Mt Bera have been one of our quiet favourites for years. Exceptional quality, serious value and a consistency that makes every new release a very safe bet. This 2021 shiraz is one of their best. It's the kind of red that works on a Tuesday night and a Saturday night in equal measure. Generous enough to be approachable, powerful enough to be interesting. Something for everyone. People tend to forget about Adelaide Hills shiraz. In a good year though - and 2021 was a very good year - it produces something that stops you mid-conversation and makes you really think about what your tasting. Fresh, vibrant and genuinely fun to drink - ripe red cherry, raspberry, wild herbs and a choc-orange character that gives it a playfulness without ever sacrificing substance. The tannins are fine and powdery, the mouthfeel is lively and energetic, and there's enough grunt and depth underneath all that freshness to satisfy anyone who likes their shiraz with a bit of serious backbone. This is one of those wines that just ends up disappearing from the cellar far before you thought it would - and for this price, why not?!

Drink : Now - 2032

Beechworth doesn't do ordinary. Neither do these two winemakers. Grown at arguably the coolest grenache site in the entire country, this is about as far from a warm-climate, fruit-bomb grenache as you can get. Instead think pinot noir - because that's exactly how it's made. Perfumed, fine-boned and seriously sophisticated. We're in love. The two winemakers behind this are among the most respected names in one of Australia's most premium cool-climate regions - a viticulturist and winemaker whose combined obsession with quality shows in every single bottle they put their names to. When these guys make something, people pay attention. If you love pinot noir and you haven't explored cool-climate Grenache yet, this is your entry point. This one unfurls itself with mulberry, blue and red fruits at the core, lavender, anise, bay leaf and a smoky charcuterie complexity that gives it a savoury depth that's completely captivating. The tannins are fine, the palate flows long and effortlessly, and the finish lingers in the best possible way.

Drink : Now - 2031

This is an old-school, proper GSM from McLaren Vale. This is where the region's Mediterranean vibes and the producer's five generations of winemaking know-how come together in spectacular fashion. We can't mention the name of the producer, but let's just say that these guys are firmly a household name. Don't miss out, this is an absolute belter! The grenache brings plush, juicy texture. Shiraz adds backbone and grip. Mourvèdre (or mataro) rounds it all out with depth and spice. You're getting dark fruit richness with whispers of Christmas cake, cinnamon and clove - the kind of aromatics that make you want to pour another glass before you've even finished pouring the first. On the palate it's smooth, generous and well-structured, with tannins that feel soft and slippery rather than chunky or blocky. The finish goes the distance, which is always a good sign. Brilliant with slow-cooked lamb, a big bowl of pasta, or paella if you're feeling fancy. Equally good on its own when you just want something to get the job down.

Drink : Now - 2030