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.

Innocent Bystander eminates from Victoria's Yarra Valley and is the brain child of owner, Phil Sexton. With winemaker Steve Flamsteed on board, the Innocent Bystander wines are fantastically varietal and extremely approachable. The Pinot Noir is packed full of black cherry and cedary notes with a perfect balance of soft, but fine grained tannin.

While mainly known for his extraordinary Chardonnay, Dave Bicknell's Cabernet's continue to fly under the radar of most when thinking of Victoria's greatest cool-climate red wines. This is great for those who wish to keep this little secret a secret for a while longer, but rest assured word will get out as the purity and power of this 864 Cab is something to behold. Minimal, but expert techniques are employed to deliver a Cabernet that is built for the long haul, yet is wonderfully enjoyable in its youth.

The Levantine Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is redolent with blackberry, blackcurrant and cocoa-rich chocolate. The supple, balanced middle palate evokes truffle, bramble and earthy complexity. An outstanding example of the Yarra Valley region, its chewy, satisfying tannins are beautifully-integrated with fleshy fruit characters, hedonic spice and lingering, persistent length.

Made by 5-star Halliday Winery Oakridge these Over the Shoulder wines offer excellent value for money. Dry, textural and crunchy with pristine pear flavours, this is a refreshing alternative to NZ Sauvignon Blanc.

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.

Levantine Hill Estate Syrah 2013 has bright crimson colour. Brooding, lifted complex aromas of red berry compote, musk, cardamom and white pepper compliment the underlying nutmeg and vanillin bouquet. The elegant medium-bodied palate abounds with spice and earthy nuances in a concentration of savouriness. The silky ripe tannins have been deftly integrated with the underlying oak providing carriage for the fruit weight and lingering flavours to a pronounced and persistent finish.

This Levantine Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is redolent with blackberry, blackcurrant and cocoa-rich chocolate on the nose. Followed by the supple, balanced middle palate evokes truffle, bramble and earthy complexity on the palate. An outstanding example of site and region, its chewy, satisfying tannins are beautifully integrated with fleshy fruit characters, hedonic spice and lingering, persistent length.

In true Provence fashion, it's a pale-salmon pink with scents of cherry blossom and ripe red berries. Almost like a Peach Melba in a glass - plenty of freshness and poise but with weight, body and creaminess. As bright as the light over the Mediterranean, with a long, dry crisp finish.