Two words come to mind when you mention great Australian Merlot. Jim Irivne. Jim's Grand Merlot is the benchmark of complex and elegant Merlot in Australia and his Eden Valley vineyards are the perfect place to produce this iconic wine.

The fruit for the 2016 Vat 9 Shiraz was sourced from Tyrrells super premium vineyards on the Ashmans property with an average vine age of 50 years. Predominately from the Weinkeller and Short Flat vineyards. Winemaking The blocks were all hand picked and sorted in the vineyard before arriving at the winery. All the fruit was then destemmed but not crushed, followed by fermentation in traditional open top concrete vats. After fermentation the wiens were matured in newer 2700L French oak casks for ten months.

Grenache has long been a stalwart of the South Australian wine scene and Penfolds have been blending Grenache with Shiraz since the 1950's. Recent years has seen a growing trend for the luscious perfumed styles like those emanating out of the northern Rhône and the Bin 138 produces a brilliant example. Going from strength to strength, this particular wine is quickly gathering momentum as one of the stand-out releases in the Bin series.

Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1,460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz.

2016 Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon BDX Deep Crimson. A harmonious combination of forrest floor, polished wooden furniture, chocolate shavings with understated blackcurrant and blackberry fruit in what is a very low altitude, reserved expression. As the glass evolves the altitude of perfume slowly rises and a bouquet of cedar, roast almond, leather boot and blackcurrant liqueur finely interlace and create something quite unique and sophisticated. There is careful attention to detail across this finely polished and creamy smooth palate that evidently reflects the 40% Merlot inclusion. Layers of pure black fruit, earthy olive tapenade and subtle degrees of cigar tobacco, roast almond and baking spice nuance throughout this classical styled composition.

Unmistakably, Grange, this 2012 vintage is complex, flamboyant and lifted. An aromatic multi-cultural characteristics. The earthiness is well integrated with the aromas of dark fruits, grounded coffee, red liquorice and black olives, which leads to a firmly structured finish.

Penfolds RWT Shiraz is a big juicy Barossan Shiraz refined by the use of older French oak barrels. 1998 is considered to be one of the classic vintages of the modern age. Drinking wonderfully now but with many years still to come in its development, this is a great addition to any cellar.

Dominique Portet Fontaine Rosé is a lovely dry wine from the Yarra Valley. Full of juicy succulent and savoury flavour the palate is fresh vibrant and delicious. Serve well chilled for a great warm weather style.