Gigondas always seems to play the little-brother role to Chateauneuf du Pape, but these wines can be very, very good. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre vinified in the purest tradition, this wine is opulent now and will age well for the next 8 or 10 years.

This pleasingly rich and unusual blend of Grenache and Cabernet Franc from the Clare Valley offers a bouquet of ripe cherries and plums. The palate shows spicy fruit flavour and soft tannins.

Establishing itself as a premier Adelaide Hills producer back in 1983, Paracombe continue to set the standard in the region. 'The Reuben' is a brilliant reflection of the dedication and expertise put into the winery byKathy and Paul Drogemuller. A Merlot dominant blend of five grape varieties, The Reuben showcases the best of Paracombe and its micro-climate. The palate is generous and finely structured with rich, sweet fruit driven flavours of fresh loganberries and raspberries interspersed with savoury and spicy notes. The Reuben is a great food wine and complements many styles of food.

Bahans Haut Brion is the second wine of the famous Chateau Haut Brion of Pessac Léognan and is usually excellent buying, at only a fraction of the price of its bigger brother. Fruit forwards, soft round stylish offering hints of figs, plums, black currants, cherries and minerals.. Soft with supple tannins.

Château Lanessan continues to be a true bargain in the Bordeaux world. Lanessan produces wines that at first seem firm, but flesh out with marvellous fruit with good richness. Lanessan is also a very consistant producer, creating wines of quality from questionable vintages. The great thing is that you don't have to worry too much about 'questionable' vintage when looking at this superb 2009. The Bordeaux Gods have definitely been smiling on communes and produced wines of utmost concentration and power. Lanessan did not miss out with the licquorice, spice and blackcurrant rich wine that will reward the Bordeaux bargain hunter for the next decade or more.

Te Kahu is a wine of richness, with lovely black fruit flavours, hints of spice and long, fine graceful finish. From gravelly soil, it is made very much in the image of good Bordeaux.

The name Batailley boasts a long and proud history. The vineyard sits on a plateau to the west of Mouton Rothschild and is planted in the classic Pauillac wine appellation proportions with Cabernet Sauvignon the dominant varietal. The name is said to derive from a