ark Richardson, red specialist at Tyrrell’s calls Heathcote “undoubtedly Australia’s most exciting new red wine producing region.” Buying up vineyards here was the brainchild of Bruce Tyrrell – and it has yielded a red that wins huge numbers of loyal fans every year.

A complex and attractive mix of dark and blue fruits with earthy undertones. Blood plums and black currants, liquorice and spice. A hint of truffles and oak in the mix. Medium bodied, fleshy and supple, the palate is textured and layered. Plum, aniseed and spice follow from the nose and the wine has lovely depth without being overbearing. Ripe, fine tannins and good length with dark fruits and a hint of oak.

Legendary Victorian winemaker, Don Lewis, teams up with Narelle King to create Tar & Roses. (Try and guess who is which?!) Their rich and fruit driven Heathcote Shiraz has quickly become a favourite of many Shiraz lovers, and not surprisingly at this low price!

The Tar & Roses Tempranillo is a great example of what 20 year old Tempranillo vines are achieving in Australia. On the nose there are juicy rich mulberries, freshly dug earth with hints of blackcurrant and aniseed. The palate has impressive length, balance and structure.

Tar & Roses can not only be used to describe the wonderful Meditteranean aromas and flavours of this Heathcote winery, but also the wonderful team of Don Lewis and Narelle King! This Heathcote Sangiovese shows the classical sour cherry flavours with a balanced and integrated structure that is crying out for a antipasto plate.

No two words go together as well as Canberra and Shiraz in the wine world. The favourable terroir and hands on winemaking make Lerida Estate's Shiraz a must have. Brambly spice aromas are complimented by a palate that is long and refined with flavours of berried and touch of pepper. With age, the wine will become progressively richer, revealing warmer, more complex flavours, riper berries and a little liquorice.

Tempranillo is an easy going red variety and well suited to the climate and deep red soils of Northern Heathcote. With soft fruit and fine tannins, Woodfired Tempranillo has modern grainy flavours, ample structure and savoury tannins. This wine will pair perfectly with dishes like chargrilled chorizo and Manchego cheese.

The Chalmers familys commitment to innovation and excellence has made them a pivotal force in the Australian wine scene for over 20 years. The Chalmers Nero dAvola is deliberately made in a drink-young, lifted red-fruit style reminiscent of the Cerasuolo wines of Vittoria. This wine shows a vibrant fruits-of-the-forest and blueberry nose with pretty rosehip aromatics. The medium-bodied palate marries savoury boysenberry fruit with chalky tannins, sweet spice and just a touch of blood orange.

Tim Kirk has quickly become Australia's Shiraz-Superstar. With cool-climate vineyards that are managed pefectly and with expert guidance, Clonakilla is a must have for all serious wine lovers. Tim's Hilltops Shiraz has luscious dark Shiraz fruit, with blackberry, roasted meat and gentle spice in the background. The tannins are ripe, the fruit juicy, the finish long and savoury. Superb.

Tyrrell's Rufus Stone is an excellent example of Heathcote Shiraz at a reasonable price. A rich, balanced wine of deep magenta colour with liquorice and white pepper aromas. Intense dark plum flavours are given a subtle lift from the well judged French oak. Better than ever!