Winemaker Justin Bubb splits his year between Tasmania (Pooley Wines) and Tuscany, where he makes a delicious collection of wines under the Babo label. There are a couple of firsts here; this is the first Chianti to be bottled under screwcap and it's one of the first to be bottled in a Burgundy bottle as opposed to the traditional Claret shape (for the Fiasco wicker bottle!) For this Chianti-Beaujolais hybrid, Justin has employed whole berry fermentation with roughly 30% carbonic maceration, simply fermented and then raised in concrete vats for six months. It's a wonderfully bright and aromatic Sangiovese with notes of raspberry and red cherry, good texture and lightweight tannins, with sappy acidity and a thirst quenching finish.

Santa Cristina offers a red colour with purple highlights. The nose shows notes of ripe cherries, typical aromas both of Sangiovese and of Syrah well integrated with the balsamic sensation of mint which characterize merlot. Pleasurable sensations of vanilla and coffee complete the bouquet. The palate is soft and ample with a fruity finish and aftertaste. The grape varieties were fermented separately. After destemming and a soft pressing, the grapes were macerated on their skins for approximately one week in stainless steel tanks. During this phase, the wine finished its fermentation at a temperature held to a maximum of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees centigrade). The wine was then racked and terminated its malolactic fermentation by the end of the year. The wine aged for a few months in small oak barrels and began to be bottled in November of 2018. Antinori is a name synonymous with wine in Italy, the equivalent of the royal family of wine in the country. Intimately involved in the wine industry of Italy since 1385, initially in Tuscany, but in more recent years their influence has grown seeing them involved in wine-making projects across the country. They were instrumental in the renaissance of Chianti and their portfolio of wines includes some stellar names such as Tignanello - the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc blend that was most influential in the Super Tuscan movement, Solaia - the Cabernet dominant blend also from the Tignanello Estate and the beautiful Peppoli Chianti Classico.

Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is ruby red in colour. The nose shows intensely fruity notes of ripe cherries, red currants, and wild berry fruit along with well integrated notes of toasted oak and tobacco, and a touch of balsamic sensations. The palate is ample and enveloping, savory, soft in its tannins and velvety in texture. The finish and aftertaste are long and persistent. Antinori is a name synonymous with wine in Italy, the equivalent of the royal family of wine in the country. Intimately involved in the wine industry of Italy since 1385, initially in Tuscany, but in more recent years their influence has grown seeing them involved in wine-making projects across the country. They were instrumental in the renaissance of Chianti and their portfolio of wines includes some stellar names such as Tignanello - the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc blend that was most influential in the Super Tuscan movement, Solaia - the Cabernet dominant blend also from the Tignanello Estate and the beautiful Peppoli Chianti Classico.

The 2016 Vino Nobile Montepulciano shows an intense ruby red colour. The nose is marked by fruity notes well balanced by hints of vanilla and violets. On the palate, the wine is balanced and pleasurable and is characterized by the notable persistence of aromas of cherries and strawberries. A long finish with delicate sensations of vanilla and supple tannins completes the tasting experience. The Tenuta Braccesca in Montepulciano was purchased by Marchesi Antinori in 1990 and consists of 151 hectares of vineyards between the towns of Montepulciano and Cortona with a further 87 hectares situated in the prime Montepulciano real estate of Cervognano, Graciano and Santa Pia. The local clone of Sangiovese, Prugnolo Gentile is planted along with non-indigenousvarieties such as Merlot and Syrah. The range includes the delicious 100% Syrah wine, Achello and Bramasole from the Cortona DOC, the Sangiovese blend, Sabazio Vino Rosso di Montepulciano and the stunning 100% Prugnolo Gentile, Vigneta Santa Pia designated as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva.

Bright cherry red. Sweet red cherries on the nose with hints of thyme, fennel and dried bay leaf. Mouth-filling tannins with sweet red cherry flavours and a hint of spice on the finish. Chargrilled eye fillet. The fruit was machine harvested into 2.5t steel bins, transported directly to the winery for immediate processing. Crushed to static fermenters it was pumped over twice a day for approximately 20mins each time. During which time the temperature and acid levels were monitored constantly and adjusted when necessary, after completing fermentation the wine was pressed to tank using an air bag press. It was racked off gross lees directly to barrel to finish malolactic fermentation and mature in mainly older used barriques. The barrels were checked and topped each month. Tar & Roses home is in Nagambie Central Victoria and produces wines inspired by classic varietals from the Mediterranean and was named after the signature characteristics of Nebbiolo. The name also ties back to the winemaking team behind the venture, the legendary Don Lewis and his winemaking partner Narelle King. Following the passing of Don in 2017 this represents the final vintage of his great career with Narelle now carrying on the Tar & Roses tradition in 2018 and beyond. Tar & Roses produce one of Australia's leading Pinot Grigios known for its characteristic dusty pink colour. Tar & Roses sources the majority of red fruit from areas across central Victoria such as Heathcote, an ideal region for Italian and Spanish varietals and classic "Australian" Shiraz.