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Bird in Hand Two In The Bush Shiraz 2024, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia: Bird in Hand Two in the Bush Shiraz from the Adelaide Hills is a vibrant, full-bodied red sourced from higher-elevation parcels across the cool, breezy Mount Lofty Ranges, a growing region that gives this Shiraz a freshness and lift that sets it apart from the weightier styles of warmer Australian regions. Deep violet in the glass, it opens with an arresting nose of incense, dried peach skin and a suggestion of star anise, giving way on the palate to flavours of mulberry jam, roasted plum and bitter orange peel, underpinned by a long, peppery finish with a pleasing hint of charred oak. It is bone dry with polished, forward tannins and a lively acidity that keeps everything in balance, best served just below room temperature, and will reward cellaring through 2030. Founded by Andrew and Susie Nugent in 1997, Bird in Hand has grown into one of Adelaide Hills' most admired producers, and this wine stands as a testament to what thoughtful, site-driven winemaking can achieve at an approachable price point. Serve it with a thick-cut grilled ribeye finished with herb butter, where the wine's bold fruit and peppery backbone will stand up magnificently to the char and richness of the meat, or pair it with grilled lamb chops marinated in garlic and cumin, letting its dark, spiced fruit echo the earthiness of the dish beautifully. Drink: 2026-2030. 41874 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 94/100. May 28, 2026 Plush Pork Wine Full Review
Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Aconcagua Valley D.O., Chile: Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon from the Aconcagua Valley in Chile is a dry, medium-bodied red crafted by Eduardo Chadwick from sustainably grown grapes sourced from the Las Vertientes vineyard in the mid-Coastal Mountain Range, where cooling Pacific breezes temper the heat and give the wine a freshness and elegance that sets it apart from heavier, sun-baked Cabernets. Aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, it opens with an inviting nose of dried fig, crushed violet and a suggestion of smoked paprika, flowing into flavours of roasted coffee, cardamom and a ribbon of bittersweet cocoa on the palate, all framed by fine-grained, polished tannins and a bright, focused acidity that carries the finish with real grace and length. It is bone dry and best served just below room temperature, drinking well now and rewarding cellaring through 2029. Eduardo Chadwick, scion of the legendary Errázuriz wine family, launched Arboleda as a project dedicated to showcasing Chile's most exciting single-origin terroirs, and the Las Vertientes vineyard has proven itself one of the country's most compelling addresses for elegant, cool-influenced Cabernet Sauvignon. Serve it alongside a slow-smoked brisket with a tangy barbecue glaze, where the wine's dark depth and structured tannins will stand up magnificently to the bold, caramelized flavours of the meat, or pour it with a roast turkey finished with pan gravy and roasted root vegetables, letting its polished structure and savoury undertones complement every bite. Drink: 2026-2029. 606764 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 28, 2026 Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review
Halos de Jupiter 2024, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhône A.O.P., France: Halos de Jupiter Côtes du Rhône is a dry, medium-bodied blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, crafted by renowned winemakers Philippe Cambie and Michel Gassier from galets and limestone soils, then aged in concrete vats to preserve the wine's natural freshness and sense of terroir. It opens with an inviting nose of dried fig, crushed pomegranate and a waft of incense, flowing into flavours of warm clove, bitter chocolate and a streak of wet stone on the palate, all carried by a vibrant, energetic acidity and a finish of impressive length. It is bone dry with supple, polished tannins, best served just below room temperature, and will reward cellaring through 2032. Philippe Cambie, one of the Rhône Valley's most celebrated consulting winemakers, earned the nickname the Flying Winemaker for his work across more than 100 estates throughout southern France, bringing a level of expertise and ambition to this wine that belies its modest price. Serve it alongside a pepper steak with a mustard cream sauce, where the wine's spiced depth and wet stone minerality will stand up beautifully to the bold, peppery flavours, or pair it with a tray of roasted root vegetables finished with olive oil and thyme, letting its earthy undertones and bright acidity echo the caramelized sweetness of the dish. Drink: 2025-2032. 276956 15% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 93/100. May 28, 2026 Best Beef Wine Full Review
Cantina Tramin T Cuvée Bianco 2024, Alto Adige, Italy: Cantina Tramin T Cuvée Bianco Alto Adige is a dazzlingly aromatic, light to medium-bodied white blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Sauvignon from one of northern Italy's most celebrated and historically significant cooperatives, exploding from the glass with a heady perfume of fresh lime zest, white grapefruit, violet candy, wild rose, crisp sage leaf, and an exotic flicker of lychee and white peach that makes it immediately, irresistibly appealing. It is dry and vibrantly structured on the palate, with a smooth, crystalline minerality, a refreshing, mouth-watering acidity, and a clean, fragrant finish that invites the next sip before the last one has faded. Winemaker Willi Stürz, who joined Cantina Tramin in the early 1990s and was named Italian Winemaker of the Year by Gambero Rosso in 2004, crafts this entry-level cuvée with the same precision and Alpine freshness he brings to the estate's flagship wines. An irresistible piece of wine history: the village of Tramin where this cooperative has stood since 1898 is the very birthplace of Gewürztraminer, one of the world's most recognisable aromatic grape varieties, whose name literally means "spicy grape from Tramin," giving every bottle from this address an extraordinary sense of place. Serve it well chilled as a brilliant aperitif alongside a charcuterie board of cured meats and aged mountain cheese, or pair it with a Thai-inspired prawn salad with lime dressing where the wine's citrus exuberance and floral lift will echo every element of the dish. Drink it now while its freshness is singing. Drink: 2026-2026. 49286 12.50% XD 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 94/100. May 28, 2026 Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Cellar Selection / Villa Maria's Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, South Island is a vibrant, medium-bodied white wine showcasing notes of grapefruit, passion fruit, fresh-cut grass and gooseberry. This dry, sustainably farmed wine displays bright acidity and zesty fruit that make it immediately appealing. Serve it well chilled with grilled prawns and lemon aioli as the wine's citrus character complements the shellfish, or pair it with goat cheese and herb salad where the wine's herbaceous notes mirror the fresh greens. Winemaker Helen Morrison sources fruit from the acclaimed Wairau Valley, where stony soils and sunny days create the intense aromatic profile that has made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc world-famous. Villa Maria has been at the forefront of New Zealand winemaking since 1961, pioneering sustainable viticulture practices and consistently producing wines that showcase the country's exceptional terroir. This expressive Sauvignon Blanc represents outstanding quality and will drink beautifully through 2027. Drink: 2025-2027. 974527 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 95/100. May 28, 2026 Top Rated White Wine. Profound Pasta and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review
Anciano No.10 2016, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Anciano Gran Reserva No. 10 is a perennial favourite, offering a deep ruby hue and a rich, layered profile. Bursting with ripe red berries, dark cherry, and a hint of briny olive, it is elegantly framed by fine herbs, velvety dark chocolate, warming cinnamon spice, and bright orange zest. A touch of minerality lends further depth, while its balanced acidity ensures a long, refined finish. Crafted from a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo, this medium-plus-bodied Rioja red is perfect alongside roast duck or a hearty sausage cassoulet. Enjoy now or cellar through 2026. Drink: 2025-2028. 37384 13% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 93/100. May 28, 2026 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

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