This Pinot Gris combines fruit from premium sites in Central Otago, including Maude's mature family owned vineyard in Wanaka, Mt Maude. This Pinot gris has typical aromas of ripe pear, quince and brioche lead onto a rich textured palate where whole bunch pressing and partial barrel fermentation has created complexity.

De Iuliis (De - uli - iss) wines are known for their trademark regionality and commitment to showcasing the very best the Hunter Valley has to offer. Their Shiraz is a fine balance between power and subtlety. Spice driven aromas with mild hints of the berry fruit to come on the palate. Blackberry, raspberry and dark cherry come to the fore and are in harmony with the round, soft tannins.

Once again this producer provides us with a handy little number showing plenty of varietal and regional characteristics. Sticks Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley, features lovely red cherry flavours with playfull spices and charry oak influence. Lean with subtle tannins and medium finish.

The Aude Valley, stretching between Carcassonne and the Pyrenees in extreme south of France is similar in climate and Limestone soil to the Loire Valley. The high altitude and cooling evening breezes creates wines with varietal character, acidity and freshness. This wine by Le Chat is very pale pink in colour, sitting well within the classic Provence pale and dry spectrum. The nose is aromatic and sweetly perfumed with aromas of strawberries and rose petals. The palate is a revelation compared to previous vintages, elegant and effortless with light berry and candied fruit drop flavours lingering long on a soft, dry finish.

The fruit was entirely hand-harvested and allowed 6 hours skin contact in the press before fermentation was carried out at cool temperatures to maximise fruit expression. This wine shows all the hallmarks of easy-going, classic Italian Pinot Grigio; subtle grapefruit and underlying floral and spice notes on the nose followed by citrus and peach flavours bound together by a tight minerality.

Fred Pizzini grew up in Italy and is bringing the taste of his homeland to the Australian dining table. His Sangiovese is one of the best examples in the country, with spicy, savoury fruit hiding a vein of mouth watering acid that is a hallmark of the variety. Delicious now - and will get better with bottle age!

Head Wines was started in 2006 by Alex Head. It focuses on single site Rhône varietals from the Barossa and Eden Valleys in South Australia. Head Red is a barrel cull from Barossa vineyards including 'The Blonde', 'The Brunette' and The Contrarian single vineyard Shiraz wines. It allows a pre-view of the vintage quality to come and keeps the quality of the Single vineyard wines as high as possible. The wine receives 12 months barrel age in predominantly older French hogsheads allowing the vintage and terroir to show clearly. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Leconfield regularly produce fine full flavoured Shiraz. This release from McLaren Vale shows spicy berry-like varietal character with some minty-chocolately regional hints balanced tannins and well judged oak.

Leconfield Merlot has big and juicy dark fruits, soft tannins all supported by lovely French oak. Paul Gordon continues to produce a serious Merlot for a great price, year in, year out. His Merlot is also one that will benefit from a little sit in the medium term cellar.

6ft6 Shiraz is a rich, succulent and savoury style of Shiraz. More about finesse and complextity than potency, this red reflects the Moorabool Valley's ability to produce a more refined style than most warmer regions. Unless you have more will power than most, enjoy this Geelong red while young and fresh.