A rich unmistakable Rioja jammed packed with flavours of ripe dark berries and plum. This bargain has been a favourite of ours for a while now and is a fabulous match to hearty casseroles and spicy sausages.

Rich and ripe, blueberry and chocolate flavours, tempered by savoury tannins and well balanced acidity. Pikes Wines is a beautiful location at Polish Hill River, near Sevenhill in the wonderful Clare Valley. With a history dating back to 1878, the Pike family has a past rooted in winemaking. Current custodians, Neil & Andrew form a formidable partnership creating wines that express terroir magnificently. Neil Pike grew up amongst his father, Edgars vineyards in Langhorne Creek and Padthaway . After doing a vintage in 1978 at Wynns Coonawarra he decided to study wine production and marketing at Roseworthy College. After he graduated in 1981, Neil worked as a winemaker making wine for several Clare Valley wineries before starting Pikes with brother Andrew in 1984. He has now completed 38 vintages in the Clare Valley. Andrew was introduced to the wine industry through his father Edgars vineyards in Langhorne Creek and Padthaway. Andrew attended Roseworthy Agricultural College, graduating in 1976 with a Diploma in Agriculture, and immediately joined Wynns Coonawarra Estate. After almost 4 years at Coonawarra, he joined Penfolds Wines in 1979 where he established a new vineyard project in the Clare Valley. The seeds for Pikes Wines were immediately sown, as he quickly realised Clares potential. Andrew become General Manger Vineyard Operations for the Southcorp Wine Group where he was responsible for over 6000 ha of corporate vineyard and all grape supply on a global basis. During this time he was also involved in the establishment of Pikes Wines in the Polish Hill River Valley sub region of Clare. In 1998 Andrew resigned his position at Southcorp to assist his brother Neil in the running of the Pikes family business.

A classic red blend based on the Spanish region of Rioja. A blend of 60% Tempranillo, 35% Grenache and 5% Graciano. The Tempranillo provides structure, the Grenache perfume and bright red fruits, whilst the Graciano brings layers of spice. It's medium bodied, yet full of flavour.

Sancho Garces pays homage to King Sancho Garcés III el Mayor, king of the Kingdom of Pamplona between 1004 and 1035, who promoted the pilgrimage route of the Camino of Santiago, or Way of St. James, and built hospitals and lodging. Sancho Garces presents aromas of fresh fruit and liquorice. Soft tannins, very well-balanced and easy-drinking.

Flor de Pingus is produced by the visionary Danish winemaker Peter Sisseck. Truffle-tobacco nose with sour cherry and fruitnnut tree aromatics, theres gamey beast-hide, and a purple storm raining minerals. Fine and radiant, with cool blue fruits - powder-tannined, nutty-inky-and-mineral in the mouth, this Tempranillo is Ribera del Duero from on high.

Mount Majura, established in 1989 continues to make outstanding wines for some approachable prices. This Tempranillo Shiraz Graciano blend is a brilliant example of an alternarive varietal blend with luscious red and black fruits aboudning with soft and supple tannins to compliment.

What a coup to get this wine into our range. Certainly and deservedly one of the most highly regarded Rioja producers. These are the Riojas from which dreams are made. Think leather chesterfields, smoked meats and cigar-box.