Yarra Yering Carrodus Cabernet, Yarra Valley The Carrodus range wines from Yarra Yering are part of very limited special reserve group. As reserve wines, they are only made in exceptional years and are named for Dr Bailey Carrodus, who founded of Yarra Yering in 1969. I take small parcels from specific sections of the vineyard, the original 1969 plantings and make a barrel or two of a single variety. - Sarah Crowe An initiative from chief winemaker Sarah Crowe, who takes small parcels from specific sections of the vineyards. These reserve wines aren't bottled every year and cover single variety bottlings of Viognier, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dr Carrodus was respected for his blending ability so I take grapes he would have blended and bottle them as single varieties The wines need to be exceptional, I want to produce the most ethereal wines I can for these small bottlings. - Sarah Crowe The Carrodus wines are made gently, with moderate use of oak, with the aim of highlighting the varietal expression of the very best grapes that Yarra Yering can produce. Essential for Yarra Valley collectors, these wines will live long in the cellar.

Chiles answer to first growth Bordeaux, Viña Seña is one of the countrys most sought after wines. In his reviews and commentary on the wine, James Suckling has played a significant role in highlighting Viña Señas credentials as world-class. While comparisons to Mouton Rothschild or Harlan can and have (again, Suckling) been made, one of the more interesting features of this wine is how well it drinks when young. For a Cabernet-based blend in this class, Viña Seña leaps out of the gate showing cassis and fresh blueberries. This is altogether very gratifying but theres so much more in store. The length, depth and breadth make this a great working example of what we mean when we talk about three-dimensionality. High-wire act acidity and strong-man fruit, this circus of sensory pleasure is even more appealing considering that for the price of one Bordeaux first growth, youll have six of these. Hedonists take note.

PETER MICHAEL WINERY Au Paradis Cabernet, Napa Valley