Regarded by many as a candidate for wine of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage. A huge accolade indeed for La Mission Haut-Brion considering the quite phenomenal wines being released. The 2009 can boast a colour that is almost impenetrable and a exciting bouquet of blackberry, truffles and spicy earth. The concentration of the palate is something to behold itself. A vinosity that is hard to find elsewhere, the flavours in the mouth follow on from the nose in nice order, yet the sheer power of the wine quite extraordinary. Layers of flavours continue throughout the palate and continue well into its length. Will no doubt be in short supply as all clamour to get a piece of this Bordeaux masterpiece.

An attractive wooden twin-pack case showcasing two classic Bordeaux blends: 2018 Chateau Haut Madrac is a Cru Bourgeois in the Haut Médoc. A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, it is an elegant yet powerful example claret with depth of flavour. 2022 Horizon de Lynch is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Intense purple in colour, with aromas of toasty cedar, dark plums, and liquorice. Fine tannins round out the silky finish - a great example of a modern and highly drinkable claret.

Rich purple/red with a vibrant purple rim. Distinctly Margaret River; driven by aromas of blackberry, plum, bay leaf and a touch of black olive. The Merlot and Malbec add texture, balance, length and a luxurious fragrance to create a seamless and unique red. A dry, warm season was punctuated with a tropical rain event in January. This pushed back harvest and allowed for better balance during ripening. The resultant fruit had wonderful thick skins, incredible concentration and excellent varietal identity. The Cabernet was harvested late-morning, to ensure the fruit reached the winery warm to ensure a healthy, even fermentation. The Merlot and Malbec fruit was harvested during the cool of the early morning so it could be cold soaked on skins for 5 days prior to fermentation. The selectively harvested fruit was fermented over 10 days, with the Merlot and Malbec undergoing partial wild fermentation. The Cabernet remained on skins for 20 days to ensure a beautiful, vibrant colour. All elements were then matured in French oak for up to 15 months. Each individual barrel was assessed to determine which were included in the final blend.

Lifted ripe plums and a red berry fruit notes complimented by hints of clove and vanilla bean spices. The palate has a supple fruit core of juicy dark plum and bright red berry fruit notes dominate, held together by fine grained tannins across the mid palate with a lovely acid line. Evans & Tate

McGuigan provides a luscious and smooth drinking Cabernet Merlot here with nice concentration from the Cabernet Sauvignon balanced well with smooth, silky Merlot. Plums and blackcurrants cover the palate complimented by a silky finish.

John Tate's Shiraz Cab Merlot is a beauty of a red blend fresh from Western Australia. With luscious red fruit and plush dark berries, it delivers mouth-filling flavour on a soft, lengthy palate, that will pair like a dream with a rich roast lamb dinner.

This Cabernet Merlot, sourced from premium Australian wine regions, has fresh dark berry fruit flavours balanced by soft tannins.

Aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and dark cherry with hints of spice and subtle oak. The palate is medium to full-bodied, offering juicy dark berry fruits layered with mocha and savoury notes, supported by soft tannins and balanced acidity for a smooth, approachable finish.

The ability to source fruit away from their home base in the Hunter is paying dividends for Brokenwood. This Cricket Pitch is a ripe, fully flavoured red blend - this is the ideal BBQ companion.