Australia
Torbreck 2020 Woodcutter’s Shiraz
A generous Barossa Shiraz built around fleshy plum, dark cherry and a hint of cola, with chocolate, menthol and toasty oak adding depth. The palate is silky and full, showing the producer's signature richness while powerful, woody tannins frame the fruit. A warm, savoury finish makes it a natural partner for slow-cooked beef, grilled lamb or smoky barbecue dishes. Decant briefly before serving.
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.
Somos 2022 Biodynamic Vermentino McLaren Vale
Citrus blossom, green apple and ripe lemon lead, followed by white peach, sea spray and a faint nutty note. The palate is crisp yet layered, with bright acidity running through a creamy, lees-shaped texture. A gentle savoury edge and briny minerality keep the fruit precise, carrying citrus and orchard fruit into a clean, refreshing finish.
Shaw and Smith 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
A vibrant, polished Sauvignon Blanc with bright peach and citrus at the centre and delicate floral notes adding lift. The palate carries the same energetic fruit across a smooth, lightly creamy texture, avoiding overt green pungency in favour of clarity and balance. A long, refreshing finish keeps the wine poised and food-friendly. Serve well chilled with shellfish, fresh goat cheese or herb-led salads.
Dutschke NV The Muscat
Raisin, orange peel and dark fruitcake lead, layered with caramel, molasses, coffee and butterscotch. The palate is lusciously sweet and deeply concentrated, with years in seasoned oak adding richness and depth. High acidity keeps the texture balanced and surprisingly lively, carrying toffee, dried fruit and warm spice through a superbly long, generous finish.
Luke Lambert 2019 Crudo Rosé Yarra Valley
A shining peach-orange hue introduces fragrant cherry, strawberry and peach, with subtle musk and spice. The palate is dry, light on its feet and briskly fresh, combining juicy red fruit with a gentle savoury edge. Fine acidity keeps the soft texture focused through a clean, mouthwatering and quietly aromatic finish.
d’Arenberg 2018 The Twenty Eight Road Mourvèdre
Distinctive and savoury, with raspberry and red plum alongside iodine, woodland mushroom and a green herbal lift. The palate carries vivid fruit into gamey, earthy territory, held by fine-grained tannins and a welcome sense of freshness. Its structure is firm but measured, with more complexity set to emerge over time; decanting now will help the layered, savoury detail come forward.
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.
Paxton 2017 Thomas Block Grenache
A bright and lifted Grenache with fresh strawberry and red cherry joined by crushed rose petal and a dusting of white pepper. The palate is rounded and buoyant, its juicy red fruit held in shape by lively acidity and soft, sandy tannins. Light enough to serve slightly chilled yet full of detail, it suits charcuterie, mild cheese, grilled vegetables or simply seasoned poultry.
d’Arenberg 2018 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier
A fragrant Shiraz-led red with blackberry, plum and black cherry at the core, brightened by a small portion of co-fermented Viognier. Peach and apricot add aromatic lift, while peppery spice and savoury detail give the palate shape. Generous yet harmonious, it balances ripe dark fruit with freshness and fine structure, offering immediate appeal alongside grilled lamb, roast duck or richly seasoned vegetables.
d’Arenberg The Nostalgia Rare Tawny NV
Walnut, toasted almond and mature rancio notes open into dried pear, apple and fig, with cinnamon, toffee and marmalade adding warmth. The palate is sweet, concentrated and velvety, balancing caramel richness with seasoned oak and a savoury nutty edge. Long and layered through the finish, it works beautifully with blue cheese or almond desserts.
D’Arenberg 2015/18 Riesling Dry Dam
The Dry Dam Riesling 2015 has exotic aromas of green apple, ripe citrus and white flowers. The palate is quite rich and textural, with intense mandarin and grapefruit flavours. There's a little sweetness, but this is beautifully balanced with tight, youthful acidity, resulting in a long, mouth-watering finish.
Hesketh Ebenezer 2018 Grenache
Bright and generous, with red cherry, strawberry and cranberry fruit lifted by bergamot and a thread of dried herbs. The palate is supple and rounded, bringing ripe berry richness into balance with earthy spice and a gently savoury line. Full-flavoured without feeling heavy, it finishes long and composed, making an easy match for roast pork, charred vegetables or herb-crusted lamb.
Gemtree 2019 Uncut Shiraz
A deeply coloured, youthful Shiraz with generous dark berry fruit, warm spice and well-judged oak in close harmony. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, supported by abundant tannins that remain polished and supple rather than hard. Intensity builds through a long, savoury finish while the fruit stays bright and accessible. A confident partner for grilled lamb, beef or smoky aubergine.
Tait 2018 Ball Buster
A full-bodied Barossa blend driven by Shiraz, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon adding roundness and structure. Dark berry fruit and savoury spice lead into a rich, juicy palate, while time in seasoned French and American oak brings gentle toast rather than overt sweetness. Balanced and persistent, it is built for generous food: grilled steak, braised beef or smoky sausages.
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.
Hope Estate 2018 Wollombi Brook Semillon
Crisp and focused, opening with lime, lemon and green apple over a clean, lightly textured palate. Bright acidity gives the wine drive and clarity, making the youthful citrus character especially refreshing. With bottle age, the style is expected to develop gentle toast and added savoury complexity while retaining its freshness. A natural choice for oysters, simply prepared shellfish, grilled white fish or fresh goat cheese.
Massena 2017 Fruit Salad Block Field Blend
Rose petal, candied citrus and ripe stone fruit open with ginger, exotic spice and a light green-herbal note. The palate is sleek and electric, balancing juicy fruit with perky acidity and a fine saline mineral edge. Light on its feet yet texturally detailed, it finishes fresh and persistent, with aromatic lift and a gently savoury close.