“1837” marks the year that my ancestors first stepped onto the shores of the new land down under, Australia. They eventually settled in the Barossa ranges at the ’Clifton’ property in 1870. This wine is only produced in the best years and in very small quantities.

Cape Mentelle has a rich history of exceptional quality and consistency with Cabernet Sauvignon, from a pioneering producer in Margaret River in the early 1970s to a benchmark winery today. A full-bodied wine with intense blue and black berry preserves on entry, followed by tobacco, savoury and gamey layers, all framed by firm, ripe tannins creating a complex wine of length.

The Glaetzer name comes with as much heritage as this classic Australian blend. Rich, ripe and full bodied, this unfiltered red is a parfait of mouthfilling complexity. Made by Ben Glaetzer, the Anaperenna Shiraz Cab is not only striking in label, it's also striking on the palate. Destined to be a long lived blend with the Cabernet structure keeping the plush and vibrant Shiraz fruit in check.

Mildara first released wines in the late 1800's and was one of the earliest pioneers of the Coonawarra region in the 1950's. One of the most exciting wines in Dan's Cellar Release program, the 2004 Rothwell Cabernet is a wine of fierce structure, elegant balance and sheer drinkability. Classic blackcurrant, minty, toasty oak, medium bodied with a juicy pastille richness and firm tannins. Superb right now, it will evolve over many years to come.

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.

The Woodlands Margaret is, true to its name, a realisation of all that is great about Margaret River, arguably Australias home of the Bordeaux style. Sourced from the Woodlands Vineyards in Wilyabrup this is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 8% Malbec. Considering the price of the Watson familys flagship, the Margaret offers truly outstanding value.

Bream Creek Pinot Noir from Southern Tassie is big and ripe with gentle pepper nuances. Punchy, dried dark stone fruits, fruit cake and dark roasted herbs are present while the palate rolls out very ripe tannins that swerve from side to side, bringing rich plum flavour and a big juicy finish.

A great example of Tasmanian Pinot Noir, there is an exciting nose bursting with cherries. The palate is medium bodied and elegant, just as it should be.

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.