Yellow Tail Merlot is soft and supple, with sweet, plum and cherry flavours and a hint of liquorice or anise. Merlot is an excellent alternative to the heavier and more tannic red varieties.

Penfolds Max's Shiraz is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker, Max Schubert, a legend in Penfolds history. His constant pursuit of excellence paved the way for those who followed in his footsteps, growing the brand's status and heritage in the process. Fruit-driven and generous in flavour, this fine red has a contemporary, persistent palate with subtle tannins leading to a soft, oak finish.

No two words go together as well as Canberra and Shiraz in the wine world. The favourable terroir and hands on winemaking make Lerida Estate's Shiraz a must have. Brambly spice aromas are complimented by a palate that is long and refined with flavours of berried and touch of pepper. With age, the wine will become progressively richer, revealing warmer, more complex flavours, riper berries and a little liquorice.

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

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.

Produced from a mature low yielding vineyard in the heart of McLaren Vale, Gemtree Uncut Shiraz is a superb expression of the region. Generous dark fruits abounds on the palate with fine tannins and balanced acidity, which leads to a lengthy finish.

The Arrogant Frog Ribet Red Cabernet Merlot from the South-West of France is a juicy, easy drinking style with soft tannins on the finish. Jean-Claude Mas has crafted the perfect red to enjoy with grilled lamb chops from the BBQ or many pasta dishes.

Tucked away nicely in the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate have made an art form out of crafting some of the very best single vineyard cool-climate wines available in Australia. Owen and Cassandra Inglis purchased the boutique property in 2004 and immediately set about making their vision become a reality. Their Sidewood Shiraz displays that vision to perfection. Attention to detail is the key here which enables flavours of red cherry, currants and dark plum to shine through along with hints of cinnamon and spice. The texture is beguiling and gives promise to a wine that will age for up to a decade.

McLaren Vale and Shiraz - the perfect match. Steve Maglieri is the icon behind the Serafino name and his Shiraz is a typically wonderful full-flavoured and full-bodied red with the black and red fruits you can handle. A rich and voluptuous palate with a silken, textured finish that is a perfect match to big, rich beef dishes or a robust lamb ragu.

The Bryson Family vineyard produces superb fruit in the heart of South Australia, which is then handcrafted by winemaker Ben Riggs. Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz is an explosion of ripe dark berry fruits on the palate. Full bodied and ready to go this wine certainly delivers in spades.