The sweet, yet bold nosed and Valentine-red Mr Lincoln petals, along with a smattering of other mixed blooms are gathered, local and dewy-fresh, at the iconic Rustons Roses, Riverland. Macerated over time in cane based vodka, the petals offered up their heavenly essences which have been small-copper-pot distilled to otherworldly purity. The rosy tint is naturally enhanced with the merest pinch of organic hibiscus petal.

Grenache in all its glory. Red fruits proudly lead the charge: raspberries, cranberries and pomegranate. Fragrant coulis on a summer berry pudding. Ferric notes of steel wool and cordite allude to the iron-rich clay soil upon which the vines prosper in the Barossa Valley. Charcuterie aromas of Jamón ibérico and Mojama dry cured tuna notes add an interesting slightly saline nuance. Rubbed olive leaves, sumac spice and ginger peel aromas round out a very enticing nose. Disclaimer: Product may have a cork or screwcap closure

Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is the beacon of quality that all Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is compared to. Coming off the iconic red soils of Coonawarra, Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is classic elegance. Chief winemaker, Sue Hodder, is able to craft a wine brimming with aromas of blackcurrant and plum that combine with spicy minty notes. The palate is well structured, long and fine. With the right cellaring condition, this could easily be a cellar gem.

St Hugo Cabernet Shiraz displays a dark ruby red with purple hues. The bouquet of dark forest fruits such as plum, blueberry and cassis lead into a beautifully complex palate of blackcurrent, sweet plum and chalky tannins. There is a underlying savoury oak hint and a finish of lingering dark chocolate.

A high quality wine from the first whiff of the bouquet through to the long finish...has a tapestry of flavours from the base of Cabernet...all supported by persistent but ripe tannins, the oak absorbed by the fruit. Winning the prestigious Decanter International Trophy, we snaffled as much of this wine as we could. Very limited.

The last few releases of Brown Brothers Patricia Cabernet Sauvignon have put this firmly on the map of Australian benchmark Cabernets. It's colour already a great indication of a wine with depth, along with the complex aromas of blackcurrant, dark fruits and well integrated oak. The ripe fruits are very concentrated on the palate with distinctive fine tannins, hints of sweet spice and a lingering finish. A fantastic vintage to enjoy now or careful cellaring for another 6 - 8 years.

Almost blood red, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz in motion, changing and shifting from red scents of currants and cranberries to the black fruits of plum compote and black cherries, before a touch of cedar, leafy herbs and powdery black spices freshen the finish. The wine has a coolness that belies its power. The expression is as restrained as it is muscular. Richly layered, the fruit completes the structure. Underneath theres an umami earthiness, like scents of camping in the woods. Impeccably balanced. Savour with a rosemary pepper beef rib roast with porcini jus.

First made in 1959, Penfolds Kalimna Shiraz is an icon in the field of warm-climate Shiraz. Always ripe, robust and generously flavoured. The Bin 28 is named after the Kalimna vineyard that was purchased back in 1945 and from which the original fruit was sourced from. Today, the Bin 28 is a great example of the Penfolds dedication to multi-region, multi-vineyard blending. The Barossa Valley will always remain an integral part of the Bin 28 blend providing rich, vibrant primary fruit flavours.

A black curtain of density introduces this thumping Cabernet from Brothers in Arms, unveiling five spice, mint chocolate and full bodied black fruits coated in grippy tannin.

A lovely approachable wine from the guys at III Associates. Plum flavours drive the wine with a soft, plush mouth feel and intergrated tannins. Lovely toasty oak is also prevalent with nice blending of the Cabernet fruit.