William Downie and the Thousand Candles team are keen to expand our understanding of premium wine from the Yarra Valley. A shy complexity; a layered sense of tone and colour, and a nervous acceleration as the wine slips seamlessly from beginning to end. A wine that tells the story of its place more so than its varietals. A wine that pushes the boundaries, from one of Australia's most innovative and skilled wine makers.

One of Australia's true great wine treasures, Henschke produce a range of wines that are the envy of most. Keyneton Estate is often the first premium wine from this most famous of producers that people try. As such, the attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship of this wine is a testament to the vision and passion of Stephen and Prue Henschke.

The McGuigan Black Label Red is an approachable, medium bodied style with a nice combination of ripe, soft fruit flavours and the perfect balance of tannin to provide some structure. Not only a great wine to have around great friends and family, but also at home when paired with a wide array of cuisine including barbecued meats and salads.

Australia's premier cool climate Cabernet. It was John Middleton's dream to create such a wine and purchased the Mount Mary property in the Yarra Valley in 1971 to persue this dream. Quintet is his dream realised and is a blend of the classic Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

This small family owned business uses methods passed down by the generations. A traditional dry red style, it is unfiltered and has no preservatives added.

Calvet Grande Reserve is a red colour with purple hints. Powerful and complex nose, with scents of red fruits and spices. The attack is nice and structured, with flavours of cherry and vanilla. The finish is long and pleasant.

Blue Pyrenees Estate Red is a classical example of the style and power of Blue Pyrenees Estate. A historial multi-award winner, the Estate Red is a luxurious amalgam of blue and black fruits supported by balanced eucalypt and subtle milk chocolate textures. A stunning wine to enjoy today or leave alone in the cellar for the medium term to further amplify its unique character.

Sangria is the ultimate summertime drink. With vibrant, aromatic fruit flavours and a refreshing, light weight palate, La Esencia is both delicious and crowd pleasing. This sangria can be served in a number of ways, but is best served with the addition of some fresh fruit like oranges, apples, limes and even pineapple. You can even add some lemonade and ginger ale for a bit of extra lift.

Very pale salmon, some light red hues. Red fruits, raspberry, cranberry, a touch of liquorice, some light spice and earth. Pinot Noir is apparent on the front palate, with berries, fluffy talc and crystalline texture. The Grenache brings weight through the middle, a riot of red fruits and tarry spice. Mourvèdre fills the rear, with lovely fine extract framing the palate and adding length. A harmonious and very fine Minnow Rosé by Shadowfax: complex, dry and delicious.

Gravel soils make up the primary soil type at Château l'Evangile which is consistent with most of Bordeaux's right bank region of Pomerol. Merlot is the variety of choice in the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine full of plushness, vibrant aromatics and smooth, lingering finish. The 2009 vintage was wonderfully kind of all of Bordeaux and Pomerol was no exception with the l'Evangile producing a wine of plushness and warmth as well as one of concentration and power. A classic Pomerol.