There are a couple of familiar quotes you hear a lot. “Life’s too short to drink bad wine” and “Life’s too short to drink cheap wine.” The first is tricky simply because, how do you know a wine is bad before you open it? The second is easier to follow, since the price is right there on the shelf or on the bottle itself.

But here’s the thing. There’s plenty of good, even great, wine that’s inexpensive. And of course, “cheap” means different things to different people. This Chardonnay and Merlot are two cases in point. Both are good, both are affordable, and both hit the mark for their variety and for consumers.

Those quotes have their place, but they’re not rules worth abiding by.

Region: Riverland, SA     Price: $13 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Oxford Landing and  Hill- Smith Family Estates

2024 Chardonnay

A wine with good aromatics of peach, nectarine and citrus with a little floral and spice note adding interest. The palate is quite generous thanks to peach, melon and some stone-fruit fleshiness. There’s a lovely creamy undertone delivered by the time spent on lees but there is a nice crisp freshness to the wine bringing balance. A subtle hint of oak adds a complementary touch while some bright acidity chimes in on the refreshingly clean finish. A Chardonnay with charm and clarity that delivers both varietal character and very good value.

2023 Merlot

This Merlot opens with attractive fruity aromas of plum, raspberry, and bright red berries with a spicy, savoury edge as well. The palate is comfortably medium‑bodied yet has a generous fruit profile. Plummy fruit flavours to the fore with red cherry and a touch of blackberry playing a part. It’s a little earthy, there’s some nice texture, the tannins are soft and smooth, carrying through to a persistent finish. Varietally true to Merlot, this is a wine made to be enjoyed young and with laid‑back entertaining in mind. Good stuff!