Malbec has proven to be one of the most successful red grape varieties in Argentina. This example from Santa Julia is full-bodied rich and spicy with well balanced tannins on the palate. A great match for matured cheeses.

Produced from Garnacha (Grenache) and Carinena varieties, this Spanish red offers lively aromas of spice and berries. The palate is rich and textured with fine velvety tannins. Superb with roast meats.

Shottesbrooke Merlot from the well drained McLaren Vale is a wonderfully full flavoured, deep and vibrant red wine. Medium body, typical of the variety, combined with fine tannins and a smooth finish, this makes an ideal food accompaniment for poultry and Italian dishes.

Very pale salmon, some light red hues. Red fruits, raspberry, cranberry, a touch of liquorice, some light spice and earth. Pinot Noir is apparent on the front palate, with berries, fluffy talc and crystalline texture. The Grenache brings weight through the middle, a riot of red fruits and tarry spice. Mourvèdre fills the rear, with lovely fine extract framing the palate and adding length. A harmonious and very fine Minnow Rosé by Shadowfax: complex, dry and delicious.

The Red Claw is the complimenting range to the estate Yabby Lake wines that call the Mornington Peninsula home. This Shiraz though is sourced from the Cambrian rich soils of Heathcote, a region which has quickly become one of Australia's premier Shiraz growing areas. Dark berry and spice dominated, there are underlying notes of pepper and crushed herbs. Fermented in 100% French Oak, there is a subtlety to this Shiraz that lends itself to many cuisine matches.

High up in the Adelaide Hills, Paracombe is owned and operated by the Drogemuller family, which it has passionately done since 1983. Sourced from both estate and selected grower fruit, Paracombe Shiraz shows wonderful ripe fruit aromas with a delicate cool-climate aspect. Notes of cherries, plums, pepper and spice are notable along with a palate of layered spicy fruit and a fine tannin structure.

What the Hunter Valley and David Hook does so very well - meduim bodied reds that have good savoury length and nice integrated tannins.

Scotchman's Hill's second label often throws up some terrific value for money. A beautiful spicy nose with cinnamon and clove elements, supported by cherry flavours and grippy tannins.

Bright and clean, cherry-red coloured with middle robe. Creamy notes of black fruit are combined with spicy aromas and slight toasting. All this wrapped by high-quality ripe tannins that display their elegant structure.

The warm even climate of the Murphy family's Trentham vineyard is ideally suited to producing rich softly textured Merlot with toasty oak and berry flavours - great with lamb!