Visit the quality obsessed winery of Deep Woods and you'll find winemaker Julian Langworthy working his magic. He's behind their recent 97 point 'Best Cabernet in Show' - which also won the 2016 Jimmy Watson Trophy! The Redlands is the sister wine to the triumphant Reserve – a deliciously deep, intense Cabernet with a dash of rich Shiraz for extra sumptuous drinkability. A Margaret River marvel to savour with rack of lamb, roasted vegetable lasagne or a juicy rib-eye steak.

Mouton Cadet Select, is the result of the selection from the best parcels of highest terroirs across the Bordeaux region. Created in 1930, by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Mouton Cadet has become a standard-setter for Bordeaux wines in France and rapidly overseas. The nose initially reveals black cherry, very ripe red fruit notes, hints of mocha and spice. From a supple and voluptuous attack on attractive fruit, the mid-palate displays powerful flavours with forward red fruit, leading into a long and spicy finish.

The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.

Bleasdale is “one of the most historic wineries in Australia ... in 2015 celebrating 165 years of continuous winemaking by the direct descendants of the founding Potts family.” (James Halliday). Last year, winemaker Paul Hotker, a “master blender” , was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year. This “clever” 96pt blend shows his skill and style. “Clever cabernet-dominant blend incorporating malbec, franc, merlot and petit verdot to great effect. Red and black fruited, leafy cabernet, fine savoury tannins, line and length to burn. Gold at the National Wine Show ‘17 speaks volumes ... 96pts” (Halliday).

Deep, dark and dangerously easily to drink, Rex Mundi Special Edition is a beguiling black beauty. It was created by Parker rated winemaker Hervé Sabardeil, whose lavish elixirs have been enchanting us for over a decade. It is a Carignan-Grenache blend made from grapes taken from the very oldest vines – some over 100 years in age – grown on the finest slate soils of Maury in the Roussillon. As you might imagine yields are minute, which accounts for the depth of colour and intensity of flavour. Hervé aged half the wine in oak cask for six months to lend a luxurious layer of complexity. This is a powerful red, beautifully balanced and terrifically long with herbal spice nuances. Slips down nicely on its own, or with rich game pie.

The Côtes du Rhône are home to many rich, warming reds that can be serious bargains, and those entitled to the Villages appellation promise even greater intensity and fruit power. Such has been the quality in Rasteau that the area was promoted in 2010 to full AOP status, putting it on a par with mighty Gigondas next door. Indeed, Domaine Martin can claim a key part in securing this promotion. The property goes back to 1905, when Julien Martin bought the 5-hectare estate. In 1947 his son Jules took over, expanding the vineyards and building a winery. Today it is run by David and Eric Martin, grandsons of the founder.This Grenache-based blend (70% Grenache, 20% Shiraz and 10% Mourvèdre) from the Cote de Rhone opens with earthy, herbal aromas mingling with hints of blackberry and raspberry. Herbal-scented dark fruit flavours drive the supple palate with smoked meat and spicy notes adding complexity.

When it comes to Australian Merlot, Katnook is among the very best. Lovely plum dark berry and cedary cigar box characters slip seamlessly into a finish that seems everlasting. Aged for 22 months in French oak, the swathes of blackcurrant are a delight to the senses.