MAYACAMAS VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Not much has changed by way of production since Bob Travers started the Mayacamas estate in the early 1940s. The fruit is handpicked early, often in early September - abvs usually end up between 13 and 14 percent to preserve natural, altitude derived acidities. Fermentations occur predominantly in open-top cement vessels which were built in the 1950s, again to preserve acidities and vibrant fruit character. Extended ageing occurs exclusively in neutral oak some as old as 100 years typically for three years which allows the vineyard's expression to shine through the powerful fruit profile, while also minimising oxygenation and helping to maintain the powerful and tight tannin structure Mayacamas is so famous for. The wines then usually spend a further two years in bottle before it is ready to be released to the market. Mayacamas make wines that lie in stark contrast to the more prevalent rich, heavily oaked, high in abv, bombastic wines that are common in the Napa Valley.

Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No.2 Yarra Valley Shiraz One of three wines from Yarra Yering featured in the original 1990 Langtons Classification, Dry Red No. 2 is recognised as the first Côte Rôtie style wine made by anyone in Australia. Its fruit is sourced from 1973 plantings of Shiraz, often backed by small amounts of Mataro, Marsanne and Viognier. A highly collectable and cellar-worthy offering from one of the cornerstone wineries of the Yarra Valley.

Bin 707 is a Cabernet Sauvignon reflection of Grange, intensely-flavoured fruit, completion of fermentation and maturation in new oak, expressing a Penfolds understanding of multi-vineyard, multi-region fruit sourcing. Bin 707 was first vintaged in 1964. The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 when fruit was directed to other wines, nor in 1981, 1995, 2000, 2003 or 2011 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available). Full bodied and with proven cellaring potential, Bin 707 retains a secure place among the ranks of Australias finest Cabernets.

Black with purple hues. Aromas of blue and red fruits, black pepper, tea, sherbert, liquorice and anise. Liquid black cherries, black jelly beans, some tar and sweet, smoky tea leaf tannins. Great with duck or caramelised pork.

First made in 2019, The Forebear Shiraz is an ultra-fine, single-vineyard wine born of one of the oldest shiraz vineyards in the world. In the glass, its bouquet wows, resplendent with florals and red berry fruits, while its captivating, textural mouthfeel blends the same fruits with a swathe of savoury notes, round tannins, and sleek acidity. Fruit for The Forebear is hand-picked, and the wine made with the utmost care, just as it would have been in the old days. Before release, The Forebear spends 24 months in French barriques, and then three years in bottle. On its name, Torbreck’s Chief Winemaker, Ian Hongell, says ‘We chose the name 'The Forebear' to honour the pioneering spirit of the Springbetts and other pioneering families and their role in establishing the Barossa as one of the great winegrowing regions of the world. This wine is our tribute to those who came before us.’

Aromas of perfumed violets and roses laced with wild berries and juicy cassis are well framed by a backbone of tobacco leaf and musk. The palate is poised, with fruit concentration and silky tannins that spread softly across the palate with unctuous, juicy satsuma plum, mulberry, cherry, and cigar box notes. The well-orchestrated length unfolds fine-grained tannins, wrapping around the palate.

Penfolds RWT Shiraz is a big juicy Barossan Shiraz refined by the use of older French oak barrels. 1998 is considered to be one of the classic vintages of the modern age. Drinking wonderfully now but with many years still to come in its development, this is a great addition to any cellar.