The Silver Route (named after La Ruta Via de la Plata) is a very appealing red from Extremadura in western Spain. This frontier region is the size of Switzerland, yet has just a million inhabitants. It also has an abundance of cork trees, oaks, black Iberian pigs, and old vines, the age of which ensures intense, ripe, juicy wines. And that’s what you’ll enjoy here. Vibrant, strawberry rich Tempranillo, turbo charged with peppery, black, brambly Syrah, with that concentration only sun-baked, low yielding, old vines deliver. Delicious proof that “the most exciting aspect of modern Spain is not what is new, but what is old: ancient vines in undiscovered places” (FT Weekend). Lovely on its own, even better with barbecued kebabs or Spanish ham.

Tim Atkin MW says Sicily is “now one of the most exciting wine regions in Europe, blessed with a combination of abundant sunshine, varied terroirs, good indigenous grapes.” Plus, it has the investment to make the most of these advantages. This gorgeous Syrah comes from David di Prima, whose grandfather Gaspare planted the vines decades ago. The vineyards lie on high hills overlooking the Lago Arancio (Orange Tree Lake) reservoir. Originally a river, it was dammed in the 1950s. On rare occasions the water level drops to reveal the ruins of a Moorish temple. With deep colour, cherry, spice and chocolate character, this Syrah goes well with grilled red meats and full flavoured local dishes such as aubergine caponata or cucuzza squash bake.

The Sorrento range is inspired by two of Steve’s greatest passions, the seaside lifestyle and strong Christian faith. Parcels of Shiraz were selected from three different locations across the vineyards, resulting in a deliciously turbo-charged red with lifted cherry, plum and gentle spices. The palate is persistent with elegant red fruit, full of flavour and richness. This is a pristine McLaren Vale Shiraz from a great vintage.

It is sweetly fragrant and instantly appealing on the nose showing dark and purple fruit aromas together with tar, game, cocoa and spicy oak nuances. The palate is rich, intense and fleshy, displaying excellent power as well as rounded mouthfeel, wonderfully complemented by velvety texture and silky tannins. Impressively flavoursome and very long on the finish with loads of delectable flavours. At its best: now to 2027

A great vintage Coonawarra Shiraz with a raft of critical praise, 93-95pt scores, and appealing wax capsule, this is a real treat. "Mighty good year in Coonawarra. So, that’s why we have a mighty good Coonawarra Shiraz here. Love the merging of dark cherry and blackberry with a red berry infusion. The palate is so plush and vibrant with lush berries supported perfectly with fine tannin and even finer grained oak. A classy example of what Coonawarra can do with Shiraz in a good year. Bravo!" Ray Jordan Winepilot.