McLaren Vale is home to some of Australia's biggest reds and here's a prize example from the bestselling 'Black Pig' - a cassis-rich Cabernet with wall-to-wall black cherry and bramble tones and a delicious lick of menthol.

If you thought that Argentina was the only place to find fine Malbec, think again! Zonte's Footstep have triumphed with this luscious Langhorne Creek example boastinga berryfest of flavour, FIVE Gold medals and 93 points from Halliday: "Violets, boysenberries, redcurrant and leather. Bright and characterful at once. Sweet and vibrant through the mouth, dry and firm through the finish. Mid-weight. In lovely form...93pts" (Halliday).

This limited-edition label, inspired by Taylors Wines very first release, celebrates both the heritage and the commitment of three generations of the Taylor family's dedication to making fine Australian wine. This wine shows ample varietal blackcurrant flavour seasoned with some attractive sweet oak. The tannins are firm but nicely in balance.

Michael Fragos grew up in McLaren Vale, and spent 14 years at Tatachilla before taking over at Chapel Hill in 2004. A three-time ‘Bushing King’, Michael has also been named best winemaker on the planet! James Halliday notes that his “wine quality is unfailingly excellent” . This one has an expressive nose of blackcurrant, bay leaf cigar box and chocolate. The palate is medium to full-bodied, beautifully structured, with a powerful complexity, fine-grained tannins, velvety texture and long, long finish.

The unstoppable John Quarisa really is unstoppable! He has been variously described as a “magician” and “a sorcerer” by Halliday. His wines do have a magic knack of winning Gold. His secret? Over 20 years of experience as a winemaker and wine judge – and a great attitude. As John says, “you just can’t take life too seriously” . Today, taste his Double Gold-winning ‘Enchanted Tree’ Cabernet. It's juicy and rich, with delicious dark plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, and subtle eucalypt and mint. The tannins are fine and smooth... a little bit of magic in the glass!

After enjoying a “distinguished career as a winemaker spanning over 20 years, working for some of Australia’s largest wineries” (Halliday), John Quarisa is making his own wines – his own way. The result? Mile upon mile of excellent wines that continue to win Gold!

A frequent Gold medal winner, Stones & Bones is so-called because it’s grown in a landscape littered with ancient boulders and dinosaur fossils. In the modern Portuguese tradition, the wine is a blend of local and international grapes. Touriga Nacional, the backbone of vintage port, joins forces with Syrah, Tinta Roriz and Alicante to produce truly mammoth, rich fruit flavours. Equally impressive is the winemaker, Diogo Sepúlveda, who relaxes after work by cycling or playing football, or, more unusually, bull wrestling! Having worked in Pomerol, then in the Barossa with heirloom Shiraz vines, his credentials for making this rich, old vine Portuguese red are second to none. For maximum enjoyment, decant and serve with a rich beef casserole.

This Heirloom Vineyards Eden Valley Shiraz has lifted red fruit signature of Eden Shiraz, but its site also offers some very unique and distinctive aromas of blackberry and intriguing notes of a spice, and the perfume of blueberries. The palate is cool, fresh and light, but persistently fruity and very zingy. The finish is fine, natural and unforced. It's a delicious, confident drink. There is some cream and spice from the French Oak but it's all about the pure fruit.