Many Rieslings are very delicate and light in their youth, whereas this has a little more palate weight to it, along with an intense mineral presence. It's still going to age a treat but it will stand up to slightly heavier seafood meals. Of course I suspect winemaker Wayne Ahrens would still plate up some whiting beside it. With lemons, limes and zest, slate, thyme and the finest of bath salts, the wine is focused and driven with good length. It's integrated enough for enjoying now but should have a bright future. A touch of sea spray on the finish completes a beautiful picture perfectly. -JP

Is it an aperitif? Or perhaps it is that perfect wine for your favourite curry? Wherever you use it, there is little doubt that this crisp and slightly sweeter style of Riesling is perfect for the Australian climate. With subtle lime rind and melon fruits the nose is enticing and fresh. The palate is crisp with acidity and sweet with just the right amount of both. - SG

A blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Mataro. Positively bursting with juicy red & black berries and oh so fresh. There's a touch of pure "grapey-ness" about the flavour too. Lots of spice on the back palate; mostly nutmeg & pepper. Those are the keys, but tomato flavoured, soft acidity and a tiny suggestion of earth both help it along. A lick of tannin on the finish too. So easy to drink & food friendly, there is a danger that you'll fail to notice what a very good wine it is. And perhaps that's a part of its charm too. 220 cases made. Get it while it's fresh. - JP

Wine drinker's are beginning to realise that early drinking styles of red wine don't have to sacrifice complexity to achieve immediate deliciousness. This example from Smallfry, inspired by wine maker Wayne Ahrens' year long stint in Spain, is a fantastic case in point.
Designed to be enjoyed right now and perfect with food, there is little doubt of the quality apparent in this wine. Its juicy berried and spiced nature make it a joy to drink. - JP

We are experiencing somewhat of a Rosé renaissance in Australia and leading the charge are wines such as this 2009 Smallfry Rosé which dial back the sweetness and residual sugar and concentrate on refreshment and food friendly characters, usually resulting in a far more interesting wine at the same time. The 2008 release of this scored as highly as any other Rosé in the country in James Halliday's 2010 Wine Guide and whilst the 2009 vintage is a very different in style, the quality remains as high. Forget about lolly water and savour the savouriness. - JP

A little Cinsault and Carignan have been added to the traditional Rhone blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro to create a belter of a blend. It's structured well with bright & lively acidity and some good, albeit unobtrusive, tannin. The fruit flavours fall into the (red and black) jubey spectrum, serving to enhance the sense of freshness. Some confected notes, yes, but never too sweet. Meatier and earthen aspects help as well. Then there is the spice. Whoa Nelly, there's fair bit of it here and I love it. Quite peppery but more than that - spicy will suffice as a descriptor. Length and intensity are fantastic and it handles its alcohol better than the Rat Pack. -JP

Barossa GSM takes so many forms. By harnessing the brilliant Grenache from Light Pass, Wayne Ahrens has created his own version of this classic blend that is less jammy and rich than most and offers considerably more to the concerning consumer. There is so much chocolate, plums and dried blackcurrant along with sweet tannins and more sweet fruit on the palate that makes this a cracking wine to drink now. - SG

This 2008 Shiraz is very much in the Smallfry mode; big on flavour but with a light-footed manner about it. In a vintage where many reds suffered from flat, dry palate profiles this keeps its head held high with juicy acidity prominent in its structure. Liquer notes, blackberries, redcurrants, glace cherries and prunes are accompanied by some delightful dessicated coconut. Sandy tannins see out a finish of choc-liquorice bullets and pepper. A lovely, rich and sweet package just waiting for your favourite cut of meat. -JP