George Wyndham was one of the founding fathers of the Australian wine industry after planting the first commercial vineyard in 1830. Wine like this Cabernet Merlot pay tribute to George with its rich blackcurrant and cassis flavours, complemented by plum flavours and soft tannins. A great match with a variety of red meat and game dishes, Mediterranean cuisine and cheese.

Water Wheel, the famed Bendigo wine producer trots out superb reds year after year. On this occasion though, the price stopped us dead in our tracks. Especially when the sourcing here is premium all the way; the estate vineyards near Bendigo, plus top tier vineyards in Heathcote, the Pyrenees and Grampians regions. With all portions destined for far higher priced wines, this is a scoop to dive on. Cascading black and purple fruits, plush and silky from start to finish, all wrapped in lovely length and structure. Sensational!

A medium bodied wine generously flavoured with chocolate and dark berry fruit flavours. A perfect accompaniment of everything from pizza to aged cheddar and the winemaker's choice, pecorino.

Lifted ripe plums and a red berry fruit notes complimented by hints of clove and vanilla bean spices. The palate has a supple fruit core of juicy dark plum and bright red berry fruit notes dominate, held together by fine grained tannins across the mid palate with a lovely acid line. Evans & Tate

Penola is one of the original producers in Coonawarra and they have a long and healthy track record with their Cabernet. This wine is elegant and well balanced with loads of dark fruits, a decent dollop of spicy oak and impressive length and character. It is medium bodied and finishes with nice some tannic grip. This is a Coonawarra Cabernet that will save on the purse strings and amaze the senses. Pairs up perfectly with a rich beef dish.

Fresh red and black fruits, vanilla, black pepper, and touches of fines herbes. On the palate the cabernet is fruity, with notes of toffee and vanilla, mild tannins, elegant and persistent. Match with your favourite bbq meats.

Elgin's crossing commemorates pioneering vigneron John Riddoch's outward voyage to Australia aboard the sailing ship lady Elgin in 1851. Riddoch went on to become an influential figure in South Australia, establishing the Coonawarra fruit colony in 1890.

This sought after Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits complex aromas of blackcurrant, anise, cracked pepper and dried herbs, with subtle hints of earthy notes. Densely layered, mouth-filling flavours of baking spice, dark chocolate, plums and rhubarb are enveloped in a firm yet inviting tannin structure. The meticulous use of French oak complements the fruit derived flavours and leads to an everlasting finish. Pair with venison, or with braised mushrooms served on polenta.

Pioneer of the Coonawarra region, John Riddoch, lends his name to the highway that dissects the famous 'terra rossa' dominated region which is home to some of Australia's premier red wine vineyards. The fruit for this evocative Shiraz is sourced from some of these vineyards and is aged in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months to develop increased complexity. Exuding plum and red fruit aromas with just a tiny hint of oak that supports the rich textured palate. Perfect for enjoying today or for careful medium term cellaring.

John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.