💎 Our Mission Continues 💎
We’re on a mission to find the best wines under $15. No snobbery. No jargon. Just great drops that feel way fancier than the price tag suggests.
This week’s pick? An old, reliable SSB drop we've been drinking for years and figured it deserved a chance to mix it with the best gems we've found so far.
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A Reliable Leg to Stand On 🦵
🍷 Fifth Leg Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (2024)
You know those wines that aren’t necessarily show-stoppers but somehow keep sneaking into your basket year after year? Fifth Leg Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is one of those for us. We've been quietly sipping this one for a few years now, and like your favourite pair of thongs that still survive every beach trip...it’s dependable, unfussy, and it consistently gets the job done.
We picked up this 2024 bottle from Liquorland for $14, though it’s floating around Dan’s for even less at $12.90. Part of what makes this bottle so dependable is its wide availability. Practically every bottle-o has it stocked, often already chilled. So if you’re on your way to a picnic or a last-minute BBQ and forgot to plan ahead, this one’s ready to rescue your reputation.
Flavour-wise, it’s like a well-behaved mate at a BBQ - turns up, brings a bit of zing, but doesn’t make a scene. It’s got just enough bite to keep things interesting, but nothing that'll rattle your cage. Crisp, clean, and easy to knock back.
At Vine In The Rough we like judging a book by its cover…so here goes. The branding isn’t doing it any favours. It screams "cheap and cheerful" and while it is cheerful, the cheap bit doesn't help when you're trying to look fancy with your $14 wine. No mystery, no magic, and absolutely no chance anyone’s believing you paid thirty bucks for it. It’s a missed opportunity because the contents deserve a bit more glam.
This one comes out of WA - which makes sense, really. When it comes to bang-for-buck whites, WA know what they’re doing. Between the seafood, sunshine, and sheer number of wineries hiding out down south, it’s no wonder they’ve nailed this blend for so many years.
This Fifth Leg SSB won’t win you any points with that wine snob mate who’s just come back from the Barossa. But for the rest of us? It’s a rock-solid option. Reliable, refreshing, and just fancy enough to impress your aunt who says she only drinks “white wine, nothing too dry.” You could do a lot worse for $14.
VITR Official Score: 7.5 / 10
👍 Reality vs Perception: Tastes better than it looks. This one’s not fooling anyone into thinking it’s premium, but they’ll be pleasantly surprised when they sip it.
👩🎨 Label Aesthetics: Basic and bland. If bottle design was a fashion show, this one would be wearing knock-off Crocs from Bali.
👴 Comparison to Nonno’s Home Brew: Nonno would probably use this to water his tomato plants, but we reckon he'd warm up to it by the second glass.
🪩 Fit for an Engagement Party: Only if it's a low-key event. Not quite glam enough for a big do.
🤑 Keep the Change: Not much change leftover with this one.
Real Talk
📖 Fake It 'Til You Make It
Jeroboam: Jero-what-now? This bottle holds 3 litres of wine. That’s four bottles in one - or what we call “a reasonable Friday.”
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💡 Sip Tip
Car = No-Go Zone: Your wine’s not built for the great Aussie sauna-on-wheels. Leave it in there and you’ll end up with vinegar.
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🍿 Sip & Snack
Prosecco & a Red Zooper Dooper: Perfect for school holidays! The fizz cuts through the sugar hit and somehow makes both taste fancier. Surprisingly elite.
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Until Next Week, Cheers 🍷
Fifth Leg: not the fanciest in the paddock, but always turns up and gets the job done.
Next week we’re cracking into a Shiraz that’s travelled all the way from Chile - see you then!
Forward this to a mate - especially the one who always shows up empty-handed! 🍷
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