MOUNT PLEASANT Elizabeth Semillon, Hunter Valley

Palish colour, with a restrained aroma of lemon and fresh herbs with a steely nature, which is repeated in the mouth. The wine is delicate, lean, taut and dry, with stimulating acidity. There is a touch of fleshy softness in the mid-palate which renders the wine approachable at this young age. It cries out for freshly-shucked oysters.

CHERUBINO Caves Road Chardonnay, Margaret River

As the name suggests, the chardonnay for this excellent wine comes from several blocks along Caves Road in the Wilyabrup, Karridale and Wallcliffe sub-regions. It's immediately apparent that there's plenty of verve and vitality in this finely structured yet still powerful expression of chardonnay. The aromas of florals, quince paste and grapefruit merge into the palate, which has a crunchy, almost juicy, lip-smacking feel about it. There's a touch of sea spray and citrus with a lemony butterscotch finish. This is so complex and layered. It's a terrific wine.