Superb, 2016 Single Vineyard Reserva Rioja from top ranking Bodegas La Emperatriz, that first won prizes for its wines in 1878 when it belonged to Empress Eugénie of France. Today brothers Eduardo and Victor Hernáiz own the impressive estate, comprising 101 hectares of high-altitude vineyards in the Rioja Alta. Many of their wines have been awarded over 90 points by Wine Advocate. With extensive vineyards, they have the luxury of using only estate-grown grapes and make a range of top-ranking wines. Rarely, however, do they make a Gran Reserva purely from this single, north-facing vineyard lying at 630 metres. The result is very slow-ripening grapes and a wine with superb structure, depth and impressive complexity. Only now is it opening out, revealing all its rich flavour. Open early – great with lamb.

The Tar & Roses Tempranillo is a great example of what 20 year old Tempranillo vines are achieving in Australia. On the nose there are juicy rich mulberries, freshly dug earth with hints of blackcurrant and aniseed. The palate has impressive length, balance and structure.

A mouthwatering beauty from the RedHeads Crew, inspired b Spain, made right here in Australia. A blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Graciano, it's a lusciously big glassful of dark cherry, plum and raspberry fruit with smoky, toasty oak notes. Layered and complex ... a mouthfiling treat!

Deep crimson with violet hues. Exotic and perfumed aromas of tamarillo, black cherry, boysenberry and black currant are supported by cinnamon, anise, rosehip and dried herbs. The palate is at once plush and savoury with flavours of freshly cut plum, red currant, cacao nib and black pepper. Elegantly structured, the balanced acidity and fine tannins provide a beautiful mouthfeel with a long, focused finish.

The savoury and smooth Tempranillo is complimented by thespicy fruit and structure of Graciano. The resultant wine has greater intensity, depth and length.

The Reserva Tempranillo blend from iconic Riojan producer, Marqués de Riscal is made from fruit sourced from outstanding vineyard sites that are in excess of 15 years of age. This fruit is able to withstand the lengthy maturation process in oak due to the fine, complex tannin and acid structure. The resulting wine is classically savoury with notes of dark berries and toasty oak. The palate is long and rounded with interesting hint of spice.

What a coup to get this wine into our range. Certainly and deservedly one of the most highly regarded Rioja producers. These are the Riojas from which dreams are made. Think leather chesterfields, smoked meats and cigar-box.

Blackwood Valley Wine Region, WA Tasting: Super rich, with plenty of intense berry fruits.Blackberries and dark cherries intertwine with raspberry and spice. Fruit-first, and a very attractive wine. Firm tannins that aid in structure and complexity, while remaining silky and highly approachable. Subtle earthen notes, with tobacco and cigar box. Winemaking: The fruit here comes from the Boyup Brook Vineyard. Small, concentrated berries are the source of the depth, structure and complexity of this wine. Fermented in open-tops and plunged twice daily until optimalextraction and maceration was achieved. Pressed off the skins and allowed to finish ferment in stainless tanks, before being racked to barrel and aged for around 8 months in older oak. Precise blending of the two varieties took place to achieve the desiredcharacter of this wine.