‘Inveniam Viam’ means ‘I Shall Find a Way’ in Latin. MMXIX is the Roman Numerals for the vintage 2019. The story on the back label: “ Never has a phrase better embodied Bleasdale’s founder, Frank Potts. A man who joined the navy at age nine, emigrated to South Australia at age 21 with naught but a carpentry set to his name, who then proceeded to establish a vineyard and winery that would carry on his legacy for more than 170 years and counting.” The story on the inside of the presentation box: “Inveniam Viam perfectly captures the spirit of Bleasdale’s founder, Frank Potts, and his unwavering determination to overcome challenges and pursue innovation. In 1836 at the age of 21, Frank Potts emigrated to South Australia with nothing but a carpentry set to his name. He built a sailing boat to trade salt, which led to a commission to build a ferry. During his work on the ferry, Frank passed through Langhorne Creek, where he would later purchase the first sections of land and establish Bleasdale in 1850. Frank planted vineyards and developed an innovative system of levees and floodgates to take advantage of the natural flooding from the Bremer River, which still benefits the region today. In addition to his winery and house, Frank built a forge and became a skilled blacksmith to craft his own metal tools and equipment. Upon his retirement, he returned to his passion for boat-building and created several more river vessels.

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.”