Bruno & George Eden Valley Montepulciano, Barossa Valley Montepulciano, or Monte as it is colloquially known among grape growers and winemakers in Australia, hails from the Apennines of Central Italy, particularly the mountainous regions of Abruzzo and the inland zones of neighbouring Marche. Capable of burly wines with a firm backbone of ferruginous tannins, bright acidity and a palette of darker fruit aspersions lifted by whiffs of dried tobacco and smoked meats, Montepulciano suits the torrid climate of much of Australia well, particularly the Barossa Valley. At Bruno & George, expect a full-bodied expression toned by consummate levels of extraction and high quality oak.

Bruno & George Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa Valley Shiraz may be the archetype of the Barossa, but there are those expressions that transcend the usual heavy-weights by virtue of the experience of those behind them. Such is the case with Bruno & George. Here, deep local knowledge and vast international experience applied to both viticulture and winemaking, comes up trumps. The result is a more transparent wine, mid-weighted of feel and flecked with scents of lilac, salumi, clove, iodine and ample blue fruits. A smooth operator in the mouth, with a long glide to the finish, chaperoned by polished tannins and a peppery lilt. The choice of used, rather than new wood, appropriate.

2017 Henschke The Rose Grower Nebbiolo,Crimson in colour with brick-red hues. Attractive aromas of red currant, red cherry and raspberry, with complex nuances of rosehip and orange brûleé. Rich and fruit-driven, with hints of orange, rosehip and toffee; the palate is elegantly balanced with layers of savoury texture, clean acidity and fine-grained tannins for a long, silky finish.

Medium depth, crimson with a red rim. Rich, ripe plum and mulberry jam with a dollop of cream on a fresh scone. The juicy fruits and creamy vanilla mingle on the palate with an amazingly fine bead. Saucy and savoury, secondary characters from the older base wines add to the complexity with suede-like tannins and balanced sweetness rounding off the finish.