Rooster & Robin 2026 Pinot Gris

 

East Coast newcomer Rooster & Robin made its debut at this year's Great Eastern Wine Weekend, attracting attention with its new cellar door and giant sculptures. This is only the second release for a sustainable brand based on the former Melrose vineyard at Cranbrook, now known as Elmsroe, and it is a little ripper for summer drinking, varietal correct and very food friendly. It has a real freshness and lightness about it. Good work from consultant winemaker Jacqui Dolan from Milton. We paired this with vegetarian dumplings from a Vietnamese takeaway - and that combo worked a treat. A label worth keeping an eye on. $33. https://roosterandrobin.com.au/ 

Chatto 2026 Edith Rosé

 

This is the first rosé release from pinot noir specialists Jim and Daisy Chatto in the Huon Valley. It was launched just a week ago at the Spring in the Vines festival and proved an immediate hit with its zingy freshness. Named after Edith Piaf and modelled on the pale, dry rosés of Provence it is a perfect choice for a summer picnic or beach excursion and is extremely food friendly. Made in small batches from grower fruit, it is crisp with myriad red fruit flavours to the fore and a dry finish. I'm told it is already close to sold out, so speed is of the essence.$35. https://chattowines.com/