Want to learn about wine and kick start your wine drinking experience without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered with this selection of Reds & Whites which not only has scored an amazing 92 Points or better from Australia's leading wine critics but serves to highlight that good wine does not have to be expensive.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles      Zontes Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2020
3 bottles      Monterra Fleurieu Peninsula M-Block Cabernets 2022
3 bottles      Koonowla Clare Valley Riesling 2023
3 bottles      Tomich Woodside Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Zontes Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2020
Forgive me flogging the proverbial dead horse but Langhorne Creek is such an underrated region for delicious, generous, top value reds. This is further evidence of that. Deep blood red in colour with notes of spices, chocolate, animal hides, herbals, dry vegetation, red fruits, warm earth, charcuterie and more. The wine is well balanced, supple of texture, full of richness of flavour, finishing with satiny tannins and excellent length. The team suggest drinking it with “anything off the grill (preferably charcoal that is)”. Love this wine now but it will surely improve over time. If you can hold off for three or four years, even better, but don’t be afraid to put a case in the cellar for a decade. Tasted: October 2022; Drink: 2022 - 2032; Price: $30.00; Rating: 93 Points; Ken Gargett

Monterra Fleurieu Peninsula M-Block Cabernets 2022
Blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. The quality on offer here is comfortably above average, regardless of price, so much so that when the price was revealed, it was a (good) surprise. It tastes of pure blackcurrant, boysenberry, green olives, spearmint and creamed cedarwood, and the mouthfeel of it, the structure, the flow and the finish are all sitting pretty. Date: Dec 2023; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $20.00; Drink by: 2029; Rating: 93 Points & Special Value Star; Campbell Mattinson; James Halliday Wine Companion

Koonowla Clare Valley Riesling 2023
Another very fine Riesling from the 2023 vintage out of the Clare Valley. This is a pale lemon hue, with aromas of limes, spices, citrus and florals. There is also an appealing character reminiscent of an Iced VoVo biscuit (we used to enjoy them as kids – no idea if they are still around today). The wine is nicely balanced and well-focused with good energy. The palate really lifts a notch with oodles of lemon and crème brulee notes showing good length. Enjoyable now and over the next six to ten years. Tasted: December 2023; Drink: 2023 - 2033; Price: $28.00; Rating: 93 Points; Ken Gargett

Tomich Woodside Sauvignon Blanc 2022
There is plenty to appease with this Adelaide Hills wine. It's hard to avoid the focus and sophistication it delivers. Think ruby grapefruit, passionfruit, green melon and a dash of citrus. Some texture and minerality add detail. Chill down and enjoy - great stuff. Date: Sept 2022; Price: $25; Rating: 92 Points; QWine