Marauding Vintners ‘Miss Grigio’ Pinot Grigio 2023
Packed with crisp, bountiful flavours so typical of the variety – pear, brioche, ginger, lychee, grapefruit and honeysuckle. I’d served this well chilled as an aperitif. The palate has great flow from the zesty acidity, and there is a move from that steely green entry, into warmer, baking spice and breadcrumb notes as the wine evolves. I also liked the way that the texture gradually encircled all the fruit, giving a smooth, elegant finish. A great food wine – at any time of year.

The Black Pig “The Prize” McLaren Vale Shiraz 2021
Another in the line of very good South Australian Shiraz that Laithwaites offer from this label. The colour oozes richness – a dense dark purple. There is plum, boysenberry, black pepper and blackberry on the nose. A bold, full-bodied red that has that certain milk cocoa note that defines McLaren Vale, but also a bit of smoky spice as well. Plenty of toasty oak and generous tannin add backbone to that glossy juiciness. 91pts

Elderton ‘East Wing’ Barossa Shiraz 2021
Barossa wines are considered to be ground zero for Shiraz, and with good reason. They simply deliver! Plush flavours of cherry, bramble, mulberry and plum, plus the signature black pepper. The vanilla scent arrives courtesy of the oak, with a touch of baking spice along for the ride. The texture here is a soft cocoon that fills the mouth. Acidity is juicy and gives flow through the palate, into a gently spiced, warm finish. 90pts

Palacio del Conde Gran Seleccion 2019
Tempranillo from the Valencia region of Spain – 20km inland and about 100km south of Valencia itself. Where much of Spain’s reds used to be big, muscular styles, a new wave sees wines that are distinctly medium-bodied being made, and enjoyed. Flavours of redcurrant, raspberry, plum, fruitcake and toasted spice. There is plenty of oak to note here, and a vanilla-flecked flavour that comes from that seeps through the palate.

Dark Corner Durif Shiraz 2022
Made by winemaker David Joeky as a side project, with fruit from South Eastern Australia. If you’ve had Durif before, you’ll know to expect a flamboyantly ripe, weighty and spicy Aussie red. Dark colour and dark flavours of cherry, blackberry, liquorice, pepper and cacao nib. The fruit is central, with oak, tannin and acidity are all in alignment and supporting that plush fruit. There’s a distinctive espresso note at the back of the palate, and the finish is long and luxurious. 90pts