The 2018 Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot-Cabernet Franc is a ripe complex wine, with intensity as well as strength and is a “true expression of the unique Whalebone Vineyard terroir”. Aromas are leafy and floral from the Cabernet Franc and rich plum pudding from the Merlot. The slight mint and fresh earth of the Whalebone terroir is melded with the cedar of the oak and the olive aroma of the tannin. The flavours reflect the aroma and the fruit is immediately sweet and ripe, graduating to a refined tannin and balanced acid finish.

Brilliant magenta, Coleraine '16 entices with concentrated rose syrup, fresh, fragrant raspberry, wild strawberry, ripe plum, thyme and cedar. Offering superb depth and complexity, Coleraine '16 is defined by a precise, lazer-edge of pure, bright, red fruit. Framed by tight acid and silky tannins, all this extends elegantly into an exquisite and super-fine crescendo, giving exceptional length and finesse to the wine. Each parcel of grapes was destemmed before a traditional warm, plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines were then run to predominately new French oak barrels for 18 months' maturation. Throughout this time, they were regularly topped and racked. The separate wines were blended in January 2017 then egg white fined during their second winter in barrel. The finished wine was then bottled in December 2017. The final blend is 51% cabernet sauvignon, 47% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards. A temperate maritime climate with low rainfall, due to the rain shadow from mountains to the west, ensures Te Matas sites make the most of every vintage. At the heart of Te Mata Estate are the Havelock Hills Vineyards - the first legally-protected vineyards in New Zealand. Te Mata has five sites on these free draining, north-facing slopes. Soils to the east are mostly sandy loam over a sandstone base, and towards the west are sandy loam over a thin layer of clay and a silica pan. The distinctive shape of the hills is due to their comparative youth, in geological terms. At the meeting point of two tectonic plates, sandstone has been pushed up then worn away relatively quickly leaving a landscape of steep and gentle slopes, and terraces ideal for grape-growing. Under vine for over 120 years, and including some of the oldest grape growing sites in New Zealand, the Havelock Hills are protected for their distinct character, special ambience and unique viticultural heritage.

It would be fair to say that this wine ticksd about as many boxes as it's possible to tick. One of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region, made by one of Australia's most revered winemakers, an iconic wine, widely regarded as one of the best shiraz in Australia and also an excellent vintage, described as one of the "finest" in it's line - this wine will also last for decades with careful cellaring. Concentrated dark berry and cherry falvours pepper with dark spice - a medium bodied silky Shiraz that is simply beautiful.

This wine epitomises Coonawarra at its very finest. Deep magenta in colour with rich blackberry aromatics and hints of spiced cedar oak. Lush blackberry plays on the palate, while the fine tannin structure creates an elegant, balanced finish with persistent length. Aged in a combination of old and new French Oak for 15 months with an additional 24 months of bottle maturation prior to release, this wine will drink well now but also reward careful cellaring for 10-15 years.

Château Gloria is the lifes work of Henri Martin, who's Cabernet based wines are very individualistic. The Château has never joined the Syndicat des Crus Bourgeois. This allows Henri to be a little more creative and produce wines of great concentration for prices that are easily approachable. The 2008 is a great example of the Château Gloria style and has been rated 90 points by Robert Parker Jnr.

Katnook Prodigy Shiraz is a wonderful example of great Coonawarra Shiraz. Savoury spice and dark berry fruits with a hint of white pepper. An elegant wine with medium intensity and great length. Amazingly concentrated for current drinking, the Prodigy will benefit for over decade in the cellar.