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.

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.

Knappstein Shiraz displays rich, ripe, plum and berry flavours with fine velvety tannins. Medium term cellaring will be rewarded.

Malbec has proven to be one of the most successful red grape varieties in Argentina. This example from Santa Julia is full-bodied rich and spicy with well balanced tannins on the palate. A great match for matured cheeses.

This terrific Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet offers raspberry and cherry aromas. The palate is lean and lively with red berry fruits and plum pudding flavours. Now sealed under screw-cap, it's fresher and more vibrant than ever!

Smith and Hopper is a stand alone arm of the impressive Hill Smith wine machine. Stand alone vineyards offer quality and real value for money. Wonderful earthy cedar and berries on the nose make this wine instantly attractive. The palate is rich and savoury, velvety in texture and spicy on the finish. Enjoy this full-bodied Merlot now or cellar till 2013.

Bright and clean, cherry-red coloured with middle robe. Creamy notes of black fruit are combined with spicy aromas and slight toasting. All this wrapped by high-quality ripe tannins that display their elegant structure.

This superb wine abounds with intense cherry, chocolate and spice flavours. Like the Gauchos its velvety smooth on the outside but mucho macho on the inside. Salud!

The Maretti Langhe Rosso weaves rich and opulent Barbera (70%) with the haunting aromas and structure of Nebbiolo (30%) to create an inviting and rewarding wine with layers of complexity one that is truly expressive of this unique wine region.

Very pale salmon, some light red hues. Red fruits, raspberry, cranberry, a touch of liquorice, some light spice and earth. Pinot Noir is apparent on the front palate, with berries, fluffy talc and crystalline texture. The Grenache brings weight through the middle, a riot of red fruits and tarry spice. Mourvèdre fills the rear, with lovely fine extract framing the palate and adding length. A harmonious and very fine Minnow Rosé by Shadowfax: complex, dry and delicious.