Yellow Tail Merlot is soft and supple, with sweet, plum and cherry flavours and a hint of liquorice or anise. Merlot is an excellent alternative to the heavier and more tannic red varieties.

Pacha Mama Shiraz enfolds you in her arms. It's elegant, it's got finesse. In the glass its vibrant plum red in colour, with a complex nose of spiced plums and dark chocolate backed with earth and spice. This wine is soft and fleshy and full of all the good dark fruits; plum and blackcurrant. It's seamless in the mouth with juicy fruit favours on the palate. A light tannic structure, vibrant acid and a long savoury finish.

A true rising star of the Australian winemaking scene, Ben Glaetzer produces a lovely, rich but balanced Shiraz from Langhorne Creek and the Limestone Coast. A nice departure from his usual big Barossa styles, this Shiraz is a perfect food match for lamb cutlets or Napoli based pasta dish.

Water Wheel is a historic winery located in the traditional wine region of Bendigo in central Victoria. Winemaker Peter Cumming continually produces a Shiraz with aromas of ripe berries, white pepper and chocolate that are also reflected on the palate which also displays attractive regional and varietal character. The depth of fruit and oak balance is excellent. Always a consistent performer, Water Wheel Shiraz is not only enjoyable upon release but is a reliable medium-term cellaring option.

Scorpo has quickly gained a reputation for its Pinot; classic cherry, red berry and spice on the palate that is supported by a savoury, undergrowthy finish. A wonderfully rich and ripe style that lacks nothing in the power department. Still quintessentially Pinot, but with some serious body.

From the outstanding house of Michele Chiarlo comes an utterly delicious Barbera d'Asti. The hand picked fruit is treated gently to retain the energy, vibrancy and freshness so evident in the finished product. The red fruit scents are instantly attractive, followed by the captivating fresh red fruit flavour, so vital and elegant, and so typical of the Chiarlo style.

Mr Mick's favourite red variety was without doubt, Shiraz. From his early days working in the vineyards to the end of his amazing career 57 years later, wines made from Clare Valley Shiraz captivated him with their power and elegant synergism. This wine seeks to emulate just that style, elegant and yet dense and flavoursome, gentle enough to sit and taste, and great with food.