Ripe and generous, the leafy, minty characters of Cabernet are complemented by the softness and plummy fruit coming from the Merlot. A nice touch of sweet oak completes the picture.

The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.

Tempus Two Merlot is deliciously ripe, lovely flavours of mulberry fruit with some earthiness and spice. Soft tannins complement the finish.

Lifted aromatics of blackberry, red current & subtle oak notes. Classic Clare Valley Shiraz combines unique characters that blend perfectly to delicious dark berry flavours. Perfect to be enjoyed now or cellared in the short to medium term.

Taylors Shiraz continues to be one of the most outstanding value for money Shiraz available. Widely acclaimed by many critics, this Shiraz is true to its region and variety, showing ripe plum and blackberry fruit with minty notes in the background. A touch of vanillin oak adds some wonderful interest.

In just a few short decades, the Taylor family have etched out a formidable reputation for producing high quality wine from their Clare Valley vineyards. This textbook Merlot captures the varietal characters of berries, fruitcake and velvety tannins. The judicious use of French and American oak adds mocha and vanilla softens and rounds the palate.

Taylors produce a surprise packet of a Pinot Noir at a very attractive price. Bright cherry colour complemented by a nose of strawberry and spice. Flavours of ripe cherries follow and lingers nicely on the palate.

This Clare Valley Cabernet from Taylors shows ample varietal blackcurrant flavour seasoned with some attractive sweet oak. The tannins are firm but nicely in balance.

Released from the cellar, Annie's Lane Shiraz has matured into a beautifully rounded and expressive wine. The vibrant red and purple tones have softened slightly, while the cassis aromas have deepened into dark berries and dried herbs. On the palate, rich plum and black olive characters are now more savoury and complex, complemented by integrated oak and a gentle hint of dark chocolate. The once youthful vibrancy has given way to a smooth, medium-bodied wine.

John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.

Inviting and complex aromatics welcome you into this wine; brambly, leafy notes backed up by deep dark fruit with subtle spice and char interplay on the nose. There is a deceptive density to this wine's aroma that hints at what lies beyond. The 2016 release builds on that breakthrough style - the wine shows plush generosity but there is a layering of flavours and complexity to this vintage that invites not just a second but third look. Generous, accessible primary fruit sits pretty up front but let the wine breathe and suddenly these dry, fine and lightly chewy tannins build on the back palate, lending a savoury edge to the dark fruit finish of this baby.