Bernoota was the original name of the Lake Breeze homestead and now the Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet is rightfully considered to be one of Australia's favourite Shiraz Cabernet blends. And they don't come much better than Bernoota for the price! Not only is it rich and luscious, filled with blackcurrant, spice and pepper, it has a touch of dark chocolate on the finish. The 2009 is a 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet blend and spends 20 months in a mixture of French and American Oak that will see the wine not only be enjoyable now, but develop beautifully in the bottle for a further 8 to 10 years.

In the glass: Pale salmon pink.On the nose: Raspberry, cherry, cranberry, watermelon, rose water and white pepper.On the palate: Bright with ethereal and pure core fruit depth, mouth-watering savoury elements, pepper complexity, and a long finish.

It’s no coincidence Pillastro is one of our bestselling Italian reds – customers love all that richness, warmth and bold, ripe fruit. Pillastro comes from Puglia, in Italy’s deep south, best known for big, smoky wines made from prized local varieties Primitivo and Negroamaro. It is made by Angelo Maci, a leading figure in the quality revolution of the last two decades, whose cellar Cantine Due Palme has twice been named Winery of the Year. Angelo made this wine purely from Primitivo, which produces rich, powerful reds with plenty of ripe fruit. A period of oak ageing has infused the wine’s generous plum and damson character with notes of spice and vanilla. Enjoy with hearty casseroles, pasta with a rich tomato sauce, or garlic roasted lamb.

With an impressive award-winning history, this densely flavoured, spicy champion comes from the Padró family cellar founded in 1898, in Spain’s Tarragona region. Combining concentrated, old bush vine (up to 70 years old) Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre or Mataro) from Tarragona with a little from warm Jumilla for extra richness, plus a portion of strawberry scented Tempranillo, this rich and spicy red is spot on with barbecued, lamb or beef, or try it with a range of Spanish tapas-inspired delicacies.

Everyone loves good Rioja. Now take a step up to Reserva level. This is from the 2012 vintage, officially classified as ‘very good’. It was aged for at least a year in barrel and two in bottle to produce a Rioja of perfect balance and depth. Pagos de Tahola comes from the Chavarri family – Francisco and daughter Ruth form a winning partnership with winemaker Miguel Lopez Nuñez. Their exemplary wines are based on exuberant fruit harvested from mature vines in some of Rioja’s highest vineyards then infused with the signature fragrance of quality French and US oak. Rich aromas of dried berries and vanilla, hallmark red berry and sweet spice flavours and silky texture – impressively smooth. Serve with Spanish style rice dishes or grilled meats.

"Intensity is the key. The burst of tropical fruit flavour is impressive. It's cool and pure like driven snow, a tickle of lemongrass-like flavour helping it all to extend out through the finish. Value almost goes without saying."