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.

The savoury and smooth Tempranillo is complimented by thespicy fruit and structure of Graciano. The resultant wine has greater intensity, depth and length.

Sevenhill was originally set up in 1851 when the Jesuits who settled in the area planted the Clare Valley’s first vines to produce sacramental wine. The estate’s wines, along with its old stone winery, stately St Aloysius’ Church, College building and spacious gardens has made the Sevenhill name famous. So much so that they have recently won the Gourmet Traveller Award for best Large Cellar Door in the Clare Valley! Ray Jordan gives their 2021 Malbec a solid 92pts, "Malbec is a variety that does rather well in Clare, especially as a major blending component with cabernet. Still this one does it solo, and it does it well. Lots of the distinctive red floral fruits on the nose have that stamp of malbec. Bright and alive on a high energy palate with plenty of ripe red fruit characters with chalky tannins and understated oak in support."

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!

Angove is one of Australia's oldest family owned wineries, founded in 1886. They have access to some of the finest fruit in the 'big red' regions of South Australia's Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. This Barossa beauty is powerfully rich, plush, velvety and intense ... serve it with your finest cuts of meat.

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.

For over 20 years, John Quarisa has worked as a winemaker for some of the most recognisable wineries in Australia. During his time at Casella, he was instrumental in securing them the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2004. John has since branched out to create a range of wines that bear his family name. This particular range, named after his wife Josephine Quarisa, features this outstanding Coonawarra Cabernet, which over a couple of vintages has picked up several Golds. This one has two, something Mrs Q must be stoked about.

Our scout and buyer for the Languedoc is Mark Hoddy. He's always searching out the vineyards of the Languedoc and further south to the Roussillon, to check out the vintage and the finest parcels of grapes. This is an ace find Mark discovered last vintage via an old friend in Corbières. Close by is Domaine La Lirande, a small estate that enjoyed a great vintage in 2019 and again in 2020 (remember that long, sunny growing season?). The Syrah stood out for quality and, too good to blend, the winemaker kept it solo. Mark reserved the lot in both vintages. Seductive ripe black fruit, velvety, with smoky liquorice and wild herb notes. It's young, so best with hearty dishes and at a barbecue. After a few months, it'll be delicious on its own.