Allinda is a tiny Yarra Valley estate, and you won't find their wines in too many places, because the quantities are so small. But when you do find them, make sure you stock up, because they are really wonderful. This sumptuous Syrah really impresses with medium to full bodied intense ripe flavour and natural acidity. Ripeness of fruit in the warmish 2016 February has lifted the flavour profile into the mulberry and plum zone so expect less white pepper than other Yarra Valley Syrahs. Allinda has kept it simple with healthy soils, healthy vines, some of the better old school practices, a dash of modern technique and a whole lotta good old winemaking sense. High-quality boutique wine with stacks of Gold wins!

There is something a little magical about Australian Shiraz. All that rich, luscious, dark and velvety Shiraz fruit, topped up by the signature Aussie spice and punch... yum! This one comes from the makers of our bestselling, famous 'The Black Pig' - so you know it will be good! It's a rich spice-fest with layered fruit, soft, velvety tannins and superb balance. This is a wine that you can drink on its own but will be equally good with food.

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.

Small parcels of the best quality fruit from the Barossa were chosen for this Reserve Shiraz – and it shows! It’s big, rich and mouthcoating...a ‘black red’ with some serious heft. Take that as a warning! The wine is named after a type of cattle (Hereford/ Shorthorn cross) bred for the harsh conditions of Australia’s far north, and has been crafted with steak in mind.

"Coriole has earned its reputation as one of the blue-blood producers of McLaren Vale” (James Halliday). "What Coriole does better than any other McLaren Vale maker is to fashion wines of such balance and finesse ... equipped with the structure, balance and layers of fruit to unfold slowly” (Jeremy Oliver). We're not arguing with these fine critics! Clark Hill, named after the land on which the Coriole estate was built, is an impressively rich blend of lush Cabernet planted in 1988, and spicy Shiraz planted in 1969 when Coriole was set up. Savour subtle lavendar aromas and a melee of plum, cassis and redcurrant flavours lifted by elegant, exotic spice.

The grapes for Kilikanoon Attunga were obtained from some of oldest vines in the island country of Australia. The fruit is renowned for its intense flavours and its juice for the tremendous ageing potential. The small, thick-skinned berries were fermented and basket pressed to result in low yielding juice. The ferment was then matured for 27 months in large casks of French oak. This wonderful red wine was bottled unfiltered to preserve the character of the grape.

Malbec is a grape close to Sam's heart. His wife Maria, who works with him, is from Argentina, so perhaps that's not surprising. He also has a passion for th Durif grape and has done for decades. His car licence plate even reads 'DURIF'. What he loves most though is making wines that wine lovers adore. And he has been doing that for years very well indeed. We've worked with him for decades, and this shy, modest man is a simply brilliant at creating wines that show judges - and our customers love! His Grandfathers back in Italy began thhe winemaking tradion of the Trimboli family, they would be very proud of Sam.

A founding member of the First Families of Australian Wine, d’Arenberg was established in 1912, when Joseph Osborn funded his new winery by selling his beloved racehorses. Thunderstep was one of them. An imposing, powerful race horse and father to Footbolt, the pride of Joseph Osborn’s stable (and now the name of one of the estate’s most iconic and ‘original’ reds). Today, the colourful Chester Osborn (below), fourth generation, is at its helm, and it “has kept its 100-year-old heritage while moving into the 21st century with flair and elan” (Halliday). It boasts one of the world’s most innovative cellar door experiences and an unparalleled, exciting range. Thunderstep is a superb addition. This vintage boasts aromas of black pepper, spice and red berries, and a seductive palate of dark fruits, earthy character, and long, spicy, mineral finish. It sings of its McLaren Vale roots. Don’t miss it.