After almost three decades of shared experience in the wine industry, Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood decided to have a crack at their own venture sourcing fruit mainly from high quality vineyards in McLaren Vale to produce wines under their Ministry of Clouds label. This stellar example of Grenache is comprised 8 different Grenache ferments with varying amounts of whole bunch ranging from a couple of whole berry ferments to the highest being 28% whole bunch, skin time varying between 3 to 6 weeks. The 8 ferments are off four vineyards - three of which all neighbour each other in Blewitt Springs. One planted in 1930, another in 1939 and the last is believed to be planted in 1940s. These 3 vineyards make up 82% of the blend. The last component is from the oldest part of the Smart vineyard in Clarendon planted in 1920. Maturation took place in large old oak for 6 months. A Grenache of phenomenal intensity and power. Vibrant dark red coloured core with black shaded edges and a light purple red hue. Wafting from the glass with a perfumed like intensity are intoxicating aromas of dark raspberries, ripe cherries and red liquorice that are infused with an intriguing mix of fresh herbs and rose petals. Subtle vanillin earth and spice notes are also evident. Carrying only light to medium body, the palate has a power without weight quality, juicy dark raspberry, red liquorice and red cherry fruits unfolding like a never ending peacocks tail to deliver superb depth. Magnificent purity of fruit and with its concentration on another level. Lingering underneath are some vanillin confectionary, earth and subtle spicy pepper characters. Fresh acidity and a sturdy matrix of tannins provide a fine boned structure. Concludes with an explosively long, succulently fruited finish. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Alc. 14.7%

The story of Sokol Bloser first began in 1971 when Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser first planted vines in Oregon's Dundee Hills. Alex & Alison Sokol Blosser, Siblings, Co-Presidents, and Second Generation Winegrowers, are passionately committed to their families legacy in creating world class wines using sustainable methods. From the start, the Sokol Blosser family was aware of the impact that farming and wine production would have on the environment. Before it was popular, the winery did everything it could to give back to the land. The Sokol Blossers knew preserving the land would help the winery remain family-owned for generations to come. With the skill of their winemaking team and a love for Pinot Noir, the 2021 vintage of Evolution Pinot Noir is so delicious that it will knock your socks off, literally. They sought out to evolve Pinot Noir to make it the anytime wine. It’s the wine for the imaginative food lover. Evolution Pinot Noir celebrates the any-food occasion. Dangerously juicy and fruit-driven with a sophisticated silk. This bottle of Pinot makes enjoying a young Pinot Noir wine so easy to drink and share. The Willamette Valley never fails to produce beautifully fruit flavours in its Pinot. The 2021 Evolution is packed with bright red fruit flavours, heaps of jammyness, a dash cherry pie, and a hint of toasty oak on the finish. A foodies delight, this wine pairs with darn near everything! Pumpkin chipotle soup, glazed pork chops, wild mushroom risotto, even a decadent dark chocolate torte!

Since its created in 1953, Françoise Chauvene has been reflecting its attachment to and respect for the terroir and traditions in the marking of its wines. Françoise Chauvene Lajolie Pinot Noir has a soft and supple palate with strawberry & cherry characteristics with a soft tannic finish. Medium body with hints of oak across the back palate. Smooth and well-balanced.

The Abeille-Fabre family, four generation proprietor of the famous estate Chateau Mont-Redon in Chateauneuf-du-Pape introduces here another prestigious brand. This Cotes-due-Rhone is a blend of noble classic varieties of the Rhone Valley. This wine, produced with the same skill and rigour as their estate wines, is fruity and elegant during youth, but will be very enjoyable for several years. Served at cool room temperature, it will drink perfectly with sausages, roasted meal or cheese.

If you are after tasty reds at a great price it is hard to go past the ever popular ‘Johnny Q’ range from Quarisa. This multi-medal winning wine exudes lively aromas of concentrated black currant, mint, dark chocolate and complex oak. A full body with dense, ripe currants and a hint of vanilla delivers in flavour. The finish is long and smooth and leaves you wanting more. Try with chargrilled sirloin or a hearty minestrone. This wine has the flavour, structure and balance to be enjoyed now or offers added satisfaction from further cellaring.