Viña Real dates back to 1920, specialising in the smallest and northernmost sub-region of Rioja, Rioja Alavesa. The winery's name was inspired by the proximity of its vineyards to the 16th century Camino Real road. A blend of 90% Tempranillo, and 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. Freshness and purity of fruit are the key attributes of this wine, with 13-14 months' barrel ageing providing subtle, complex notes of tobacco, toast, and spice.

A 100% Garnacha from Rioja, with an emphasis on the variety's fresh fruited, floral characters. Deep cherry red in appearance with an abundance of red and blue fruits, rounded off with a subtle dusting of spice from minimal time in oak. A fresh, vibrant, and modern example of Rioja Garnacha (Grenache).

Its fair to say Luke Lambert hasn't looked back since 'relocating' his Syrah to the Tibooburra vineyard. This southwest sloping site lies in the southeastern corner of the Valley, near Gembrook, and might be the coolest microclimate of the Yarra. The site is expertly managed by Greg Kerr, the grower who planted the vineyard in 2001. The soils here are considered very unusual for the Yarra, comprising a seam of black volcanic topsoil over yellow clay with a smattering of granite rock throughout. Furthermore, the quality of the clonal material in Tibooburra supplies Lambert with deeper and darker Syrah fruit that also has more depth and structure. This is what drew him to the site and a good chunk of the reason the Syrah has become a touchstone example of cool-climate Yarra Shiraz.

Centred in the historic town of Haro in the Rioja Alta sub-region, the Imperial winery is named after a special bottling run for the English market, in a bottle known as the Imperial Pint. These days, the winery still applies artisinal winemaking techniques in their facilities, built by renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel in 1909. A blend of 85% Tempranillo, and 15% Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha. Typical Rioja Alta Tempranillo notes of liquorice, blackberry, and dark cherry, supported by cigar box, chocolate, and caramel. Fine, gentle flavours build into a deep, rich complex finish with gentle chalky tannins. A complex wine with great balance between power and elegance.

Spain continues to inspire Australia with wines of character, tradition and freshness. These characters plus a little bit of passion and beauty can be tasted in this ripping Vino Tinto from Bodegas Borsao. Made from Tempranillo sourced from vineyards in northern Spain that have been producing quality Tempranillo for generations, this flavoursome red shows delicious cherry and plum flavours and it ideally matched with red meats and hard cheeses.

Bright red with a purple hue, a glass of Estate Vineyards Syrah is like opening a spice box. It overflows with cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, thyme, pepper and the irresistible scents of Black Doris plum and vanilla. There are floral lift and charm here, but also a supple palate with luxurious savoury fruit and enticing notes of red and black liquorice. The perfume and depth of this syrah are matched by its fine, textural expression, balance and soft, even tannins. Food match with a wonderful accompaniment to all red meats, savoury and lightly spiced dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, as well as soft cheeses.