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.

Introducing Il Papavero – a delicious Italian red showing loads of charisma and style. Blended from the best grapes of the vintage, it offers supple, ripe fruit and easy charm. Only the most flavoursome grapes from the best performing vineyards go into this wine. With fresh and fruity berry aromas and irresistible value, Il Papavero is the perfect match to your favourite pizza or pasta.

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.

Punnets of strawberry, blackberry and raspberry flavour are miraculously shoehorned into a standard size bottle, while ageing in American oak adds a spicy, toasty finishing touch. 'Big Mac' McPherson grew up in the world of wine, tutored by his father Jock, who had established a winery in the Hunter Valley. Andrew went on to set up wineries at home and abroad and work for some Australia's top names. These days he crafts characterful wines by himself at great value prices. The Full Fifteen is perfect with roast beef or lamb and a wonderful companion to barbecues.

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.