Occupying some of the more elevated land in the Canberra District, Quarry Hill produces a Shiraz with ripe flavours and excellent natural acids; the hallmarks of great cool-climate Shiraz. Aged in a mix of new and older French oak, the wine is bright purple in the glass, follwed by aromas of raspberry, plum, spice and a little pepper. Through the palate, there are flavours of mulberry and plum, fine tannins and a crisp, dry finish.

The palate for this Dalrymple Pinot Noir has immediate appeal of sweet red fruits, balanced with a tight tannin structure and a long savoury finish. The presence of dried Italian herbs and floral rose notes on the nose, lift and add to the complexity.

Oakdene Petas Pinot Noir is garnet in colour, with an intense bouquet of cherry, spice, mocha and smoked meats, leading to sweet cherry, briar and hints of clove. The mid palate offers earthy cherry, plum notes, and some spice and whole bunch characters, firm tannins and a long finish. 15% whole bunches, wild yeast and matured in French oak puncheons (30% new) for 11 months bottled without fining and light filtration. Enjoy now or cellar for 5 to 9 years.

The second label of Caledonia Australis, this is bright ruby in colour with great clarity. Classic Pinot hallmarks of raspberry and plum with subtle oak and lingering flavours supported by fine tannins. An excellent Pinot at a great price!

Brouilly is the largest and furthest south of the Beaujolais crus. It has a good south eastern exposure, at the bottom of the Saône Valley at an altitude of 200 to 300 metres. The subsoil consists of granite debris and blue-tinged schist. This also ranked the full 5 stars in my abbreviated-for-iPad rating system! Immediately exuberant, with a diverse array of floral notes, theres also some white pepper and crushed cherry notes. Gamay varietal by Dominique Piron.

Naturally fermented and raised in a mix of the family's ancient concrete vats and steel, the fruit purity gives you insight into this great vintage with a lifted fragrance of market-fresh berries, lilac and cherrystone fruit. In the mouth it has a fleshy, juicy texture and bright, mouth-watering freshness.

Te Mata Gamay Noir has notes of red candy-apple and hints of ripe strawberry. The palate is saturated raspberry; juicy and sustained with silky, round tannins, accompanied by a fine dusting of liquorice and white pepper. Red-ripe fruit, crunchy acidity, and a fresh and intense style. Match with spicy cuisines.