In 1962 Alfred Liebich’s love of fishing led him from Barossa, where his family settled in 1852, to the Murray River. His ‘left bank’ vineyards produce plush Petite Sirah brimming with blueberry, black cherry and spice.

It’s wine like this, made using fruit from premium sites throughout the region, that make South Australia a first choice destination for lovers of big, generously rich and velvety Aussie reds - consider it the state’s great gift to the wine world, not just at home but all over the globe. This red shows distinctive characters of black fruit, eucalypt and spice, smoothed out by delicious dark chocolate and a touch of smoky oak.

Sam Trimboli LOVES Durif. He calls it a “stunning little powerhouse grape that develops astounding complexity”. The numberplate on his car even sports the word ‘Durif’, that’s how highly he rates it. The grapes for this wine come from a small vineyard that Sam helped establish in the 1980s and is now at peak maturity.

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!

South of Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, the Setúbal Peninsula is famous for its rolling Atlantic waves and its long lived, fortified dessert wines. However, the sunny climate, tempered by cooling ocean breezes, is also proving itself with bold, fruit forward reds. Parker rated winemaker Jaime Quendera firmly believes in the region and is dedicated to bringing it to the world’s attention. He was the man behind the ‘Best Red Wine in the World’ a few years back. This 2020 is a sumptuous blend of native Aragonez (aka Tempranillo), Syrah and Cabernet. Delicious with pork and chorizo casserole or chicken dishes.

South Australia has long had a reputation for turning out rich reds, deep in flavour and complexity. This Shiraz is no exception. Deep, dark, distinctive and delicious, rich in black plums and fragrant spice, this red is made for sipping with fine fare like fillet steak or slow-cooked lamb shanks. Enjoy!