RIDGE VINEYARDS Geyserville Zinfandel blend, Alexander Valley

Chardonnay by Farr is made in an elegant, Burgundian style with fine focused acidity, linear structure, creamy mealy texture, and well integrated oak. Complex and multi-layered, it is consistently one of Australias finest Chardonnays.

CHATEAU LILIAN LADOUYS Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, St-Estephe

DOMAINE DES COMTES LAFON Du Milieu1er cru, Volnay-Santenots

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.

Bright plum in colour, Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon displays delicate notes of mint and blackcurrant, with a more savory bouquet of semi-dried tomatoes and fruit chutney at the end. A hint of oak and spice adds extra warmth. On the palate a flavour-wheel of spearmint, milo powder, chocolate and black liquorice.