Australia
Tread Softly 2022 Pinot Noir 750 mL
Ripe strawberries and raspberries lead with white-pepper spice, dried herbs and a gentle floral-stem note. The palate is light, crunchy and fresh, with tart red fruit carried by clean acidity. Soft, herb-flecked tannins give shape without adding weight, keeping the wine energetic and easy to follow. It finishes bright and persistent, leaving red berries, subtle spice and a savoury herbal lift.
Voyager Estate 2012 Girt by Sea Cabernet Merlot 750 mL
Blackcurrant, dark cherry and mulberry open with cedar, tobacco and measured spice. The palate is savoury and medium-bodied, with the dark fruit carried by beautifully integrated, fine-grained tannins. Cedar and tobacco add mature complexity without drying the fruit, while the texture remains composed and approachable. The finish is medium to long, leaving blackcurrant, mulberry, spice and a persistent cedary note.
Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Barossa GSM 750 mL
Juicy dark fruit leads with plum and berry depth, followed by a measured thread of warm spice. The palate is supple and smoothly layered, with Grenache bringing lift, Shiraz adding body and Mourvedre contributing savoury shape. Concrete fermentation helps preserve a rounded, composed texture. Generous without feeling heavy, it closes with dark fruit, soft spice and a quietly persistent Barossa warmth.
Wakefield Estate Label 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon 750 mL
Dark berry and red cherry lead, with cassis and plum adding depth. Roasted herbs, cocoa and a lightly toasted nut character bring savoury definition through the centre. The palate is full-bodied and dry, supported by fresh acidity and smooth, refined tannins. Gentle oak spice and a measured earthy note frame the fruit, carrying into a structured finish of currant, cherry and herbs.
Wirra Wirra 2018 Vintage Bell Cabernet Sauvignon 750 mL
Blackcurrant, bramble and plum open the wine, followed by black olive, black pepper and liquorice. The palate is dense yet balanced, with cassis and dark chocolate carried by a smooth, composed texture. A lift of citrus peel keeps the fruit from feeling heavy, while floral detail adds freshness. The finish is long, savoury and quietly polished, with plum and spice lingering.
Two Hands 2005 Ares Shiraz 750 mL
Ripe plum, blueberry and blackcurrant lead with raspberry and blackberry, followed by coffee, dark chocolate, smoke and liquorice. The palate is dense and full-bodied, yet unusually precise, with concentrated fruit carried by a refined texture. Cedar, vanilla and a savoury earthy note add depth without obscuring the fruit. The finish is long and layered, lingering on dark berries, chocolate, smoke and fine spice.
Penfolds 2018 Bin 149 Wine of the World Cabernet Sauvignon 750 mL
Ripe blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry and plum form a concentrated core, lifted by violet and a thread of fresh acidity. Cedar, tobacco, dark cocoa and baking spice add measured oak detail without obscuring the fruit. The palate is full and structured, with firm, fine-grained tannins carrying the wine toward a long, composed finish. Decant before serving with roast beef or grilled lamb.
The Standish Wine Company 2018 The Relic Shiraz Viognier 750 mL
Ripe blueberry and blackberry meet apricot, white flowers, vanilla bean and warm spice. The palate is full-bodied and lush, yet the fruit remains controlled by freshness and a fine savoury edge. Silky, silty tannins build in layers around a juicy core, with a subtle grilled-meat note adding depth. The finish is long, perfumed and persistent, balancing richness with precision rather than excess.
Maidenii Dry Vermouth
Apricot and bright citrus open an aromatic nose, followed by cinnamon, anise and a distinctly savoury herbal line. Strawberry gum, river mint, sea parsley and lime leaf bring a vivid Australian botanical character, while wormwood and gentian supply clean bitterness. The palate is dry, floral and fresh, with restrained fruit and a crisp finish. Serve lightly chilled on its own, over ice with tonic, or use it to give a Martini extra aromatic detail.
Lemsecco Lemon Spritz 750 mL
Fresh lemon zest leads with a vivid citrus aroma, joined by a gentle floral lift from the sparkling wine. Sweet lemon notes give the mid-palate a rounded, almost sherbet-like character, while lively bubbles and tart acidity keep the finish clean and refreshing. Serve well chilled over ice with a lemon wheel, or pair with antipasti, fried seafood, fresh chèvre, fruit salad or lightly salted almonds.
Delinquente Bizzarro Bitter Aperitivo
Bright orange and lemon peel lead with an aromatic citrus lift. Rhubarb and gentian root bring a clean, earthy bitterness, while the skin-contact white-wine base adds texture and a gently savoury edge. Sweetness and bitterness remain evenly balanced through the finish. Serve over ice with soda, build into a spritz with sparkling wine, or use in citrus-led aperitivo cocktails.
d’Arenberg 2021 The Stump Jump Shiraz
Fresh cherries, raspberries and blackberries lead, joined by plum, cassis, aniseed, baking spices and black pepper. This juicy Shiraz is medium-bodied and generous, with silky, persistent tannins giving the palate polish and shape. Bright and approachable, it finishes with lively fruit and easy warmth. Serve with grilled lamb, burgers or smoky aubergine.
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2018
A polished South Australian Cabernet with cassis, blackberry, violet, bay leaf, tobacco, cedar and graphite. Carefully judged oak frames the fruit without crowding it, while the medium- to full-bodied palate balances concentration with freshness. Fine, persistent tannins lead into a savoury, chocolate-tinged finish. Serve it with grilled steak, roast lamb or a rich mushroom dish.
Hewitson 2021 Old Garden Mourvedre
Blueberry, raspberry and black cherry rise with heady spice, mint and a measured touch of mocha. Plump and silky on the palate, it balances succulent fruit with bright acidity and soft, spicy tannins, while dark chocolate and herbs add savoury depth. Generous without heaviness, it pairs naturally with lamb shank, game or slow-cooked beef.
Seppelt NV DP 33 Muscat
Deep brown with an olive-green rim, opening on raisin, toffee and honey with a measured hint of marmalade. The palate is creamy and velvet-smooth, layering crushed raisin, caramel and warm spice over a rich, concentrated core. Balanced warmth carries the sweetness through a very long finish that remains expressive rather than heavy.
Buller NV Fine Old Muscat
Reddish amber and richly perfumed, with raisins, dried fig and dark chocolate leading into caramel, brown sugar, dates and molasses. The texture is dense and velvety, yet bright acidity keeps the sweetness composed and fresh. A long, warming finish makes this an excellent after-dinner pour, either alone or beside chocolate brownies and cream.