This vintage 2016 red wine is a 48% Grenache, 47% Shiraz and 5% Mourvedre (or Mataro) blend harvested from McLaren Vale. It is a wonderful combination of the different varieties: enjoy red fruit aromas and musk from Grenache, Mourvedres minerality and gamey notes on the palate, and structure and length of the palate provided by Shiraz. Experiencing all these wonderful characteristics makes it a fun wine that will immediately satisfy your senses. This exquisite red blend pairs beautifully with mature hard cheeses, spicy cuisine, beef and lamb. It can be enjoyed now, but additional cellaring until 2022 will also be a rewarding option.

Since taking over the estate from his father in 1992, Jean-Paul Daumen has become one of the most talented and revered winemakers in all of France regularly producing some of the top wines of the vintage. Made from a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% other miscellaneous varieties, the Lieu-Dit Clavin vineyard is located 3 metres away from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation boundary. Dense midnight black core with a deep dark red hue. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice and scorched earth mix with herbs du Provence and peppered meat notes. Cascading waves of rich, chewy textured black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits engulf the palate with great power. Scorched earth, dried meat and peppered herb elements lie underneath. Ripe muscular tannins firm up the finish and provide some grip to the long robust, richly fruited yet fresh aftertaste. Cellar 5-6 years. Alc. 14.5%

The Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf Du Pape Les Hauts Lieux 2021 is a stunning representation of the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape region in France. This vintage, produced by the esteemed Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, boasts a deep ruby red color with a brilliant clarity. On the nose, aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and blackcurrants intertwine with hints of spice, leather, and earthiness. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a beautiful balance of tannins and acidity. Flavors of dark berries, cocoa, and pepper dance across the tongue, leading to a long and elegant finish. This wine is a true expression of the terroir, showcasing the unique character and complexity of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy now or cellar for further development.

The Rozas 1er cru Garnacha is, as the name says, classified premier cru by Comando G. Elegant and poised, this wine is a step up in classification and altitude, sitting above the Rozas Villages vineyards close to the ceiling beyond which growing grapes isn't really viable. The brick-red tinge to the colour bring Langhe to mind, Nebbiolo specifically, and there are more hints of that in the glass. The colour and the approachability owe a lot to the greater presence of silt midst the layers of granite. For the 1er cru, the vines are older, the soils are lighter and the altitude of the vineyard is higher than the village showing that signature highwire Sierra de Gredos/Comando G acidity.

Comando G La Bruja de Rozas The La Bruja de Rozas is a Villages style wine. The name translates to the witch of Rozas. Superstitions and rumours abound in the area where near ever-present and eerie cloud cover that sits. The fruit is sourced from several vineyards around near the village of Rozas. And there is more than a hint of Villages Burgundy about the La Bruja. Expect dried cherries and herb notes on the nose and pinpoint signature Gredos/Comando G acidity. A great introduction to Comando G and Sierra de Gredos Grancha. "Most of the Comando wines we sell go into cellars of winemaker in Barossa."- Lachlan Barber, Alimentaria Wine

Clos Saouma Arioso Blanc, Châteauneuf-du-Pape This is sourced entirely from the Lieu-dit of Pierredon and 100% Grenache Blanc. Its vinified the same way as the Magis see above however the élevage is just one single 500 litre demi-mud for 36 months on full lees, no racking/sulphur for the full period.

This bright, juicy Grenache displays peppery notes, along with raspberry, cherry and wild strawberries on the palate. Balancing blueberry and sandalwood, it finishes with a floral high note. Absolutely scrumptious.

Spinifex Esprit is a Grenache Mataro blend that has a vibrant, youthful and fresh palate driven by a tangy herb infused line of red fruit red currant, sour red plum, pomegranate and marjoram that gains warmth and depth turning to tobacco, game, cedar and darker fruit to close. Pulpy, fleshy fruit is drawn long with plum skin acids and stony tannins.

Michel Chapoutier continues to produce wines of unbelievable value and his Cotes du Rhône is the leader of the pack. For under $20, medium bodied reds don't get better than this.