Château Tanunda's Newcastle combines Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault for this Rhône styled Barossa Valley red blend. The wine is deep and dark in colour with big, juicy aromas with a hint of vanilla and French oak. This juiciness is continued onto the palate with raspberries, dark stone fruit and some light tannins. The structure is super smooth leading to a long, elegant finish.

Named for the fourth century Latin poet Ausonius, Chateau Ausone sources from a mere 7.3 hectares of vines, set in the south of Saint Emilion. The fortunes of Ausone waned in the mid twentieth century, but have been revitalised by property manager Pascal Delbeck who has helped reestablish the reputation of the famed house. Renowned consultant winemaker Michel Rolland guides the Vauthier estate flagship to near perfection in 2010; the Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend showing density, richness and profound structure, that suggests time in cellar is not only essential for its first ten years, but likely a benefit for another forty years further..

Chateau Cheval Blanc is without doubt, the finest estate in St Emillion, and regarded as one of the greatest Bordeaux wines of modern times. Set next to Pomerol, the estate is set on a unique soil profile that meshes clay, sand and gravel over a bed of rock. Winegrower Pierre Lurton is regarded as one of the most highly skilled in Frane, and the wines are highly collectable and of extreme quality. The 2010 harvest is 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Merlot, and regarded as one of the greatest releases of all time - a classic that will cellar for half a century, and duly showcase the complexity, luxury and textural experience possible from such a very fine wine.

Carpineto Spolverino (Feather Duster) is an exciting Sangiovese blend from Chianti that pokes a little fun at the traditional Italian wine laws which prohibit a wine being labelled 'Chianti Classico' being bottled under screw-cap. As we love our wines to be fresh and vibrant in Australia, this brilliant (and affordable!) Chianti, closed with a Stelvin Lux, has enticing red cherry aromas blended with a touch of tobacco leaf and spice. Wonderfully medium-bodied, the palate is rich and generous, although supported by that typical Tuscan structure of zippy acid and soft, powdery tannin. Saluté!

Very pale salmon, some light red hues. Red fruits, raspberry, cranberry, a touch of liquorice, some light spice and earth. Pinot Noir is apparent on the front palate, with berries, fluffy talc and crystalline texture. The Grenache brings weight through the middle, a riot of red fruits and tarry spice. Mourvèdre fills the rear, with lovely fine extract framing the palate and adding length. A harmonious and very fine Minnow Rosé by Shadowfax: complex, dry and delicious.

Château Latour à is an unclassified producer yet amongst the great crus of the Pomerol appellation. The excellent 1982 vintage has produced a Latour à for the ages. Still retaining structure in its maturity, the nose exerts dark fruits, herbs and subtle spice leading to the elegantly balanced palate.

Chateau Grand Meynau Bordeaux presents a dark deep ruby red. Intense, ripe fruits such as plum, raspberry and black cherry expose a lovely complexity when the hint of creamy spice surfaces. The palate delivers a harmonious mix of berries and gentle tannins.

Sonata Estate's Soft Dry Red delivers a delicate palate with ripe, juicy berry flavours. A great everyday drinking style red.

Left in a sorry state by the previous owners, in 1962 the Rothschilds of Lafite took over the property and begun to reconstruct the vineyard which was planted mostly to Petit Verdot. 4 decades later and the wines of Château Duhart-Milon are now showing the flavour and concentration you expect from such a site in Pauillac.

Although Bandol produces the most serious red wines in Provence, it still isn't a particularly well known appellation, and chances are most people haven't even heard of Bandol. This intriguing wine is a blend of Mourvèdre (80%) and a dash of Cinsault (15%) and old vine Carignan (5%).