Candied fruit, straw and bready cracked-yeast characters are full and appetising to sniff. In the mouth, it's full and rich and loaded with toasty lees-age and pilot flavours, finishing nicely dry, with balanced soft acidity and plenty of verve with a sustained and satisfying finish. 'A refined, sophisticated sparkler with layered complexity and a zesty citrus element. An absolute gem!' - Bob Paulinski | Vintage Cellars Master of Wine.

The word 'Nacional' is reserved for treasures that fly the flag for Portugal. Touriga Nacional certainly does that. Ten years ago the Freitas family planted the grape on their acclaimed Fava vineyard. In 2015 it produced a wine so special that it was bottled under the vineyard name for the first time ever. It won a string of Gold on its debut - making over 60 Golds in 10 years for this fine family estate. The 2016 won Grand Gold, and the 2017 here has won Gold, Double Gold, Grand Gold and Best in Show ... ! Dating back to 1920, Casa Ermelinda Freitas is run by fourth generation Leonor Freitas, who has been awarded a 'Comendadora' (equivalent to a Dame) for her services to Portuguese wine. Her daughter Joana follows in her footsteps. Aged in barrel, this rich red is packed with spicy berry, herb and mineral character. A top match with slow cooked beef or lamb.

Predominantly from the family estate vineyard at Moyhu on the King River with two other small vineyards.

Single Vineyard high altitude Chardonnay from the King Valley is harvested in the early morning cool hours and pressed immediately to maximise the vineyards flavour. Full rich aromas of lemon and peach and gentle oak. The complexity of this Chardonnay is the result of partial barrel fermentation in new, French oak barriques, followed by stirring of the yeast lees for several months. Bursting with white peach, lychee and melon, the crisp finish and length of flavour define this wine.

In the glass: Very pale straw. On the nose: Pear, lemon, apple lift. On the palate: Very fresh and lively with a savoury mix of white fruit, a slightly nutty layer of complexity and a velvety mouth-feel.

The last few releases of Brown Brothers Patricia Cabernet Sauvignon have put this firmly on the map of Australian benchmark Cabernets. It's colour already a great indication of a wine with depth, along with the complex aromas of blackcurrant, dark fruits and well integrated oak. The ripe fruits are very concentrated on the palate with distinctive fine tannins, hints of sweet spice and a lingering finish. A fantastic vintage to enjoy now or careful cellaring for another 6 - 8 years.

The Pizzini Strength of Site L'Aquila Nebbiolo 2019 from King Valley is a stunning wine that embodies the essence of the region. On the nose, intense aromas of red cherry, dried herbs, and violets envelop the senses. The wine has a beautiful ruby red color with hints of garnet, indicating its youth and potential for ageing. On the palate, this wine is powerful and robust, with firm tannins and a lively acidity that balances out the rich fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry. The wine also displays subtle notes of tobacco and earth, adding depth and complexity. This vintage of Pizzini Strength of Site L'Aquila Nebbiolo is a testament to the skill of the winemakers at Pizzini Wines, showcasing the true strength and character of the Nebbiolo grape in the King Valley. It is a wine that will continue to evolve and impress for years to come.

Dal Zotto Sangiovese is mid garnet with a purple hue; the savoury bouquet is immediately reminiscent of Tuscany with briary red fruits, sour cherry in particular, sage and thyme and a little earthy complexity adding interest; the palate is medium-bodied and fleshy on entry, with the crunchy tannin and acid of the variety providing an engaging and savoury platform to conclude; will handle a huge array of flavours, from light to full blooded.

This wine is bright in colour with youthful tints and medium density. The Beechworth Pinot Noir is consistent with its lifted cherry fruit with the oak very much in the background. The red fruit spectrum continues on the palate with Campari like savoury fruit. Soft tannins make for a very enjoyable young, vibrant Pinot Noir.

Prosecco Spritz is best enjoyed with great friends, a large wine glass, ice and a generous orange segment. For food, share plates are best. Think Szechuan pepper seafood bites with a wasabi mayonnaise. Charcuterie with sun dried tomatoes and marinated artichokes.