With a name that directly translates from French as 'The Soil', the Le Sol Syrah (Shiraz) pays homage to the terroir that creates this rich and evocative wine. With the trademark Gimblett Gravels stony soil, with exhibits amazing refinement and breeding while not relinquishing body and complexity.

Voyager Estate Shiraz is deep red in colour with an explosive nose of oak blackberries and spice that is succeeded by a rich flavoursome palate and some chewy tannins. Will improve wonderfully with time.

Majella Cabernet Sauvignon is a classy Cabernet that is a cut above the rest when compared against anything at a similar price. Classic cassis, cedar and herbs are underlined by beautifully handled oak.

Margaret River is an under appreciated region for Australian Shiraz, and it's hard to see why with Cape Mentelle's Shiraz showing a vibrant core of blueberry, mulberry and hints of raspberry. It is well balanced with cocoa and savoury oak. The palate yet, is fine, elegant and focussed, finishing with chalky and structural tannins.

Teusner Albert Shiraz is made from old vines in the northern Barossa; rich black fruits and tarry cassis with smoky undertones, the finish is long and luscious. Could easily be cellared for the medium term.

Yabby Lake's 'no expense spared' approach to viticulture and winemaking, is amply demonstrated in this super Pinot; fresh and fruity with secondary nuances, will please all Pinot lovers on a budget.

Tucked away nicely in the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate have made an art form out of crafting some of the very best single vineyard cool-climate wines available in Australia. Owen and Cassandra Inglis purchased the boutique property in 2004 and immediately set about making their vision become a reality. Their Sidewood Shiraz displays that vision to perfection. Attention to detail is the key here which enables flavours of red cherry, currants and dark plum to shine through along with hints of cinnamon and spice. The texture is beguiling and gives promise to a wine that will age for up to a decade.

This wine is made with Pinot Noir fruit grown on some spectacular vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley, comprising predominantly MV6 clone, with some 114 and 115. Pacha Mama use minimal additives or fining and aim to let the fruit shine through rather than clobbering all over it with heavy oak use or commercial wine-making techniques. Flavours of sour cherry and wild strawberries carry on to the palate complexed by a savoury spice and intriguing earthiness that lingers long after the last mouthful.

Produced in the historic area of Montalcino (Siena) at an elevation of about 450 m above sea level. Soil: clay loam, Grapes: 100% Sangiovese. Ageing: short ageing period in barrels of medium to small dimensions. Color: Ruby red, with warm garnet reflections. Bouquet: clean and flowery with distinctive notes of violets. Flavor: full, velvety and with good structure. Serving Temperature: 18-20°C. Gastronomy: grilled meats, red meats and game.