It is World Sustainability Day today. Having read the information that accompanied these wines, I can’t help but tip my hat to Oxford Landing for the work they are doing on the ‘regenerate’ side of the wine world. Let’s be honest, there is only so much we can do to help with sustainability when it comes to a planet the size of Earth. However, committing to doing something and contributing to its regeneration can only be a positive no matter how small.

The approach and the intent of Oxford Landing is admirable to say the least. They recycle 100% of the winery waste water, the bottles they use are light-weight, the varieties are drought tolerant so require less water and they focus on biodiversity in their vineyards, all contributing factors to the end goal of a healthier planet Earth.

Region: Riverland, SA     Price: $15 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Oxford Landing and  Hill- Smith Family Estates 

2024 Pinot Grigio

In an environment where this variety is taking over from Sauvignon Blanc, you are going to find wines that provide everything you need at really good prices. This is such a wine. Juicy pear flavours show the way while honeydew melon characters play a role as it sits nicely on the palate while finishing quite refreshingly inviting. It’s a very good, flavourful wine that is ideal to be enjoyed with a catch-up with friends on a lazy weekend afternoon.

2024 Chardonnay

Plenty to see and read on the label of this wine but there is one word missing. Delicious! This has everything you’d want from a bargain-priced Chardonnay. Varietal characteristics of stone fruits play a big part on the flavour front while a little fleshy feel comes in with a creamy texture adding some good interest on the palate. There’s very little oak influence on the refreshing finish to this wine thanks to a fine line of acidity.

2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favourite varieties and this Cabernet Sauvignon may well end up being a mid-week quaffer (hopefully I haven’t offended the Oxford Landing crew) that I have no hesitation in opening. Again, varietal in its appearance via the aromas and flavours thanks to black berries and currants and a dark cherry note in there too. There’s a nice herbal touch that complements the good fruit flavours, a little tannin influence and the fresh feel it has on the reasonably good length. An all-round, pretty good wine.

2023 Shiraz

Taking nothing away from the previous wines, this was the pick for me. For the price, this steps up to the plate, or should I say palate, with ease. Dark fruits combine nicely with blue fruits providing the majority of the fruit profile across the palate. It’s so soft and smooth and a little spicy too while the generous fruit hides any oak that may have passed by this wine on its path to being bottled. Easy drinking and very approachable at a little over a year young, a wine sure to capture the attention of the bargain buying Shiraz drinker.