The Côtes du Rhône are home to many rich, warming reds that can be serious bargains, and those entitled to the Villages appellation promise even greater intensity and fruit power. Such has been the quality in Rasteau that the area was promoted in 2010 to full AOP status, putting it on a par with mighty Gigondas next door. Indeed, Domaine Martin can claim a key part in securing this promotion. The property goes back to 1905, when Julien Martin bought the 5-hectare estate. In 1947 his son Jules took over, expanding the vineyards and building a winery. Today it is run by David and Eric Martin, grandsons of the founder.This Grenache-based blend (70% Grenache, 20% Shiraz and 10% Mourvèdre) from the Cote de Rhone opens with earthy, herbal aromas mingling with hints of blackberry and raspberry. Herbal-scented dark fruit flavours drive the supple palate with smoked meat and spicy notes adding complexity.

In 1912, horse fanatic Joseph Osborn sold his stables and horses and bought the family the d'Arenberg estate in premium McLaren Vale. Joseph chose McLaren Vale as it has some of Australia's oldest vineyards, and with an array of soils and the cooling affect of the nearby ocean, it's ideal for vines. Winemaker today is sixth generation Chester Osborn. He continues the family tradition of treading the grapes by foot part way through fermentation. It certainly ensures plenty of dark colour, character and richness in the wines. You'll always spot a d'Arenberg wine with its bold red stripe on the label.

Aromas of rose water, cumquat and strawberry. The strawberry characters continue on to the palate, along with cherry and the delicate flavour of lychee. The wine is soft, textural and easy drinking, best served chilled. ‘There has been a concerted effort here to work the wines less, as a means to craft intuitive expressions of heart and site. And it shows! Harvested at the point of optimal flavour and freshness. The scents are a saline scrimmage of rose petals, musk, bergamot, verbena, quince and mandarin. The mid-palate is plump and juicy. The finish, long and mellifluous, flecked with salt crystals and mineral pungency. Reliant more on chew than any sense of tweaked freshness. Very good rosé’ - 93 Points

Retasted on 19/11/2021 Translucent salmon pink in colour. Lifted raspberry, peach and pomegranate scents are followed by a whiff of musk. Tangy blood orange, raspberry and cranberry fruits have a light refreshing feel with some stony mineral characters lying underneath. Dry crisp finish with a lively aftertaste. Drink over the next year. Alc. 13% Translucent damask pink colour with a watery hue. Fragrantly scented, the nose offers up a bouquet of peach, raspberry, strawberry, musk and spice. Refreshing peach and raspberry fruits show good flesh across the palate with subtle infusions of spicy musk and wet stone lying underneath. Finishes dry with brisk acidity and a slightly tangy aftertaste. Drink over the next year. Alc 13%

Very pale pink in colour, with peachy reflections. On the nose, an instant burst of white peach, pear, zesty grapefruit, and pomelo. Powerful but refined thiol components, which are carefully balanced. On the palate, small red berries precede vibrant citrus notes. Bright and mouth-watering with a lasting, mineral finish. A superbly crafted and seductive rosé for a myriad of occasions including picnics in the park. Clean and expressive, displaying aromas of peach, lychee, passion fruit and flint. Delicious flavours of small red summer fruits precede an appealingly tense mouthfeel with citrus and lime. Polished and crisp, perfect for a warm afternoon in the sun,

A pale rosé with peach reflections. Elegant on the nose, with notes of papaya, green mango, clementine from Corsica and yuzu. A fine spice note, with the aromas of the garrigue herbs. In the mouth, a lovely length, layered structure, citrus notes of pink and yellow grapefruit. Playful complexity, with freshness and lots of minerality. Powerful but refined, a wine to savour and a perfect partner to more sophisticated food.

An attractive pale apricot colour with luminous pink reflections. On the nose, bursting with notes of the very first seasonal strawberries, limes, raspberries, and cherries, underpinned by a delicate floral aspect. A round and fruitful taste profile with redcurrant and a crunchy citrus acidity providing a refreshing finish and good length.

Head Wines Barossa Valley Rose Grenache Mataro is another impressive red wine from Alex Head and his talented team in the Barossa. Fruit for this wine has been sourced from 100 year old vines in the sub region of Greenock in the Barossa Valley, adding to the complexity and resulting in more fruit definition and purity. A true Bistro wine style with red fruits, peppers, Asian spice, crisp acidity and a long textured finish.

Rock Angel is made from grapes primarily from the Vineyards of Chateau d’Esclans in addition to the most choice Vineyards in the vicinity of the Esclans Valley and nearby in the Cotes de Provence region. Harvesting is conducted in the morning for Estate cultivated grapes and during the night time for sourced grapes. Rich and racy on the palate. The use of partial oak aging adds a creamy feel and texture to this wine, and the flinty minerality embues it with another layer of complexity. Delicate red berry aromas with mineral notes, along with floral hints and a subtle spice. Powerful and elegant. Firm acidity with a long and silky finish.