The high altitude Orange region is producing some outstanding Merlot and this release, made by Debbie Lauritz, is a great example. Aromas of dried herb and currant are supported with sweet fruit flavours.

Produced from one of Australia's premier Shiraz growing regions, McLaren Vale, comes Woodstock Shiraz. A big, richly flavoured Shiraz with spice and red berry fruit flavours. Sweet, ripe tannins and a complex acid structure gives the wine brilliant concentration and complexity. A perfect medium term cellaring option.

One of the Yarra Valley's up and comers, the Punt Road Shiraz is almost black in colour with aromas of cassis and a whiff of licquorice. A palate of plush plums and blackcurrant follows with flash of peppery spice. Kate Goodman continues to do a stellar job at one of the Yarra Valley's best wineries.

Classically pale in the glass, Nebbiolo is a deceptive and beautiful wine by Pizzini. The nose is all allure and seduction with classic, deep rose petal perfume, plenty of anise-scented spice and bright red fruits. The palate's deep, juicy and mouth-filling red cherry and plum flavours run on sturdy tannins, laced with liquorice and finishing bright.

The EJ Shiraz is the jewel in Paxton's organic and biodynamic crown. Awarded 95 points in the Halliday Wine Companion 2017, this wine is the result of low yielding vines that are more than a century old. The flavour is elegant and round and the nose offers vanilla, black current and oak.

Farnese Edizione gives a very deep garnet red colour. The nose is intense and persistent with notes of cherry and blackcurrant, herbs, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, liquorice and hints of mineral. The palate has great structure, good balance between alcohol and freshness, velvety tannins, very persistent with a long finish, ready to drink, or can be put in the cellar for a few years.

Though part of the Barossa, the Eden Valley is a slightly cooler climate than the neighbouring Barossa Valley, so generally produce Shiraz that is slightly more elegant in style. That said, the Eden Hall Shiraz is a wine that is not only rich, vibrant and full of life today, it will also hang in for the long haul.

Marlborough isn't only capable of producing Sauvignon Blanc, some fine examples of Pinot Noir are coming our too. None better than this excellent wine from Delta Vineyards. Extremely fragrant on the nose and packed with squeezed forest berries, oak, spice, and some herbal, thyme-like notes. The palate displays vibrant red fruit flavours balanced by silky, fine tannins.

Zuccardi have been at the forefront of quality winemaking in Argentina for decades and the Q range showcases this dedication to quality. Attention to detail during vinification and maturation in French oak has created a masterpiece Malbec which can be enjoyed now or cellared for many years.

Pirramimma Shiraz is full-fruited and powerful, with sweet plum and mocha along with cinnamon notes and dark chocolate which are all typical regional characters of McLaren Vale.