The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.

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.

Sandalford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is simply put, a sensational wine! Complex on the nose with violets, tomato leaf, cigar box and spice, it is beautifully structured on the palate, with rich fleshy fruit filling out the tannin backbone.

A stunning wine! A true gem, this classy Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon belies its mid range price with equal parts power and elegance. Intense fruit, sublime oak, majestic structure. We fell in love!

The last few releases of Brown Brothers Patricia Cabernet Sauvignon have put this firmly on the map of Australian benchmark Cabernets. It's colour already a great indication of a wine with depth, along with the complex aromas of blackcurrant, dark fruits and well integrated oak. The ripe fruits are very concentrated on the palate with distinctive fine tannins, hints of sweet spice and a lingering finish. A fantastic vintage to enjoy now or careful cellaring for another 6 - 8 years.

Parker Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon is a Coonawarra Cabernet that always looks classy. Big rich cassis, blackberry and raspberry fruit ripple with an appealing suggestion of leafiness. The very best oak is always used for Parker's wines and that is evident again with fine integrated influence of French oak that delivers a balanced cedar and cigar box finish.

Parker Estate Terra Rossa Shiraz is a little gem from Coonawarra. Generously rich with ripe dark forest berries complimented by mocha, cassis and a hints of spicy oak.

The Vocation Series pays tribute to John Riddoch’s multifaceted capabilities and the many vocations he had in his lifetime, reflected by the ultimate expression of Coonawarra’s varietal diversity. Linking single vineyard wines and interesting wine-making techniques with the personality evoked by Riddoch’s various professions. John Riddoch’s wool clip was the most highly prized wool in South Australia. He also established the Coonawarra wine region in 1890 with the aspiration of making the finest wine in the country. The Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to this history as the flagship varietal for Coonawarra. Vibrant cassis, blackberry and violet notes, silky tannins and underlying cedar oak design this classic Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured in new and seasoned French oak barrels for added complexity of flavour. Drink now or will reward careful cellaring for up to 8 years.

Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is the beacon of quality that all Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is compared to. Coming off the iconic red soils of Coonawarra, Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is classic elegance. Chief winemaker, Sue Hodder, is able to craft a wine brimming with aromas of blackcurrant and plum that combine with spicy minty notes. The palate is well structured, long and fine. With the right cellaring condition, this could easily be a cellar gem.

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