Marqués de Riscal began with a dream back in 1858 and over 150 years later, the Bodega decided to commemorate the 150th Anniversary with a Gran Reserva Rioja that befitted the history and standing of such great wines. The result it this outstanding Tempranillo blend from the 2001 vintage, a truly special vintage in the Rioja region. Dark cherry in colour with complex aromas of balsamic, charred wood and layers of spices. The palate follows with a viscous mouthfeel with a good concentration of tannins and acid structure. A truly remarkable Rioja that pays a great tribute.

The Canberra District has quickly established itself as the Australian home of Northern Rhône style reds, and most notably Shiraz Viognier. With the cool-climate and the elevated nature of the Lark Hill Vineyards, the extra viscosity attributed to the addition of Viognier to the Shiraz as well as the fragrant lift, work perfectly for this wine.

Spanish big guns, Remírez de Ganuza have produced a quite sublime old vine Tempranillo blend from the famed Rioja region that will defy all expectations. A luscious aroma of asian spicies and black fruits greet the nose before unfurling into flavours of dark berry fruit, cigar box, mushroom and blood plum. Brilliantly structured with life in front of it that will stretch with ease to 2025. If you're looking for a taste of Spanish royalty, start here.

There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.

Made with 25% whole bunches, the base wine for this vintage was given 20 months in a mix of old and new French oak before tirage bottling in early 2016. It then spent 22 months on lees before being finished in late 2017. It's a bright, rich red-purple in the glass with a generous but fine mousse, featuring aromas of spice, red fruit and dark berries. The palate is full, soft and silky with flavours of blackcurrant, plum and mulberry which are complemented by fine tannins and a long, dry finish. The wine was given a restrained level of dosage, making for a dryer style of Sparkling Shiraz that allows the quality of the base vintage to show through.

In the glass: Full deep red. On the nose: Delicate redcurrant, plum, cedar and a light leafy lift. On the palate: Textured with a medium weight core of dark fruit, elegant line and touches of coffee, cherry and savoury oak.

In the glass: Dense red black.On the nose: Black cherry with strong anise hints, black pepper and braised meats.On the palate: Porty-ripe black fruits with hints of jubey sweetness, iodine and liquorice power, velvety tannins and a sweet finish.