The best modern Aussie whites offer an abundance of sun-ripened fruit balanced by crisp, zingy refreshment. None more so than Yarrunga Field, and the 2018 is as fruity and fresh as ever.

A founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, Jim Barry is a legendary Clare Valley out t. Its wines run the gamut of styles (and prices) from the renowned Jim Barry Watervale Riesling ($20) through to the magnf cent ‘Armagh’ Shiraz ($325). Assyrtiko is a lipsmacking white variety originally from Greece, now grown in Clare, in this exciting first. A tantalising taste of Santorini, Australian-style – delicious! “Garrique bush and flowers bouquet; the vines have grown another dimension, as has the flavour intensity, which is almost shocking - sour lemon, fresh-cut herbs, red apple... 94pts” (Halliday).

Drawing its inspiration from the Bordelaise tradition of blending multiple compatible grape varieties; This Levantine Hill Melange Traditionnel Blanc is a complex, aromatic wine that is crafted for its ageing ability. It displays subtle fruit characters of blood orange, musk, ginger, apricot and gooseberry on the nose with well-integrated savoury oak and acidity on the palate. It has a textural silky finish. A perfect foil for Munster or similar washed-rind cheese.

With slightly fuller fruit flavours than its crisp companion, there is plenty of ripe melon and passionfruit flavours here.

Retsina hails from the hills of Attica and Central Greece and was traditionally made from the Savatiano grape variety. Vassilis Papagiannakos has taken it upon himself to raise the profile of this much-maligned style of wine. He does this by sourcing fruit from old, well-sited Savatiano vineyards. He then adds very controlled amounts of pine resin during a temperature controlled fermentation to ensure a delicate and well integrated blend of flavours and complexity.

Clonakilla's Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is an exceptionally delicious example of the ever popular white blend, showing lovely bright and precise fruit characters throughout. A tinge of fresh herbaceous elements along with ripe, stone fruits frame a crisp palate and clean finish. A great little gem from the family owned Boutique Winery in the Canberra district.

Lindemans Early Harvest wines are lighter in alcohol and calories. The Crisp Dry White has ripe flavours of citrus and tropical fruits balanced with clean, refreshing acidity.</p>