A horde of marauding vintners? It doesn't sound like something you'd like to meet anytime soon! But when word gets around that a parcel of really good wine is up for grabs, things can get pretty brutal. But our marauding vintners don't really pillage and plunder so much as cajole and encourage the makers of the prime wine to send it their way. Most of the pillaging is done to beers at the pub – and the plundering to our chequebook! The results are worth it. Small batch, unique and flavoursome wines are what we're all about. Taste this delicious example and see why.

Small parcels of the best quality fruit from across top regions in South Australia were chosen for this Reserve Durif – and it shows! It’s big, rich and mouthcoating, a ‘black red’ with some serious heft. Take that as a warning! The wine is named after a type of cattle (Hereford/ Shorthorn cross) bred for the harsh conditions of Australia’s far north, and has been crafted with steak in mind. Hints of black pepper and dark chocolate coat the palate with layers of rich red fruit and black cherry.

A memorable Durif, awash with lush black fruit and spice that comes in an appropriately distinctive bottle. Bill Calabria has won won Trophy after Trophy after Trophy for his wines – including the prestigious Stoddart. He has been on a short list for the Jimmy Watson Award at least twice, His ‘3 Bridges’ alone has been recognised at the Sydney International Wine Competition, as ‘Most Successful Winery or Brand’ … he’s been praised by Robert Parker and Halliday who’s placed four wines within his 1001 Top Wines. He was a local boxing champion as a teenager, winning 12 out of 13 fights (with seven KOs) before his mum found out and put a stop to it. “I made a lot of friends out of boxing,” he says. It’s given him rare opportunities including sparring with the Australian champion, and has also come in handy in other ways. A few years ago he confronted three men who’d come to the winery to steal wine. After they started throwing punches Bill fought back, literally knocked some teeth out, and they fled empty handed. This is an unashamedly weighty, full flavoured red with masses of lush black fruit, spice, liquorice and herbal hints and a toasty oak finish.

Enticing florals lead you in, with green apples and citrus taking hold. Pleasantly rich pear and peach meld wth grapefruit for a zippy and crisp race across the palate. This fresh expression of Pinot Grigio comes from Angove Family Winemakers, one of Australia's oldest and most-respected wineries. And when you live in a place like sunny South Australia, you sure know to make a cool, refreshing white.

It's made by the talented John Quarisa, who has enjoyed a “distinguished career as a winemaker spanning over 20 years” (Halliday). John likes his wines to express big personality and juicy fruit and value for money – he’s certainly achieved that here! Ripe and round blackberries conspire with flavours of plum and cinnamon spice. On the palate, rich red berries and brewed coffee make for a very appealing wine.

Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz. And more Shiraz! Dive into Gold-medal McLaren Vale drops from 5 Red Star Chalk Hill and the Jimmy Watson-winning Scarpantoni family, savour a lavish Barossa treat from Mountadam, linger over “magician” (Halliday) John Quarisa’s lovely Gold-medal 30 Mile Shiraz, and then savour two top Langhorne Creek stars. These are excellent!

Many of you will remember Sam Trimboli from his days at Warburn Estate where, every vintage, he’d pick up literally hundreds of awards. He’s still on a winning streak, but now he’s renting space all for himself at a winery in Riverina, New South Wales. Sam makes there the mighty Black Duck, and his white version – the equally fruity and irresistible White Duck. Sam has been in the region for many years, so knows exactly where the best grapes are growing. In 2021, he selected when he wanted them picked too, cool fermenting and adding a touch of citrusy Pinot Grigio to the blend. This is the sort of wine you should never be short of, ready chilled in the fridge. Exuberant with bright melon fruit – serve solo or with a spicy noodle dish.

The label is a treat (a tiny vintage caravan parked outside a grand French château) but the wine itself is what's really special here. Made by Jimmy Watson trophy-winning John Quarisa, it's a big, rich red with velvety tannins and a long, smooth finish. THREE Golds show that the show judges love it too. This is impressive stuff!

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.