Taylors ‘Heritage Release’ Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
A founding member of’ Australia’s First Family of Wines’, Taylors have been in Clare Valley since the late ‘60s. Good Cabernet is distinctive, and this has the essential scents of blackcurrant, graphite, dark cocoa, plum and lavender. Medium bodied, with a balance that many Aussie reds would be envious of. Intensely fruity, with oak, tannin and acidity all in shadowy, supporting roles, providing backbone and structure but not intruding. A dry, savoury finish. 92pts

The Black Pig Merlot McLaren Vale 2022 may be better known historically for its classic Shiraz, and in recent times for a new wave of Grenache… but you shouldn’t underestimate the Merlot from this sub-region in South Australia. Typical of Merlot, the perfume is brimming with ripe plum, backed up with bramble, and a lovely green edge of gum, sage and crushed herbs. A gentle season of spice and vanilla from the oak and fine, softer tannins. Smooth and well-rounded, it is a great all-rounder.

Le XV du President 2022
The Languedoc region of southern France has some of the world’s best Grenache vineyards – some over 100 years old. The vines here can produce wines that are in line with the blockbuster reds of the Barossa in Australia. Here you’ll find fleshy dark fruits – blackberry, raspberry and red cherries saturating the palate, backed by texture and tannin to match. Supple, velveteen and generous. The succulent fruit is rich and flows into the glossy finish with real staying power. 90pts

Strout Road Vintners McLaren Vale Cabernet Malbec 2021
There’s no doubt that Laithwaites have a tempting library of McLaren Vale wines. In this plush red combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, the nose shows characters of both varietals. Blueberry and exotic spice meets cassis and pomegranate. Some firm tannin keeps things in check, but the intensity and concentration bleeds into the palate – vigorous and smile-inducing. A little herbal and spice around the edges, but it is all about that ripe, slinky fruit. A long, drying finish. 92pts

Marauding Vintners Doctor Durif 2023
In California, Durif is often known as Petite Syrah, and the varietal is considered to be a cross of Syrah and Peloursin grapes. The ‘Doctor Durif’ has the tell-tale glass-staining black colour and equally dark aromas of bramble, liquorice, cassis, cherry and black pepper. As well as fruity notes, look for a mocha element in the palate that is distinctive and appealing. You’d expect a big red from South Australia to have weight and ripeness, and you won’t be disappointed here. A sleek, fruity wine with plenty of tannin, structure too.