The unstoppable John Quarisa really is unstoppable! He has been variously described as a “magician” and “a sorcerer” by Halliday. His wines do have a magic knack of winning Gold. His secret? Over 20 years of experience as a winemaker and wine judge – and a great attitude. As John says, “you just can’t take life too seriously” . Today, taste his Double Gold-winning ‘Enchanted Tree’ Cabernet. It's juicy and rich, with delicious dark plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, and subtle eucalypt and mint. The tannins are fine and smooth... a little bit of magic in the glass!

After enjoying a “distinguished career as a winemaker spanning over 20 years, working for some of Australia’s largest wineries” (Halliday), John Quarisa is making his own wines – his own way. The result? Mile upon mile of excellent wines that continue to win Gold!

Bleasdale is “one of the most historic wineries in Australia ... in 2015 celebrating 165 years of continuous winemaking by the direct descendants of the founding Potts family.” (James Halliday). Last year, winemaker Paul Hotker, a “master blender” , was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year. This “clever” 96pt blend shows his skill and style. “Clever cabernet-dominant blend incorporating malbec, franc, merlot and petit verdot to great effect. Red and black fruited, leafy cabernet, fine savoury tannins, line and length to burn. Gold at the National Wine Show ‘17 speaks volumes ... 96pts” (Halliday).

Bleasdale is “one of the most historic wineries in Australia ... in 2015 celebrating 165 years of continuous winemaking by the direct descendants of the founding Potts family.” (Halliday). Among many major awards, they’ve won the Jimmy Watson Trophy and winemaker Paul Hotker, a “master blender”, was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year 2018. "Unfussed cabernet at its fragrant cassis-lifted best. Barely any oak gets in the way of its pure fruit expression, with classical regional chocolate notes more important in the overall sense of the palate. But every new sip starts with that cabernet aroma and finishes with its spicy tannins, and that's always a joy... 92pts... Great Value" (Tony Love, Halliday Wine Companion).

Peter Lehmann was known as the ‘Baron of the Barossa’, was a member of the Order of Australia, was called “a legend in his own lifetime” (Halliday) and “the most famous man in the Australian wine business” (Matthew Jukes). Barossa Cabernet is lavishly dark and mouthfilling ... as you’ll see when you taste this luscious Gold-winning example. Classic, inky black colour with generous lashings of rich dark blackcurrant, forest fruits, chocolate with eucalypt mint and spice undertones.

"Outstanding vlaue" Cabernet with scores of 92 and 95pts. "This delivers a lot for a meagre tariff....a fine example, and further proof of how well the variety can perform in the region. 92pts" (Marcus Ellis, The Halliday Wine Companion). Huon Hooke calls it "... a very concentrated wine with density and power, fruit doing most of the talking, The palate is very lively, vibrant, driving and long, and promises much for the future. Cellaring recommended. Outstanding value, too! 95pts.” (Huon Hooke. The Real Review). From d’Arenberg’s Osbourne family – a founding member of Australia’s First Family of Australian Wines.

Inviting and complex aromatics welcome you into this wine; brambly, leafy notes backed up by deep dark fruit with subtle spice and char interplay on the nose. There is a deceptive density to this wine's aroma that hints at what lies beyond. The 2016 release builds on that breakthrough style - the wine shows plush generosity but there is a layering of flavours and complexity to this vintage that invites not just a second but third look. Generous, accessible primary fruit sits pretty up front but let the wine breathe and suddenly these dry, fine and lightly chewy tannins build on the back palate, lending a savoury edge to the dark fruit finish of this baby.

A vibrant yet elegant Margaret River Cab. Black and blue fruits form a core with nots of dark chocolate, moch a and baking spices, all wrapped in silky tannins. Certified organic winery Churchview owned by the Fokkema family, headed by Spike Fokkema, who originally emigrated from the Netherlands in the 1950s. The estate is named for the heritage-listed church that can be seen from the cellar door. “The range is impressive from value- for-money through to premium end wines made in a distinctive and consistent style.” (Ray Jordan).