Blue Pyrenees Estate Red is a classical example of the style and power of Blue Pyrenees Estate. A historial multi-award winner, the Estate Red is a luxurious amalgam of blue and black fruits supported by balanced eucalypt and subtle milk chocolate textures. A stunning wine to enjoy today or leave alone in the cellar for the medium term to further amplify its unique character.

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.

A wine who’s reputation proceeds it, 0f particular note is the interesting winemaking on show here – it’s old school, yet cleverly so, with all the components co fermented, everything relying on the juice, rather than new oak to tell the story. I like that blend of old and new – its what the Barossa does best. A mid red colour, this has dried herbs, cherry, a waft of VA and tomato paste on the slightly forward savoury nose. There is even a hint of saddle, though its more winey than bretty. The palate is medium bodied, pleasurably soft and somewhat evolved, with spicy old oak the only influence, the rest derived from integrated, maturing fruit. It feels like a pair of favourite jeans – worn in all the right places and comfortable from the get go, yet without losing its style. Suffice to say its one very drinkable, enjoyable, medium bodied drink and its all the better for it. It probably won’t seduce you with its intensity and some will be looking for more primary fruit freshness (I’d like to see it in a screwcap too because I’m a stelvinista or even a vino-loker: now they are pretty sexy too) but I’d drink a ton more of this than so many heavier Barossan reds. 18.0

Chateau Ducluzeau is owned by Bruno Borie, owner of the iconic Second Growth Ducru Beaucaillou in St Julien. The 10ha vineyard in Listrac being planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest percentage of Merlot in the entire appellation). Classic Bordeaux through and through - with beautiful notes of liquorice, rose, plum and blackberry.

Dark fruits and licorice intermingled with forest undergrowth notes precede a long lasting, fine tannin Rosemary flavoured finish. The medium weight but firm structure and vibrancy of this wine ensure it has many possible food matches.

The aroma is of blackberry and cassis with no leafiness and an earthy, Moroccan leather bouquet typical of the Whalebone terroir. The flavours are rich and strong with an underlying fresh varietal complexity including the spiciness of Cabernet and the fresh leather and anise of Shiraz. The tannins are at once grainy and substantial providing a savoury and long finish. This is an excellent example of Australias own red blend and a pure expression of these unique terroirs.

Nick Spencer Medium Dry Red Blend - Inspired by the Australian ‘Clarets’ of the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. The Medium Red Blend pays homage to the Classic Australian Red Blend, Shiraz and Cabernet.

One of Australia's true great wine treasures, Henschke produce a range of wines that are the envy of most. Keyneton Estate is often the first premium wine from this most famous of producers that people try. As such, the attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship of this wine is a testament to the vision and passion of Stephen and Prue Henschke.