Most grape growers and wineries in New South Wales faced a difficult vintage in2021 and Mudgee was no exception. Frequent heavy rains in the regionthreatened the quality of the crops and the fruit took longer to ripen. Despite the harvest being slow and steady, the final results yielded reasonable crops andclean grapes. The single vineyard wine produced by Cael's Gate are made from vines plantedin 1996. The wine is matured in new premium French oak barrels resulting inwine that is sweetly ripe and inviting on the nose. The notes are dark berry, cake spice, vanilla and roasted hazelnut aromas, followed by a delightfullyflavoursome palate offering a juicy fruit intensity combined with silky tannins.These complex and exciting flavours lead to an elegant delectable finish totantalize the senses.

"Out of the three traditional red grape varieties of the Barossa, Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro. Mataro and Shiraz have always been my favourites. Shiraz for its bold richness and Mataro for its savoury spice and earthiness. This single vineyard is nestled at the base of the Barossa Ranges in the Krondorf sub-region, it is planted in rich red loamy clay. It is sun struck during the day and is soothed by the cool air falling from the hills at night. The vineyard even though is young in Barossa terms, shows an intensity and complexity usually reserved for older vines. This wine to me is more than what’s in the bottle, it represents the on-going history of my region, the complexity of family and the chance of being able to create something I truly love."

The Bimbadgen McDonalds Rd Shz McDonalds Rd 2021 is a standout wine from Hunter Valley, showcasing the exceptional quality of the region. Aromas of ripe dark cherries, plums, and blackberries are balanced by subtle hints of oak and spice. On the palate, velvety tannins give way to a burst of berry flavors, with a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate on the finish. The wine boasts a deep ruby color, hinting at its full-bodied nature. Produced in the 2021 vintage, this wine exemplifies the expertise and dedication of Bimbadgen Estate, a renowned winery based in New South Wales. Perfectly aged and well-structured, this wine is a testament to the rich and complex flavors that can be achieved in the Hunter Valley. Enjoy it now or cellar for even more complexity in the years to come.

The colour is dark crimson. It has aromas of lifted red and blue berry and oak spice. It is elegantly structured with dark plum and red fruits with a hint of blueberry, integrated oak carried by silky tannins and supple acidity.

Brokenwood and the Hunter Valley region is experience somewhat of a renaissance of late. Quality wines for a great prices just like this nice Hunter Shiraz. Typical earthy notes with hints of leather and spice all wrapped around dark brooding plum and cherry fruit. Quality oak imparts a subtle cedar character and fine grained tannins complete the wine that finishes long and smooth.

Gibson Wines is one of the reasons why we all love the Barossa Valley so much. Small family winery, ancient soils, hand-crafter wines all made by a true Barossa character, Rob Gibson. With his signature moustache and motorcyclists' leather waistcoat, Rob puts all his years of experience into every bottle. The Reserve Shiraz is grown from a single estate vineyard in Stockwell and displays aromas and flavours that are fresh and lively with juicy fruit tones that are hard to find in 2007. Amazing what can be achieved with rigorous fruit selection and detailed winemaking.

Typical earthy Hunter Shiraz, with leather and tobacco notes.

A complex, savoury nose of spice and white pepper. Rich plummy fruit with a touch of vanilla and cedary oak characters. This Grant Burge Balthasar Shiraz is drinking beautifully now or for careful medium term cellaring.

Laughing Jack Greenock Shiraz is sourced from vineyards exclusively in the Greenock sub-region of the Barossa Valley. Located in the Valley's western edge, Greenock imparts warm, plush fruit characters with a dark chocolate and leather backbone. The Laughing Jack shows all of these qualities in abundance, especially the dark chocolate aspect with real concentration of flavour. A very powerful wine.

Château Lanessan continues to be a true bargain in the Bordeaux world. Lanessan produces wines that at first seem firm, but flesh out with marvellous fruit with good richness. Lanessan is also a very consistant producer, creating wines of quality from questionable vintages. The great thing is that you don't have to worry too much about 'questionable' vintage when looking at this superb 2009. The Bordeaux Gods have definitely been smiling on communes and produced wines of utmost concentration and power. Lanessan did not miss out with the licquorice, spice and blackcurrant rich wine that will reward the Bordeaux bargain hunter for the next decade or more.