Crème de cassis, cherries, a lovely note of licorice on the palate, mixed with pepper and Asian spices

The 2021 Geoff Merrill Mount Hurtle GSM from Coonawarra is a true gem of the South Australian wine region. This blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre is a testament to Geoff Merrill's skilled craftsmanship and dedication to producing exceptional wines. The wine's deep ruby color alludes to its rich and complex aromas of dark berries, plums, and hints of spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a velvety texture and layers of flavors including black cherry, blackcurrant, and a touch of pepper. The tannins are well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth and elegant finish. This 2021 vintage is a prime example of Coonawarra's ideal growing conditions, resulting in a wine that is both bold and balanced. Enjoy now or cellar for a few years to fully appreciate its potential.

A copybook Provence rosé, from an historic site where wine was first produced by the Romans. The blend consists of grenache, syrah and cinsault. The grapes are harvested and handled as gently as possible. It's appearance is beautifully glossy with a pale peach robe and apricot accents. An elegant, floral and fruity bouquet prepares you for the ample, fruity and round flavours. An ideal wine to enjoy with a light salad or prosciutto and melon.

The Corryton Burge Limited Release Grenache Barossa 2023 is a stunning representation of the Barossa Valley, crafted by the talented winemaker, Corryton Burge of South Australia. The wine boasts a vibrant ruby red color, with enticing aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and a hint of spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with luscious flavors of red fruits, dark chocolate, and a touch of earthy notes. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. This Grenache showcases the perfect balance between fruit and structure, with a long and lingering finish. It is a true reflection of the terroir and the skillful hands that crafted it. Enjoy now or cellar for further complexity. A must-try for any wine connoisseur, this Limited Release is a testament to the quality and potential of the Barossa Valley.

Paxton Rosé combines Shiraz & Grenache, grown using the Paxton smart farming program that focuses on soil health and biodiversity. The bright fruit characters are those of a healthy vineyard. The wine is crisp, flavoursome and refreshing. A delicious rosé with pretty rose petal notes and refreshing raspberry aromas. Serve straight from the fridge for the perfect summer drinking wine.

A wine who’s reputation proceeds it, 0f particular note is the interesting winemaking on show here – it’s old school, yet cleverly so, with all the components co fermented, everything relying on the juice, rather than new oak to tell the story. I like that blend of old and new – its what the Barossa does best. A mid red colour, this has dried herbs, cherry, a waft of VA and tomato paste on the slightly forward savoury nose. There is even a hint of saddle, though its more winey than bretty. The palate is medium bodied, pleasurably soft and somewhat evolved, with spicy old oak the only influence, the rest derived from integrated, maturing fruit. It feels like a pair of favourite jeans – worn in all the right places and comfortable from the get go, yet without losing its style. Suffice to say its one very drinkable, enjoyable, medium bodied drink and its all the better for it. It probably won’t seduce you with its intensity and some will be looking for more primary fruit freshness (I’d like to see it in a screwcap too because I’m a stelvinista or even a vino-loker: now they are pretty sexy too) but I’d drink a ton more of this than so many heavier Barossan reds. 18.0