Australia's most prestigious single vineyard icon, Henschke Hill of Grace's provenance from this small Eden Valley patch makes it the ultimate statement or rare gift. Stephen and Prue Henschke continue the tradition that is their family legacy with utmost class and ingenuity as can be tasted in this remarkable single-vineyard shiraz.

Unmistakably, Grange, this 2012 vintage is complex, flamboyant and lifted. An aromatic multi-cultural characteristics. The earthiness is well integrated with the aromas of dark fruits, grounded coffee, red liquorice and black olives, which leads to a firmly structured finish.

The domain traces its beginning to the founding in 1984 of Harlan Estate, located in the western hills of Oakville and conceived as a “first growth of California.” In 1996, the family established BOND, a portfolio of “Grand Cru” vineyards whose wines showcase the range of expression of cabernet sauvignon across distinct geographical sites within the Napa Valley. As these varied sites were gradually replanted, many of the young vines contributed to my project. Yet, despite these distinguished origins, my early endeavour could only hint at the individual character embodied by each of our grands vins. The Mascot is a Cabernet Sauvignon predominant blend alongside a balance of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Malbec. It started out as a small project shared among the family, winemaking team and close friends .The wine showed charm and over time drew an affectionate following - so enthusiastic a following that they felt this intimate bottling deserved to have an identity of its own. The team took a little convincing, as the wine existed at first in very small quantities. But as more of the newer vines reached an age appropriate to warrant inclusion in the blend (typically 7 - 12 years) a certain number of barrels could be set aside for this project on an annual basis. Drawing fruit from blocks of recently replanted vineyards, The Mascot shares a glimpse into the evolution of its parent estates: a youthful snapshot of their future. The vineyard’s Harlan, BOND and Promontory are part of a yearly replanting program, albeit a very small percentage of the overall size of the vineyards to maintain vine health. This of course means each estate has a small evolving parcel of younger vines which when ready are selected for The Mascot. Each parcel is made separately at its respective wineries then blended during the middle to later stages of the barrel aging. At the core of the philosophy of The Mascot is the family’s passion to ensure the wine is ready for enjoyment immediately on release, hence its aged for a significant time in barrel and bottle before being made available to purchase. From the start, the principal characteristic of The Mascot was vigor tempered by approachability. We decided to mature the wine a little longer, so that, upon release, it was delicious to drink and intensely vibrant, with the force and depth that enabled extended aging, a wine to enjoy viscerally and without excessive reverence. In short, the wonderful wine to share among friends and family. Following a vintage full of changing conditions and demanding decision points, the steady and pleasant progress of the 2018 vintage left the team, at times, in limbo. Contradictory as it may seem, the dramas that sometimes punctuate the definitive months for the growing season help to frame the winegrowing team’s course of action; yet the tranquil succession of weeks that emerged between spring and fall in 2018 left almost entirely open the question of when to harvest. Healthy rainfall in March and April preceded a benevolent summer, whose mildness was interrupted only briefly by a few warming periods. The fruit of the young vines maintained a measured balance that gave the team little indication that harvest was imminent. Fog and temperate days followed in September, when relying more on instinct than empirical cues they began to pick. This judgment, as well as the gentle nature of the season, is confirmed in the subtle, ethereal power of the vintage, which reveals itself first in the deep, brooding aromas of dark fruit, black tea, and herbal notes. The texture expands around a lifted structure, as powdery tannins gently resolve. This diffused, enigmatic softness is anchored on the mid-palate by a gratifying density, which prepares the senses for a flourish of hidden energy and vivid detail that illuminates the finish.

Penfolds has a rich history dating back to 1844 when Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold arrived in Australia with a vine cutting and a bold vision. They purchased 500 acres of land in South Australia and began producing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. Christopher's planting of vines and his philosophies continue to influence Penfolds to this day. Mary Penfold, the unsung chief of Penfolds, played a significant role in the winery's experimentations, growth and winemaking philosophies. Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker in 1948 and created the long-lasting Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. The tradition of 'bin wines' began in 1959 with Kalimna Bin 28 becoming the first official Penfolds Bin number wine. Penfolds continues to innovate, with the release of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012 and the 170th anniversary celebration in 2014. Today, Penfolds remains one of Australia's most famed and respected winemakers, driven by generations of visionaries and innovators who strive for excellence in winemaking. St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual amongst high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. Released for the first time by Penfolds in the early 1950s (first commercial vintage 1957), it gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality and distinctive style became better understood. Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters with age. It is matured in an assortment of old large vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of cabernet may sneak into the blend, the focal point for St Henri remains shiraz. The Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2020 (Gift Boxed) is a delightful wine that has been matured for 12 months in large seasoned oak vats. The wine has been crafted using outstanding parcels of shiraz grapes grown in South Australia's Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale regions, which faced adverse climate conditions. The winter drought continued from the previous year, leading to low root-zone moisture levels, requiring irrigation to ensure healthy vines. The beginning of summer was marked by a heatwave, with the Barossa Valley experiencing 26 summer days over 35°C. Cooler conditions in January and February provided much-needed relief and McLaren Vale experienced above-average rainfall in February, enabling the vines to finish the season in good shape. Although yields were significantly below average, the low yields produced outstanding quality parcels of shiraz suited to the St. Henri style. The wine's color is garnet red, with a dark purple core, presenting elegant profundity. The nose showcases the unadulterated shiraz fruit profile without oak influence. The fruit aroma is delightful, with fruits of the forest, berry conserve, strawberry flan and rhubarb tart. There is a hint of confectionary, reminiscent of red glace cherries. The savoury notes of German Blutwurst - a spiced sausage, pan scrapings from roast lamb, salt-cured beef with black peppercorns and Ferric notes of iron filings and whetstone swarf - round out an impressive showing. The palate is quite savoury, with a morish umami nuance of Japanese nori paper and olive brine. The mid-palate anchors fresh blueberry and mulberry leaf, with exotic spices adding intrigue - Alleppey turmeric, toasted cumin, pimento. The tannins are very tactile, comparable to Dutch cocoa, creating excellent texture and mouthfeel. This classic St Henri wine will reward extended time in the cellar, offering a peak drinking window from now until 2050.

