RIDGE VINEYARDS Geyserville Zinfandel blend, Alexander Valley

CLARENDON HILLS Brookman Vineyard Merlot, McLaren Vale Clarendon Hills’ Brookman Vineyard is among the highest in McLaren Vale, 250m higher and 10km north-east of the McLaren Vale township. The vines were planted on clay soils in the late 1960s and are dry-grown. Grapes are hand-picked 2-3 weeks later than on the flats, following a long, mild and generally consistent ripening period. Fermentation as whole berries, using wild yeasts, precedes 18 months maturation in tight-grained French Oak, 85% new, the rest between one and four years old. The final wine is a barrel selection. Brookman Merlot is noted for mulberry and blackcurrant fruit, spice and Christmas cake aromas, opulence, richness of flavour and softness with finely balanced tannins.

GAJA Sito Moresco, Langhe Fruit is sourced predominantly from Pajorè in Treiso and in Serralunga, with eastern and western exposure and rich soils laden with limestone. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks and oak casks, the Sito Moresco combines the complexity of Nebbiolo with the roundness of Barbera and the body of Merlot. Elegant, fruity and balanced, the wine has a refined bouquet of small red fruits with smooth tannins and a lingering finish.

LAURENT PONSOT Grand Cru Cuvée du Merisier , Clos Saint-Denis

Bruno & George Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa Valley Shiraz may be the archetype of the Barossa, but there are those expressions that transcend the usual heavy-weights by virtue of the experience of those behind them. Such is the case with Bruno & George. Here, deep local knowledge and vast international experience applied to both viticulture and winemaking, comes up trumps. The result is a more transparent wine, mid-weighted of feel and flecked with scents of lilac, salumi, clove, iodine and ample blue fruits. A smooth operator in the mouth, with a long glide to the finish, chaperoned by polished tannins and a peppery lilt. The choice of used, rather than new wood, appropriate.