This week on wine chat we’re taking a moment to have a look at the year that was. Wine Chat presenter, BSC: Wine Science student Cal Lee, takes us through their favourite wines of the year as well as some of the best value booze for the Holiday Season.

Sparkling

The Best

2024 Renzaglia ‘Rural Methode’ Chardonnay, Shiraz Central Ranges, N.S.W.

Cal Says: Getting to drink a wine in the vineyard it’s made is always a tantalising experience. Whilst heavily awarded for their Reds, Renzaglia to me has always been a stellar sparkling producer. The rural methode is a great example of the Pet Nat style, and seeing the Traditional methode that Sam has maturing on the riddling rack has me on tenterhooks for the next sparkling release. Find out more here

The Bargain

N.V. Andre Delorme ‘Crémant de Bourgogne’, Chardonnay, Burgundy France

Cal Says: Would champagne by any other name still smell just as sweet? With Fizz prices climbing this year the need for high quality alternatives to ‘the wine for celebration’ are highly needed. This Crémant (French classification of sparkling wine) is made from the same varieties and in the same style as Champagne but at a significantly better price point. It even has a little brother that can be found for under $20!

White

The Best

1977 The College ‘Traminer Spatlese’ Riesling? Gewurtztraminer? Cowra, N.S.W.

Cal Says: This wine is from the early screw cap trials in the 70s. Made more as an experiment than a fine wine, getting to drink something that was nearly 50 years old was a humbling experience. It was a great reminder why wine has such a important relationship to the passage of time.

The Bargain

2025 Konpira Maru, ‘Panopticon’ Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurtztraminer King Valley, Victoria

Cal Says: Delicious and refreshing aromatic white blend with some palate weight, great with seafood or spicy south east Asian dishes. Plus it comes in a stunning blue glass bottle. Find out more here

Rose & Chilled Red

The Best

2023 Clos Cibonne ‘Tradition’ Tibouren Provence, France

Cal Says: Provence rose is incredibly popular, and with that causes dilution of the style. Resisting this is the Tradition range of Clos Cibonne, using the nearly extinct grape Tibouren, this wine is finessed and toned as well as being playful and lively. It reminds one of what rose should be about. Find out more here

The Bargin

2024 Nomads Garden ‘Evan’s Vineyard’ Pinot Meunier King Valley, Victoria

Cal Says: A great example of a chilled red that takes itself seriously. Finely boned, with a beautiful blood orange and spices, plush aromas and precise acidity. Can be easily enjoyed at any temperature, but on a hot summer day goes down a treat when well chilled. Find out more here

Red

The Best

2018 Rippon ‘Tinker’s Field’ Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand

Cal Says: Nick Mils is, in my belief, the best winemaker in New Zealand. I purchased this wine from the cellars of the Victory Hotel in S.A., an unassuming country pub that has one of the most extensive wine cellaring programs I’ve ever seen. We’d just finished a 10 hour “short” day in the winery and the gear shift of hard labour into a cru tier Pinot was a sense of accomplishment I’ll never forget. This wine is hard to find in Australia, with limited quantities being imported, but I can whole heartedly say, if you see a bottle of Rippon (yes even the Sauvignon Blanc) buy it. You won’t be disappointed. More information here

The Bargain

2023 Duke’s ‘Single Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon Great Southern W.A.

Cal Says: Since Ben Cane took over Duke’s Porongurups based winery in 2021, it’s become a powerhouse of western Australian winemaking. With a core of cassis and classic cigar box overtones, and a backing of liquorice and mint, this wine shows exceptional varietal character. Full bodied but not overly oaked or boozy, it shows why Cabernet deserves all the accolades it receives internationally. Drink with dad to impress him, or with red meat, or chocolate, or anything really, just don’t sleep on this exceptional red. More information here

Thank you to everyone who listened to wine chat this year! looking forward to gracing you airwaves again on 08/01/2026

All photos are my own.

Cheers, Cal