The Menzies Vineyard, Yalumba's premium Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, was established in the world famous region of Coonawarra in 1975. Just 2 kilometres wide and 20 kilometres long, the Coonawarra terroir is defined by a long, narrow strip of terra rossa soil over limestone - perfect for growing full-bodied, structured Cabernet. Grapes were selected from vines planted between 1975 and 2010.

From a premium vineyard site in Coonawarra – 40-year-old vines. exceptional vintage, 18 months in French oak – this is a spectacular Limited Edition Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts a raft of high point scores, including a rare 97pt rating from the Halliday Wine Companion team who hail the wine’s special value even at its full price of $80 a bottle.

The winery takes its name from the family’s grand 1845 Corryton Park Homestead in Eden Valley, and the family name of siblings Trent and Amelia Burge – who along with highly celebrated Grant Burge are creating another chapter of winemaking glory for the Burge family name. This fine fresh, beautifully structured Cabernet Sauvignon uses fruit both from vineyards in the Valley and higher altitude ones around their Eden Valley homestead. Awarding it Double Gold the Gilbert & Gaillard judges noted its “Rich red colour with ruby reflections. Ripe black fruit on the nose, with hints of undergrowth and earth. The palate is deliciously fleshy, with invigorating, sweet tannins complementing the fruit admirably. A fine, solar vintage.”

Andrew McPherson has a well-deserved reputation for being a great brilliant technical innovator and made wine all over the world before settling back in Australia. He was chief winemaker for many years, but that honour now belongs to Jo Nash. Wild Daisy is as lively as its pretty label – Cabernet with a portion of cherry-fresh, Italian inspired Sangiovese, so what you enjoy is an Aussie version of one of Italy’s pricey, ‘super Tuscans’. It’s a delicious drop, a top choice at a barbecue, with pizza or pasta. Great solo too.

Cape Jaffa was a pioneer both in the Mt Benson region and in terms of its focus on biocynamics and sustainability. The first of the Mount Benson wineries,Cape Jaffa’s fully certified biodynamic vineyard provides 50% of production, with additional fruit sourced from a certified biodynamic grower in Wrattonbully. This is a lovely drop for warmer weather. As Shanteh Wale says in The Halliday Wine Companion, this is “made for drinking and good times. Serve slightly chilled" but it is not without complexity. "Blackberries, prune, plums and thistle. Picked oregano, margoram and green olive.”