There is plenty of flavour here - raisins, toffee, liquorice - in this soft, smooth and sweet fortified. Satisfying and well priced.

In just a few short decades, the Taylor family have etched out a formidable reputation for producing high quality wine from their Clare Valley vineyards. This textbook Merlot captures the varietal characters of berries, fruitcake and velvety tannins. The judicious use of French and American oak adds mocha and vanilla softens and rounds the palate.

A Spanish/Italian rendezvous with the Adelaide Hills - a unique blend of 50% whole bunch Barbera and destemmed Tempranillo. Intensely aromatic and inviting bouquet of raspberries, blueberries and satsuma plum entwined with fresh thyme and sage with a hint of cured meat. The palate has good fruit intensity and vibrancy with fresh red fruit and a crunch acid structure. Subtle velvety tannins provide a savoury edge.

From Orange in NSW, this Shiraz is a good introduction to the qualities of this emerging area. It shows aromas of plum and spices and the palate is all about the fruit with little intrusive oak.

Johanne Pfeiffer and Christian Auricht sought a new life in the Barossa, where they married and raised a family. They brought their traditions with them, including brides wearing black dresses on their wedding day. Sadly, Johanne was widowed in 1860, and this wine is named Black Widow in her honour.

Occupying some of the more elevated land in the Canberra District, Quarry Hill produces a Shiraz with ripe flavours and excellent natural acids; the hallmarks of great cool-climate Shiraz. Aged in a mix of new and older French oak, the wine is bright purple in the glass, follwed by aromas of raspberry, plum, spice and a little pepper. Through the palate, there are flavours of mulberry and plum, fine tannins and a crisp, dry finish.

Fred Pizzini grew up in Italy and is bringing the taste of his homeland to the Australian dining table. His Sangiovese is one of the best examples in the country, with spicy, savoury fruit hiding a vein of mouth watering acid that is a hallmark of the variety. Delicious now - and will get better with bottle age!

Produced from Garnacha (Grenache) and Carinena varieties, this Spanish red offers lively aromas of spice and berries. The palate is rich and textured with fine velvety tannins. Superb with roast meats.

The Pikes Eastside Shiraz is a rich ripe fruit Shiraz true to its Clare Valley origins. Dark berry flavours are integrated with the sweet oak character and long, satisfying textured finish.