Penfolds has a rich history dating back to 1844 when Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold arrived in Australia with a vine cutting and a bold vision. They purchased 500 acres of land in South Australia and began producing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. Christopher's planting of vines and his philosophies continue to influence Penfolds to this day. Mary Penfold, the unsung chief of Penfolds, played a significant role in the winery's experimentations, growth and winemaking philosophies. Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker in 1948 and created the long-lasting Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. The tradition of 'bin wines' began in 1959 with Kalimna Bin 28 becoming the first official Penfolds Bin number wine. Penfolds continues to innovate, with the release of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012 and the 170th anniversary celebration in 2014. Today, Penfolds remains one of Australia's most famed and respected winemakers, driven by generations of visionaries and innovators who strive for excellence in winemaking. First released in 1993 with the 1990 vintage, Bin 407 was produced in response to the increasing availability of high quality cabernet sauvignon fruit. Inspired by Bin 707, Bin 407 offers varietal definition and approachability, yet still with structure and depth of flavour. This is a textbook definition of cabernet sauvignon - varietally expressive Bin 407 highlights the rewards of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-region blending, with a core of ripe fruit supported by sensitive use of American and French oak. The Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Gift Boxed) showcase a wine that has been carefully crafted using a unique blend of maturation techniques and vintage conditions that have resulted in an exceptional South Australian cabernet sauvignon. Maturation for this wine involved 12 months in French (25% new) and American (12% new) oak hogsheads, while the remainder was matured in 1-y.o. French and American oak hogsheads. This maturation process infused the wine with subtle but complex oak flavours that perfectly complement the fruit aromas and flavours. The vintage conditions were ideal for growing the grapes in Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills regions. Padthaway yields were 25% above the norm and the mild summer and autumn conditions in all regions allowed the grapes to ripen evenly and slowly. The wine's crimson red color entices the senses, while the nose opens up with varieties of blackberry, mulberries and violets. Aromas of bay leaf, wet tobacco and baking spices provide further intrigue. On the palate, the wine is concentrated with cool dark fruits and the notes of grilled capsicum and cumin spiced eggplant create a unique savory flavor profile infused by cherry wood smoke and sandalwood. The tannins are firm and persistent, with a hint of bitter dark chocolate. While the wine is lively and energetic, it is built to last and is approachable yet clearly designed for a long spell in the dungeon. This wine is a perfect match for savory dishes and will continue to evolve and develop its complexity until at least 2055.

Paul Avril Clos des Papes is a wine producer in the Rhône Valley, making one of the most sought-after wines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. The estate is made up of 24 small plots throughout the appellation totalling 32 hectares (79 acres). All of the 13 permitted grape varieties are grown in these vineyards, although Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah are the most important in terms of production. Picking is spread out to ensure maximum quality, and green harvests and strict berry selection ensures a low yield. Clos des Papes takes its name from one of its plots located near the ruins of the 14th Century Papal castle. There are two main wines associated with Clos des Papes: a red and a white wine. The red accounts for 90 percent of production and typically contains 65 percent Grenache, 20 percent Mourvedre and 10 percent Syrah, with the remainder made up of the other permitted Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties. The wine is known for its finesse and elegance, and is one of the most important wines in the AOC. The white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made up of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul, and is aged in stainless steel. Clos des Papes makes around 100,000 bottles a year, most of which is exported.

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier began its life after a career defining trip to the Côte-Rôtie in the mid 90s which set Tim Kirk on the journey towards producing one of Australia's best Shiraz. Determined to show that Australia could produce elegant but still powerful Shiraz, Tim's work has paid off with his flagship being acclaimed worldwide. In only 15 years, the Shiraz Viognier has attained 'Exceptional' status with Langton's, the highest possible.

One of Australia's icon wines, this is Cabernet at its very best. This wine is the very definition of power and elegance. Hand crafted by Keith Mugford and his team in the Margaret River, Moss Wood deservedly fits in the Exceptional category of Langton's Classification of Australian Wine.

This is the flagship Cabernet of the Jim Barry stable. Ripe black fruits combined with a beautifully distinct earth, leather aromas with hints of dried fruits and sweet mulch.

Australia's premier cool climate Cabernet. It was John Middleton's dream to create such a wine and purchased the Mount Mary property in the Yarra Valley in 1971 to persue this dream. Quintet is his dream realised and is a blend of the classic Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.