This delightful Yarra Valley Light Red Blend is 50% Shiraz, 50% Pinot Noir, and is beautifully robust yet soft and generous. In the glass: Medium red purple. On the nose: Beautifully perfumed black cherry, blood plum, whole bunch spice and peppery lift. On the palate: Elegant yet powerful with a fine web of tannins underpinning the complex mixof silken red and black fruit. It features notes of clove and five spice with bright acidity.

OAKRIDGE WINES 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley

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.

One of the Yarra Valley's up and comers, the Punt Road Shiraz is almost black in colour with aromas of cassis and a whiff of licquorice. A palate of plush plums and blackcurrant follows with flash of peppery spice. Kate Goodman continues to do a stellar job at one of the Yarra Valley's best wineries.

Further testament to both vine age and the merits & complexity of this blend, which allow the wine to rise above an otherwise challenging year. Classic blackcurrant, cigar box and tapenade aromas, overlaid with notes of violet, Christmas cake and sweet spices, lead onto a supple, savoury and effortless palate that builds towards a long & lively finish.

Oakridge are well known for their white wine styles, especially their Chardonnay, but don't forget the Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that can do so well. Lovely lifted spice; bright and attractive cassis fruit and layers of fine grained tannin will greet the drinker and will be welcomed by any serious Cabernet lover.

A unique blend of six Portuguese varieties, Touriga Nacional Tinta Cao, Tinta Amarela, Alvarelhao, Roriz and Sousao, all planted in a natural amphitheatre at the highest and most southerly point of the Yarra Yering vineyard.

In the glass: Vibrant mid-red. On the nose: Sweet cherry and raspberry fruit with notes of stalk and spice - so beautifully perfumed. On the palate: Vibrant and fresh, supple and juicy with ripe cherry and plum varietals, subtle stalky complexity, warm earthy notes, nicely integrted vanillin oak and savoury persistence. A complete wine - powerful yet refined, complex and layered with full Pinot Noir charm on show.