Ripe and generous, the leafy, minty characters of Cabernet are complemented by the softness and plummy fruit coming from the Merlot. A nice touch of sweet oak completes the picture.

No two words go together as well as Canberra and Shiraz in the wine world. The favourable terroir and hands on winemaking make Lerida Estate's Shiraz a must have. Brambly spice aromas are complimented by a palate that is long and refined with flavours of berried and touch of pepper. With age, the wine will become progressively richer, revealing warmer, more complex flavours, riper berries and a little liquorice.

Always regarded as one of Margaret River's favourite wineries due to the inherant quality. Forester Estate seems to marry beautifully with their value-for-money philosophy. This Cabernet Merlot continues to win wide acclaim due to its dark purple colour and its lifted aromas of raspberries and black forest cake. Rich berry flavours are well balanced by a tight tannin structure typical of quality Margaret River Cabernets. The other great bonus is the ability of this great Cab blend to morph into a true cellar star.

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.

A Coonawarra Merlot is worth pausing for and this one is no different. From the Riddoch vineyard, this Cabernet Merlot has spicy chocolate and plum aromas and smooth, supple tannins. This flavoursome Merlot can be enjoyed straight away or aged for three to five years.

The typical Margaret River Cabernet characters of red berries and leafiness are neatly balanced with the softer, plummy notes of Merlot.

Tim Kirk has quickly become Australia's Shiraz-Superstar. With cool-climate vineyards that are managed pefectly and with expert guidance, Clonakilla is a must have for all serious wine lovers. Tim's Hilltops Shiraz has luscious dark Shiraz fruit, with blackberry, roasted meat and gentle spice in the background. The tannins are ripe, the fruit juicy, the finish long and savoury. Superb.

The Pinot Gris from the Long Road range of the Eden Road wines has lifted aromas of strawberry shortcake and ripe pears. These delicate characters are balanced with fine natural acid and textural palate. The slightly extended skin contact prior to pressing gives the wine the lovely pink colour, making it evermore appetizing. The finishing is crisp and clean. Simply seamless.

Ben Riggs has hand-crafted a delicious Shiraz Cabernet Merlot blend here that pays homage to the three-spiked prickle that can be found in the McLaren Vale region and the fact that it's hard to ignore. This unctuous red blend is also extremely hard to ignore with its seamless varietal integration that produces a wine full of richness and opulence. Ripe, dark berry fruits courtesy of Merlot along with spice elements from the Shiraz and a firm, but balanced structure from the Cabernet all come together superbly.