Josef Chromy Pinot Noir has a richness and wholeness that demands attention. Supple tannins with leather and secondary characters abound. A velvety Burgundian style Pinot Noir, with aromas of red fruits and sweet spice with a full rounded palate of rich dark cherry fruit and a balanced blend of toasty oak.

Mount Majura, from the emerging wine region of the Canberra District, considers Tempranillo as their flagship variety. With a dense core of dry savoury tannin, interwoven with fleshy cherry and blueberry fruit, and embroidered with a host of aromas, from sweet spices and pomegranate, to malt and leather.

The Leston Vineyard is the home of Howard Park in the Margaret River and produces a Shiraz that is plush and youthful with a sweet fruit palate married with delicious underlying spice and oak intergration.

The Shiraz grapes for The Struie come from old vines in the Barossa and Eden Valleys. The Eden component brings floral spicy aromas that are supported by more brooding notes of tar and chocolate from the Barossa. The palate is luscious and silky, and this is a Fine Wine favourite.

When it comes to Australian Merlot, Katnook is among the very best. Lovely plum dark berry and cedary cigar box characters slip seamlessly into a finish that seems everlasting. Aged for 22 months in French oak, the swathes of blackcurrant are a delight to the senses.

Made by Rockstar winemaker Ben Riggs, the McLaren Vale Shiraz is as true an expression as one could hope for. The fifth release of the wine is based around a core of pristine fruit with dark red berries, hints of spice, earth, tar and leather and with seamlessly integrated oak. Ripe tannins are apparent but not overwhelming, meaning this is a wine which can be enjoyed now or in the next 10-15 years.

Elderton is one of Australia's great Shiraz producers, year in and year out. Brimming with ripe juicy blood-plum and chocolate flavours, this is almost like Black Forest cake in a bottle!

A classic Fromm Vineyard Pinot Noir, a multi-layered wine, very concentrated without appearing big or heavy, with positive tannin support. At its best it shows a masculine charm with a distinct terroir-related identity, aging superbly.