Victoria's first vineyard is a landmark in the Yarra Valley and an icon of the Australian wine industry. Loads of lovely Pinot character on the nose with ripe cherry gamey notes and hints of "forest floor". Silky in texture the lingering flavour is enhanced by a touch of oak.

The trailblazers of the Adelaide Hills have created another outstanding wine. A superb expression of modern cool-climate Shiraz; Shaw & Smith is elegantly spicy and brimming with supple red-fruit flavours matched by fine tannins. An absolute ripper.

Don Lewis (ex Mitchelton) and Narelle King have come together to form Tar & Roses and this is the wine that encapsulates the winery name like no other. From their Heathcote vineyards this striking red shows flavours of dark berries, sweet fruit and wild flowers.

This Pinot noir is the flagship from Two Paddocks an organically grown barrel selection from the estate properties. As in the vineyard, the wine is hand crafted using traditional methods including a 25% whole bunch indigenous fermentation and hand plunging. Maturation is in French barriques for 11 months, using a mix of older and new (25%) barrels.

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.

Named after the famed Johann Gramp's grandson, Hugo, this is the very best Cabernet Sauvignon in the stable. From the very best sites in the region of Coonawarra, this wine shows classic regional mint and blackcurrant on the nose with a silky supple palate, elegant fruit characters, toasty oak and long, fine tannins.

Stonier produces one of the most consistent Pinots from the Mornington Peninsula. Attractive plum and cherry flavours are enhanced by some gamey undertones and smoky oak influence. Perfect with duck.

Teusner Albert Shiraz is made from old vines in the northern Barossa; rich black fruits and tarry cassis with smoky undertones, the finish is long and luscious. Could easily be cellared for the medium term.

Pasquale Pelissero is a small, family-run winery that originated in a garage under the guidance of "Papa" Pasquale, a trailblazing figure in Neive known for being among the first to independently bottle and market his wines. Despite being a traditionalist, Pasquale remained receptive to new winemaking and cellar management methods. The vineyards are highly esteemed, often attracting visits from fellow producers in the region. Nestled near the summit of Bricco San Giuliano hill, the cellar is entirely enveloped by Pelissero vineyards. Following Pasquale's passing in 2007, his daughter Ornella has admirably upheld the family's legacy, managing all aspects of the vineyards and cellar, with her only innovation being the acquisition of a temperature-controlled fermentation tank. Their Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco originates from an 8-hectare plot situated approximately 400 meters above sea level and undergoes exclusive aging in large casks, while the Dolcetto, characterized by its plum notes and intriguing hints of flint and smoke, matures in stainless steel. Situated in the historically significant and picturesque Neive, the winery's annual output totals around 15,000 bottles. The estate is a proud member of "Biotipicità," a recently established consortium of Langhe producers committed to sustainable farming practices in accordance with the Italian "lotta integrata" regulation. The Pasquale Pelissero Barbera D'Alba 2021 is a pure expression of 100% Barbera grapes, cultivated in vineyards with a south-west exposure and boasting a vine age of 30 years. This wine presents a deep ruby colour with garnet hues, setting the stage for an enticing sensory experience. The aroma is characterized by ripe red fruits, cherry, blackberry, prune and a touch of black pepper, creating a captivating olfactory journey. On the palate, it reveals a medium-bodied profile with the naturally high acidity inherent to Barbera grapes, making it a versatile and food-friendly option. Additionally, the wine offers a delightful hint of sweet spicy notes, adding depth and complexity to its overall character.

There's a world of delicious Italian whites to discover, including Soave. Made from Garganega it has a complex palate of nectarines and wet stones plus zingy acidity. Exciting and hugely different.