As close as you get to genuine Châteauneuf power – and with a Gold medal pedigree too, winning Gold for the last eight vintages. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are the three mainstays of this champion that boasts layers of velvety ripe black fruit, liquorice and spicy complexity. It's from the only co-operative cellar in Châteauneuf du Pape, the top appellation of the southern Rhône, and is owned and run by local growers. The grapes are from vineyards that abut the famous name appellation and share the same stone strewn soil that promotes superb ripeness and richness of fruit. The vines are old and gnarled, producing few grapes but with rare concentration of flavour. It's made by Châteauneuf winemaker Thierry Ferlay ... and it's very, very good!

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.

The wine displays a complex aroma of lifted violets, red berries and mint with lovely cedary oak. The palate is brimming with rich plums, blackberries and subtle chocolate and earthy notes. The intense flavour is balanced by fine sandy tannins and spicy vanillin oak.