Built in the 16th century and situated in Barsac at about 30 kilometers from Bordeaux, Château Massereau was acquired by the Chaigneau family in 2000. A 19 hectare estate with 10 planted (6,600 – 7000 plants/hectare) in the Barsac, Graves and Bordeaux Superieur appellations. Château Massereau Bordeaux Supérieur 2018 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc & 10% Petit Verdot. Vinified in concrete vats for 4-8 weeks naturally without additional yeast, finings, filtration and low sulphite. The resulting wine is garnet in colour with an intense nose of black fruit, with hints of sweet spice and pepper.

When it comes to Australian Merlot, Katnook is among the very best. Lovely plum dark berry and cedary cigar box characters slip seamlessly into a finish that seems everlasting. Aged for 22 months in French oak, the swathes of blackcurrant are a delight to the senses.

2019 Coffee Rock Merlot Black currant fruits, mocha and some cigar box aromas. Nice firm yet supple tannins which will soften with some cellar time. Estate grown on our coffee rock soils.

Woodlands Cabernet Merlot is one of the regions best examples. The Watson brothers are the custodians of a family heritage in Margaret River that continues to this day. The Cabernet Merlot has attractive and complex aromas of dark berry and plum supported by well integrated vanillin oak. The palate shows similar characters with outstanding length of flavour and perfect balance. Drink now or cellar short term.

The largest estate in St Emillion, Laroque has been in the Beaumartin family since 1935, but has been completely revitalised and garnered a cult following in the last decade. The vineyards were originally put down in the 18th Century, with the current vines planted in the 1960s. David Suire has taken in the mantle of winemaker with aplomb - his most recent releases being consistently excellent. The property also produces fruit for wines sold as Chateau Peymouton and the estates second wine Les Tours de Laroque.

From a unique vineyard site in Melbourne's eastern suburbs the Egan family have been producing this beautiful Bordeaux-styled red since 1997; cassis and cedar characters with admirable length. Adorned with artwork from Melbourne cartooning icon, Leunig, the Amelia is firmly established within the Langton's Classification of Australian Wine and is a must have for all serious wine collectors.

A Rhone Valley Syrah produced and estate bottled at Domaine Robin. A full bodied and floral wine.

Crimson in colour with a delicate shimmer. Powerful nose with subtle scents of high grade wood and baking spices, with an attractively fresh note of menthol. Rich and balanced on the palate. A well-managed aging process adds an appealing earthiness, with flavours of wild berries and mahogany. Long and elegant on the finish with molten tannins and the freshness so characteristic of this great wine

John Riddoch MHA, who entered South Australia's Parliament (1865) as the South East's representative. Founded the Coonawarra Wine Region (1890) with the aspiration of making the finest wine in the country. The 2021 Riddoch The Representative Cabernet Merlot exhibits Cassis redcurrant spice aromas, fine chalky tannins and generous flavours. Aged in new-and-seasoned French and American oak for around 12 months, the wine is supple with gentle vigour. Drink now or may be cellared for years to come.