There would likely be few people who haven’t heard the Hardy name around, with a legacy going all the way back to the 1850s with the planting of some of South Australia’s first vines. So, when it comes to Geoff Hardy, great-great grandson of Thomas Hardy, it’s fair to say that skill and passion for the wine industry run in his blood. I sat with Geoff to taste this wine amidst the autumn leaves falling from the trees into the lake at his Kuitpo winery, and there was a resonance with this label itself. The wine was impressive, although Geoff’s humble attitude wouldn’t let you know that. It’s hard to put a price on a wine like this, and it’ll be the last thing you’re thinking about when you pour out the last drops from the bottle.

South Australia’s Limestone Coast is not quite as famous as a few neighbouring regions, and as a result the value to be found there is staggering. Take this delicious shiraz from a rock solid mofo fave producer. Its got beautiful intensity, with ripe raspberry highlights on the nose, and a velvety-smooth palate. Add in some earthiness and black fruits, plus a few seeds of vanilla bean and you’ll see why we are impressed. It’s a hearty wine for celebrating life, effortlessly matching to all kinds of winter fare and not having to think twice as you crack open your second bottle.

This is Tabalí’s Reserva cabernet, sourced from the Dom vineyard in Maipo Valley. For those in the know, it isn’t news that Chile provides some of the best bang for your buck cabernet anywhere in the world. The complexity, balance and length found in the price of a weeknight quaffer is unrivalled. This has lifted blackberry and blackcurrant, buttressed by some sneaky spicy notes and chalky fine tannins. You’d be hard pressed to find this wines compete at this price no matter where you look.