Isole e Olena owner and winemaker Paolo de Marchi, is a legend in Tuscany and in the wider world of wine. His obsession with Sangiovese has led him to study the grape at a genetic level in pursuit of greater knowledge and striving for perfection in winemaking. Paolos wine are appreciated around the world be discerning collectors as well as those who appreciate the complexity of the wine and the pains taken in their production. The Cepparello IGT is the flagship Super Tuscan from Isole e Olena. Paolo de Marchi was at the vanguard of the revolutionary Super Tuscan movement and these wines are the product of his vision. An extraordinary wine still brimming with revolutionary energy after all these years.

Family owned and operated, Barossa earthworks make its wines from 100% Barossa grapes, grown at small family owned vineyards. Drawing on more than 160 years of local wine knowledge, traditional winemaking methods and minimal processing are used to preserve the purity, integrity, texture and flavour of the wines. Blood red in colour, Earthworks Tempranillo opens with boysenberry, pepper, a hint of charred meats and black forest cake aromas. The soft tannins spread over your palate giving a juicy, ferrous, velvet mouth feel, a must try in our opinion.

Upon much deliberation, our overall masked winner revealed a style and character that provided us with a fairly clear cut insight into the modern day advances of a region etched in history and tradition. Cosme Palacio consistently produces one of our favourite Riojas that always offers incredible value for money. Produced predominantly from Tempranillo grown in cool, relatively high altitude sites, this is modern Rioja that's bright and ready to go thanks to a touch of bottle age. It's medium bodied with fine tannins and juicy in the mouth. Black fruits dominate the flavour profile with some delicate cedar and earthy notes adding complexity to a delicious example from this much loved region.

Medium bodied wine with raspberry fruits, cherries and chalky tannins on the finish.

Antinori Solaia is an intense ruby red colour. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, it delivers aromas of ripe fruit, spices, black pepper, chocolate, coffee and vanilla.

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Paje, Barbaresco DOCG

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Montefico, Barbaresco DOCG

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Montestefano, Barbaresco DOCG

Characters of red fruits, bright, mocha tinged cherries and natural forest floor layers. This is a very well rounded wine with smooth tannins and long, lingering finish.