, displaying aromas of blackcurrant, milk chocolate, violets, fine cedar and red fruits. The palate features generous shiraz richness, followed by fine tannins, ample weight and structure that will reward time in the cellar. -
2017 Voyager Estate Margaret River Chardonnay
Fragrant citrus and white peach aromas mingle with hints of white flowers and hazelnuts on the nose, while a fine, vibrant citrus line drives the palate with lime, lemon pith and grapefruit flavours. It has a savoury note and long, saline minerality on the finish. -
2017 Three Ponds Holman Hunter Valley Nero D’Avola
Light cherry red, the nose displays herbal, candy and cherry notes. The palate is medium-bodied, spicy and fruity, with subtle oak characters. -
2011 UMAMU Estate Ann’s Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Adopting the French approach of releasing wines when they are ready, this cabernet sauvignon already displays complex and layered characters. Rich, powerful dark fruits are integrated with soft, smooth tannins, and it has delicious length. -
2018 After Five Wine Co. Barossa Valley Montepulciano
Vibrant colour and complex aromas of dark cherry, fennel seed, plum, oregano and thyme herbs. This powerful wine delivers a crunchy, lively, textural palate with fine, consistent tannin. Natural acidity drags fruit flavours to the very back of the palate. -
2018 Teusner Avatar Barossa GMS
This 50/40/10 per cent blend features spice and bright red fruits from the grenache component, savoury earthiness and depth from the mataro, and a subtle touch of plump plum and rich black fruit from the shiraz. Oak ageing adds complexity and nuance. -
2018 Travertine Hunter Valley Sparkling Chambourcin
This ruby-red sparkling chamboucin features aromatics of dark plums, ripe red berries, cinnamon and spice. It is matured in oak, and the palate is comprised of sweet cherries, chocolate and black forest cake with leathery tannin undertones.
Drinking recommendation: This shiraz is best shared with great company on a chilly winter afternoon by the fire, served with a hearty stew or slow roast. Try pairing it with a Spanish fabada white bean stew, with fresh sourdough on the side to soak up the juices.
RRP $42 | Drink to 2028 | gilbertfamilywines.com.au
Drinking recommendation: Combining the fresh, zesty acidity of riesling with the texture and weight of modern chardonnays, this wine suits a wide range of occasions, with or without food. Best served slightly chilled, at around 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. Try it with pairings of mild fish or vegetarian curries for a wholesome, wintery meal.
RRP $36.99 | Drink to 2023 | artiswines.com.au
Drinking recommendation: This shiraz features the cool-climate hallmarks of pepper and spice, making it the perfect companion to a platter of charcuterie and hard cheeses – although, in typical shiraz fashion, it will also pair deliciously with succulent red meats.
RRP $50 | Drink to 2040 | odevine.com.cn
Drinking recommendation: This full-bodied blend shows beautiful fragrance in its ripe fruit profile and fineness in its tannin structure. Decanting it a couple of hours before drinking will allow the dark fruits to sing – pair it with a lamb roast with all the trimmings.
RRP $40 | Drink to 2035 | maxandme.com.au
Drinking recommendation: This complex, textured and elegant chardonnay is best enjoyed over a long Sunday lunch or dinner party with friends. Serve it chilled and paired with chargrilled or barbecued fish dishes – or for a winter menu, accompany it with a slow-cooked chicken casserole.
RRP $50 | Drink to 2027 | voyagerestate.com.au
Drinking recommendation: This versatile and food-friendly wine is a lovely alternative to shiraz or pinot noir. Serve it in a large red wine glass and pair it with rich dishes – it’s a superb match with lasagne, fettuccine lamb ragu or confit duck.
RRP $45 | Drink to 2030 | mounteyre.com
Drinking recommendation: Make an event of this special aged wine by pairing it with a rich and decadent meal of slow-roasted lamb shoulder, roasted potatoes and grilled radicchio and fennel salad. Or, simply treat yourself and a loved one with a glass in front of the fire.
RRP $48 | Drink to 2030 | umamuestate.com
Drinking recommendation: This wine has had no fining or filtration, so decanting prior to drinking will ensure it has time to express itself in the glass – a large red wine glass will reveal a multitude of aromas. Share it with friends over good conversation and a hearty dinner, such as an Italian sausage ragu served with plenty of fennel and butter coating the pasta.
RRP $35 | Drink to 2030 | purplehandswines.com.au
Drinking recommendation: This red blend is versatile and food-friendly. Drink it young and fresh, paired with bright Asian flavours, or leave it in the cellar for 10-plus years and enjoy its complexity either solo or with some braised meat and mushroom dishes.
RRP $40 | Drink to 2030 | teusner.com.au
Drinking recommendation: This spicy and fruit-forward sparkling makes for a fabulous aperitif at any occasion or celebration. Accompany with soft cheeses and dried figs, or a dessert such as chocolate cake. Serve chilled.
RRP $30 | Drink to 2023 | travertinewines.com.au
*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
Top image credit: Wine Australia
