The trailblazers of the Adelaide Hills have created another outstanding wine. A superb expression of modern cool-climate Shiraz; Shaw & Smith is elegantly spicy and brimming with supple red-fruit flavours matched by fine tannins. An absolute ripper.

Giant Steps plays it's part in the rapid accension of Australian Chardonnay back to the position it once held here. That being of the king of white varieties. This is a very stylish numbe from Phil Sexton and his team. Stonefruit, melon and butterscotch characters are supported by vanillin oak and the palate is long and textured with a clean crisp finish.

The 16ha Wombat Creek Vineyard at Gladysdale is the highest in the Yarra Valley, at 420m. Planted in 1988 on north-east facing slopes, it was originally intended for sparkling wines, but has been transitioned to Pinot Noir (and Chardonnay) for table wine. The underlying iron-based red volcanic soil and rock contribute to wines with a distinctive soft yet long and firm palate. MV6 clone Pinot Noir grapes are hand-picked with 20% destemmed to the base of the vat for a pied de cuve ferment. The vats were then filled with whole bunches and closed to allow a semi-carbonic maceration to occur. Some foot-stomping takes place to release more juice and extend skin-contact time. After two weeks the wine is pressed to tight-grained, 228 litre, French barriques (about 18% new) for 10 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.The wine is noted for its soft texture and long, well-structured palate

Louis Roederer is a highly respected Champagne producer located in the historic city of Reims. The renowned Champagne house, founded in the late 1700s, is still owned and operated by the Roederer family. Their signature style consists of an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Pinot Meunier, which comprises approximately one-fifth of the blend. Louis Roederer's most famous wine is Cristal, a prestigious Champagne that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. The house was founded in 1833 and aimed to capture foreign markets, particularly Russia. Roederer became the wine of choice for the Russian royal family, and Cristal was created for Tsar Alexander II. Louis Roederer acquired grand cru vineyards in Champagne in 1845, which was unusual for the time as most houses were buying grapes from growers. Today, the Roederer vineyards encompass around 240 hectares of land, with around 25% managed biodynamically. This commitment to sustainable farming practices is a testament to the house's dedication to producing high-quality wines that are both delicious and environmentally responsible. Collection 244 NV is based from the 2019 vintage. It was a year of record-breaking temperatures brought by particularly intense heat waves. Dry and continental and of magnificent maturity, this year gave us wines that were dense and fresh, with a masterful balance, conducive to bringing out the powerful and luscious Collection character in the blend. This 244th Blend includes: - Perpetual Reserve - 36% (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,2017,2018) - Reserve Wines Aged in Oak - 10% (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,2017,2018) - 2019 Vintage - 54% The Louis Roederer Collection 244 NV is a remarkable champagne that captivates the senses from the moment it is poured. Its bright, golden hue with shimmering highlights is visually enticing, while the fine, lively mousse creates a delightful effervescence. The bouquet is both open and rich, exuding a wonderful freshness. It offers an explosion of ripe delicate fruit with intense notes of yellow fruit such as mirabelle plum from the Pinot Noir, complemented by the sweetness of citrus fruits like lemon meringue pie and delicate hints of white flowers specifically jasmine from the Chardonnay. As the wine opens up autolytic characters emerge evolving towards smoky roasted notes and the enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries. On the palate, the Louis Roederer Collection 244 NV reveals its depth and density, supported by a well-structured backbone. The texture is simply mesmerizing with a fleshy mouthfeel that coats the palate courtesy of the Pinot Noir. This then gives way to an incredible saline freshness accompanied by a pleasant hint of bitterness. The wine beautifully combines the strength, intensity and power of the delectably ripe Pinot Noir grapes, which are perfectly balanced by the chalky freshness and density from the majority Chardonnay blend. It is a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression.

This Pinot comes from the McCutcheon vineyard. Typically elegant with characteristic earthy, spicy, red fruit and berries, undergrowth and autumnal leaves; it is a controlled wine, poised and restrained.

The irrepressible Ben Glaetzer is the driving force behind Glaetzer Wines. Ben graduated in winemaking from Adelaide University in South Australia after working at Barossa Valley Estate during school and university holidays. Amon-Ra Shiraz is an iconic wine that epitomises Ben Glaetzer’s passion to create wines that are full flavoured, multi layered and intense but still elegant, stylish and finely balanced. In Egyptian mythology, Amon-Ra is considered to be the king of all gods. The temple of Amon-Ra was believed to be the first temple to ever plant a monoculture vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple.

Opening with dense blackberry/boysenberry fruit and a black olive savouriness the aromas then shift to reveal lifted qualities of purple florals and fragrant sweet spice. The palate shows a lovely weight and concentration of fruit, balanced by a charming elegance and finesse. Not at all shy on tannins (integrated and ripe).

Pale, straw colour with insinuations of green. Overt, ripe varietal fruit characters on the nose - pineapple, citrus and nectarine derived are from the warm vintage conditions. Mineral characters, orange blossom and almond meal along with some lees derived creaminess are all balanced within this multi-dimensional palate.

The Chauveau family have been making wine since the 19th Century, and in the mid 1990s Benoit Chauveau gradually took over the vineyards of his grandparents and parents. Today, their property has over 17 hectres including of Pouilly Fumé, Pouilly sur Loire and Coteaux du Giennois. A new cellar was added to the estate for the 2012 harvest. Their approach is to continually strive to improve the quality of their wines through the development of sustainable methods. Located just opposite the Pouilly Fumé designation, on the other side of the Loire, the Sancerre designation is also known for the quality of its white wine, 100% Sauvignon. Benoît Chauveau Sancerre has a very pale yellow colour with greenish tints. Vivacious and bursting with fruit, dominant floral and fruity aromas. The crisp attack gives way to a rich, rounded palate for a finale full of freshness. Sancerre makes a delightful aperitif. It is also perfect with grilled fish, seafood, scallops and white meats. A great match for Crottin de Chavignol AOC goat cheeses from the Centre region.