FG's 'Innovation' tag is a relatively new mid-tier offering and I assume takes over the previous 'Margaret River' label. It's easy to forget about this winery when the region is jammed packed with high profile superstars but there's plenty of quality to be had at the price. Lively with bright minerals and supporting acid.

A YV favourite for mine and although I'm not the winery would want to be known as a 'value player' the fact is most wines across both the 'Estate' and 'Shed' range play well above their respective price points. Flint, talc, river stone, jasmine and citrus. Pulpy, solids-y weight from whole bunch and dirty juice ferment. Even in these warmer years the granitic soils of the vineyard ensure a clean acid line and cool fruit characters.

Easily the standout NZ wine at the Nelson Wines Trade Show late last year. I'm no fan of the bog standard Sav B offerings from this part of the world but examples like this force me to pause for thought. Fresh minerals (think river stones) and even fresher tropical fruits. Honey hints coming through. A cracker of a wine.

Pretty certain I'm not the first person to claim these dudes are the best white wine producers on the Peninsula. Oz leaders in Gris and Grigio, the Quealy's make high grade Gris & Grigio across an impressive range of sub-regions and single vineyards. easy to rubbish local Grigio but you won't here.

“Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy were among the early waves of winemakers on the Mornington Peninsula. They challenged the status quo - most publicly by introducing Mornington Peninsula pinot gris/grigio (with great success). Behind this was improvement and diversification in site selection, plus viticulture and winemaking techniques that allowed their business to grow significantly.” James Halliday