Bierzo in north west Spain produces the finest wines made from the re-emerging Mencia grape. Salterio Mencia comes from the very heart of the region. The slate soils give the wine a special mineral strength. The wine, produced from 70 year old vines, captures the essence of the region. The berry fragrance calls out violets, plums, blackberries and savoury cherries, while the taste, with succulent fruit concentration, power and elegance delivers a tantalizing wine experience.

Wynns Shiraz continues to be one of Australia's affordable favourites. Tucked away in the cellar of many budding wine collectors, Wynns Shiraz has all the structure and pedigree of some of its higher priced brothers and sisters. Rich varietal characters of plum, spice and pepper are woven through the minty regional notes and framed by fine, firm tannins.

John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.

Ingoldby McLaren Vale Shiraz is deep red in colour with purple hues. Red berries and plums on the nose, a spicy, peppery, plummy palate with good length of flavour and a smooth, lingering finish.

A herbal, floral and slightly 'funky' nose leads to dark, brooding red fruits with impeccable poise and balance. Great length.

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.

An aromatic wine loaded with spices such as cloves and cinnamon. Simply heat in a saucepan to warm and serve. The spices blend in perfectly with flavours of orange and lemon. Perfect on that winter night in.