Katnook Estate 2005 Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon

Looking for a Christmas present for a wine lover? You won't go far wrong with this serious Coonawarra cabernet that has all the elements in place. There are lashings of sweet berry fruit and minty characters, plenty of oak (although nicely in balance), soft tannins and subtle hints of spice. This is a very smooth wine, complex and long on the palate, that is drinking well in its youth but will probably develop for a decade or more. I wouldn't mind a few bottles of this in the cellar. $95.

Nepenthe 2008 Tempranillo

This was one of the stars of the Adelaide Hills Wine Show - where it was a trophy winner. It was one of my favourite wines from a very strong show, showing the immense potential of "alternative" varieties in the Hills. You'll find ripe and juicy berry fruit flavours, savoury notes and a lovely softness on the palate. Medium-bodied, this is terrific wine with a wide range of cuisines. $25.

Flying Fish 2008 Chardonnay

The next big thing in wine is ... chardonnay. The ABC fad is dead and buried and there are so many great chardys out there that the variety will be back in favour sooner rather than later. This new release from Margaret River is a perfect example of the modern chardonnay, bright and vibrant with delightful citrus/stone fruit characters and appealing balance and intensity. With just 13% alcohol, and very food friendly, this is most impressive, $22.

Hollick 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Sometimes you open a bottle of wine that's lipsmackingly good and without thinking about it too much suddenly discover the bottle is empty. That's what happened with this easy-to-drink red blend from one of Coonawarra's best family-owned wineries. You'll find luscious dark berry fruit flavours to the fore with soft tannins and oak very much in the background. Open a bottle of this, roast a leg of lamb and sparks will fly. $24.

Wandin Valley Estate 2009 Verdelho

Summer is on the way and there could be few better choices for quaffing on a sunny afternoon than this fresh and vibrant white from an under-rated Hunter Valley winery. You'll find tropical fruit salad aromas and flavours in this rich and full-bodied - but also extremely refreshing - wine which has lively acid on the finish. Drink it young, drink it chilled and also look out for the equally impressive 2009 semillon. Talented young winemaker Matt Burton is one to watch. $20.

Cullen 2007 Kevin John Chardonnay

This has to be one of the most impressive chardonnay releases of the year. Vanya Cullen's biodynamic vineyards in Margaret River have produced a wonderfully balanced wine from a very good year. The grapes were hand harvested, sorted and whole-bunch pressed and the fruit spent 10 months in new and 2nd year French oak. The end result: a wine of elegance and intensity with citrus characters to the fore. Stunningly good and well worth $70.

The Prince 2007 Merlot

A new label to me from the promising Vino Bambino stable, which has some excellent small producers on its books. There are so many dud Australian merlots around it's a real pleasuree to discover one like this attractive offering from Victoria's Pyrenees district. OK, it's soft and fleshy as you'd expect, but there's also some nice ripe berry characters and some complexity, too. This is a lovely barbecue wine and well priced at $20. www.vinobambino.com.au