PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES “I wanna go out but I wanna stay home” - the chorus line in Melbourne singer songwriter Courtney Barnett’s song Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party may just capture the zeitgeist of these times? She sings “I wanna go out but I wanna stay home”, a dichotomy experienced by many at one time or another, but an ever more pervasive sentiment at this time of year and this year in general. We’ve all had our “been there, done that” moments, particularly in the depths of winter when you’ve had a hectic day at work or wherever. By the time you get home it’s dark and bitterly cold outside; you get the fire or heat pump on and the house feels warm and cosy. Your mind flits to something planned for that evening, then you start weighing up the options: hmmm, rug up and head back out into the freezing cold, or stay home warm and cosy? Will you really be missed if you don’t turn up, or will life just carry on without you? Financial pressures exacerbated by the conflict in Iran and its flow-on effects on prices of oil and so many other products are also another trigger as we all examine our household budgets and spending money. You’d love to go out but you’re trying to save your pennies: you’re then weighing up what you are likely to spend on that evening out versus staying at home. Over the last few months I’ve spoken to many people who are, for whatever reason, electing to stay in. They have taken the path of luxuriating in a hearty, home-cooked meal and opening a nice bottle of wine, enjoying the company of family, flatmates or quite simply taking the opportunity to relax in their own company. That “nice bottle of wine” is often red at this time of year, while for white wine lovers it may be a richer style like Chardonnay. It’s also a time when port comes into its own and a meditational glass at the end of the evening, paired with a good book or film, can be wonderfully relaxing. Staying in also means you’re in charge when it comes to wine choice. You can go for your favourite cheap and cheerful quaffer, decide to have a bit of a splurge or elect to try something new: the choice really is yours. Mindful of frugality, I’ve led today with a couple of Aussie reds that don’t cost the earth and offer great bang for your buck, frequently cheaper on promo than their modest RRPs. The Taylors Shiraz, such a model of reliability, while their new Syrah offers a cooler, fresher take on the same grape. For a little bit of a splurge I’ve taken the Central Pinot path; the Carrick a low intervention wine with no sulphur additions, its vibrancy and purity will lift the mood on a chilly evening. 2024 Taylors Estate Label Adelaide Hills Syrah Price: RRP $19.99 Rating: Very Good to Excellent Perfumed, cracked pepper, vanilla bean, flower petal florals (perhaps violets?), red fruits, certainly draws you back for more. There’s a fruit jube/fruit pastille like quality to the fruit, crunchy brightness, a touch of youthful gangliness that resolves nicely with air and will complement food. Now a touch of minty/menthol freshness. Will be smashable on pizza/pasta night. www.taylorswines.com.au 2023 Taylors Estate Label Clare Valley/Limestone Coast Shiraz Price: RRP $17.99 Rating: Very Good to Excellent Darker, more brooding, dusty, plum, chocolate, coffee oak nuances. This has that relaxed sumptuousness so typical of the grape, ripe, rounded and generous yet not overblown. Plum and summer berries, spice, flirting with savoury aspects, nice mouthfeel, a touch of chewy grip but not intrusive. A wine so much about the now, begging to be opened and enjoyed. www.taylorswines.com.au 2025 Carrick Pot de Fleur Bannockburn Pinot Noir Price RRP: $45 Rating: Excellent The perfume soars from the glass, white flowers, dried fruits, wild herbs, real vibrancy and lift to this. Fresh, vibrant, lightly crunchy, youthful and with great energy. Thyme and bramble, fruit pastille, a yeasty umami character adding to the interest with a little air. Great length, this is just so refreshing and inviting. www.carrick.co.nz
