One of the Yarra Valley's up and comers, the Punt Road Shiraz is almost black in colour with aromas of cassis and a whiff of licquorice. A palate of plush plums and blackcurrant follows with flash of peppery spice. Kate Goodman continues to do a stellar job at one of the Yarra Valley's best wineries.

The 864 range of wines by David Bicknell at Oakridge showcase the very best vineyards at the disposal of this talented winemaker. The 864 Syrah is sourced from a vineyard that is located at the foot of the Warramate Hills at Coldstream and face due north, taking full advantage of the cool Yarra Valley sunlight. The soils are built on grey-loam alluvial with both high clay and ironstone content. This results in a Syrah that displays a bright purple colour in the glass which is followed up with aromas of ripe red fruit and subtle anise. The palate has a core of sweet Shiraz fruit showing red and black berries and a tannin structure that is both velvety and smooth.

Fulcrum is the fantastic new venture from Pinot Noir rockstar, William Downie and long time friend and colleague, Jason Searle. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant with varietal characters of plum and earthen spice, Fulcrum Pinot Noir continues to develop in the bottle and is simply a premium wine steal at this price.

Further testament to both vine age and the merits & complexity of this blend, which allow the wine to rise above an otherwise challenging year. Classic blackcurrant, cigar box and tapenade aromas, overlaid with notes of violet, Christmas cake and sweet spices, lead onto a supple, savoury and effortless palate that builds towards a long & lively finish.

Applejack Vineyard was planted by highly respected viticulturist Ray Guerin and is managed by his son Mark. This vineyard is situated in the Upper Yarra Valley to the south east of the traditional valley floor. The higher altitudes result in cooler growing conditions, despite the westerly aspect. The distinctive dark-red volcanic loam soil is a distinguishing feature of the vineyard. Applejack Vineyard is located on a dramatic slope and is close planted and meticulously managed. Australian Pinot royalty! Giant Steps produced this Pinot Noir.

Giant Steps is a complex Pinot Noir with terrific varietal character. The nose shows rose petal, dark cherry and tomato leaf aromas and the palate is fleshy but tight, with savoury, dusty notes and silky tannins.

A unique blend of six Portuguese varieties, Touriga Nacional Tinta Cao, Tinta Amarela, Alvarelhao, Roriz and Sousao, all planted in a natural amphitheatre at the highest and most southerly point of the Yarra Yering vineyard.

Levantine Hill Estate Syrah 2013 has bright crimson colour. Brooding, lifted complex aromas of red berry compote, musk, cardamom and white pepper compliment the underlying nutmeg and vanillin bouquet. The elegant medium-bodied palate abounds with spice and earthy nuances in a concentration of savouriness. The silky ripe tannins have been deftly integrated with the underlying oak providing carriage for the fruit weight and lingering flavours to a pronounced and persistent finish.

This Levantine Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is redolent with blackberry, blackcurrant and cocoa-rich chocolate on the nose. Followed by the supple, balanced middle palate evokes truffle, bramble and earthy complexity on the palate. An outstanding example of site and region, its chewy, satisfying tannins are beautifully integrated with fleshy fruit characters, hedonic spice and lingering, persistent length.

In the glass: Vibrant mid-red. On the nose: Sweet cherry and raspberry fruit with notes of stalk and spice - so beautifully perfumed. On the palate: Vibrant and fresh, supple and juicy with ripe cherry and plum varietals, subtle stalky complexity, warm earthy notes, nicely integrted vanillin oak and savoury persistence. A complete wine - powerful yet refined, complex and layered with full Pinot Noir charm on show.