From the same vineyard as the Saint Georges Pinot Noir (Besson’s Home Ranch), the Zinfandel vines were apparently planted by an Italian bootlegger in 1922. Rooted in granite and sandy loams, Besson’s ungrafted Zinfandel benefits from morning and afternoon sun, while the unusually fresh marine-moderated night-time temperatures permit full expression and flavour development without requiring exacerbated degrees of alcohol. The yields from these old, well-established, own-rooted vines are meagre, averaging just one tonne per acre. To showcase the grape’s fresher, nuanced, and silkier side, the Birichino boys pick their Zin early, usually between 13 and 13.5% potential alcohol. At the same time, the low-impact winemaking is geared towards balancing the fresh acidity and juicy fruit offered by this unique Santa Cruz vineyard. In 2020, full maturity and equilibrium in the vineyard were reached at 14.5%. So, while it may not be super-typical of the Birichino style, it still remains a mile away from the brawny, hulk-like examples of brand Zinfandel.

RIDGE VINEYARDS Gaudagni Zinfandel, Santa Cruz Mountains

RIDGE VINEYARDS East Bench Zinfandel, Santa Cruz Mountains

A savoury, spicy Shiraz from Margaret River offering lively flavours of dark cherry, plum and pepper. Medium bodied and seamless in texture, it is a great drink now style with finesse.

A wine that reflects the true nature of modern South Australian Shiraz. The expert team at Saltram bring to life the rich and supple dark fruit flavours of great premium vineyards Shiraz with seamless oak integration in this Pepperjack. It's easy to see why it's a firm favourite of many full-bodied Australian red wine fans.

The gravelly soils and sunny climate of Hawkes Bay are producing some of New Zealand's most exciting reds. This classy Merlot from Oyster Bay shows soft spicy varietal flavours such as, juicy plums and ripe dark fruits. Accompanied by well intergraded oak and subtle tannins, making this wine one of the easier matching to food.

This is a great value for money Pinot! 6ft6 has lovely aromas of cherries raspberries and a hint of white pepper on the nose. The palate is brimming with bright lively fruit and the balance is impeccable.

Pioneer of the Coonawarra region, John Riddoch, lends his name to the highway that dissects the famous 'terra rossa' dominated region which is home to some of Australia's premier red wine vineyards. The fruit for this evocative Shiraz is sourced from some of these vineyards and is aged in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months to develop increased complexity. Exuding plum and red fruit aromas with just a tiny hint of oak that supports the rich textured palate. Perfect for enjoying today or for careful medium term cellaring.

John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.