NV 2021 Best Wines Under $50

A blend of Sangiovese with a portion of Canaiolo Nero, this is classic, medium bodied, aromatic and complex Chianti, finished with fine, sandy tannins. There’s bay leaf and sage, sour cherries, tobacco, minerality and savoury aspects here. A joy to drink by itself or with pizza or substantial, meaty dishes. Learn More

All about the red fruits and plum here, in a fluffy, lush, cuddly, generous and bubbly setting. There’s Christmas cakey spices and a hint of quince paste to boot. Lip smackingly delicious. Learn More

We have long been fans of Claymore. The Dark Side of the Moon is their best and most underpriced wine, offering spice, dark fruits, raspberries, concentration, and plenty of fine tannins. As always, there is a smoothness and polish to this wine which belies its sub $30 price point. Learn More

A beautifully fragrant Grenache packed to the gunnels with bright and delicious red fruits, spice and lip tingling acidity. Awesome with a range of savoury dishes, especially crispy pork. Learn More

A beautifully balanced and elegant Riesling replete with brooding limes, lemon sherbet and good length. Lovely now and will continue to develop well for years. Learn More

Albariño hails from Galicia in northwestern Spain and Portugal. This Albariño has a texture not unlike Chardonnay but a palate packed with peach, lemons, green apples, spice and salinity. It is wonderful by itself and even better with seafood. Learn More

You can have 2 out of 3. Power, fragrance and balance. Actually, this wine manages all 3, a fresh, red fruit and floral aromatics lead to a palate which is both crunchy yet smooth and laden with mulberry, cherries, marzipan, vanilla, cured meats and white pepper. A stunner! Learn More

Medium-bodied, off-dry and complex. This is a blend of 2019 Shiraz aged in oak and 2021 Shiraz aged in stainless. Both vintages were exceptional. The 2 were then blended and a fairly small dosage for sweetening was added. This is spiced, aromatic, plummy, and Christmas cakey all at once. Lovely. Learn More

This is a gorgeously vibrant blend of Shiraz and Cab from the Limestone Coast. It has heady perfume of red fruits, blue fruits and florals leading to a palate bursting with cranberry, blackcurrants, mint, cedar and a hint of eucalypt Learn More

Opening on the nose of this ripping Chardonnay is a toasty buttery character. This hits all the right spots, textural without being overblown, with lovely melon and stonefruit flavours, excellent length and cleansing acidity. Don’t over chill it and you’ll enjoy it in all it’s glory. Learn More

Lanolin and citrus meet lemon curd here. The texture is more generous than is typical with young Sem, making this an absolute winner right now. That said, if you like your Sem with age this will improve for at least 10, maybe 20 years. James Halliday rates First Creek Wines as a 5 red star producer and offers the following … ‘The quality of the wines has been consistently exemplary, and there is every reason to believe this will continue in the years to come. Learn More

High quality fruit from the Charleston vineyard is 30% whole bunch fermented and basket pressed into 20% brand new French oak for a year and a bit. A midweight Syrah, or Shiraz if you prefer, with dark and red fruits, plum and spice. Lovely Learn More