First Creek are really winning over a lot of new fans, especially wine drinkers who may have previously not given the Hunter Valley its fair dues. In the glass: Deep garnet to purple. On the nose: Black and blueberry fruit, and spice. On the palate: Medium to full-bodied with luscious texture and soft tannins. Showing black cherry, blueberry and vanilla alongside red liquorice notes. Long and moreish.

Sparkling shiraz is as Australian as anything, and one of the best value is from Seppelt, with the current vintage drinking superbly. Surprisingly soft and plump with ripe and giving tannins; while it's dry, there's some sweet fruit sensation on the palate that helps with dishes that have heat spikes and spice, especially Indian. Lots of plum fruit, spice and earthy notes, too, with fine acid and the fizz hit offers a refreshing lift.

Crafted from grapes grown on the best block of 50-year-old Timbervines Vineyard, Margan White Label Shiraz proudly flaunts a brick red colour. Matured in old French oak barriques, the wine captivates you with aromas of tobacco leaf, blackcurrants and cassis flowing from the nose. Its rich & savoury palate is full of white pepper, licorice & blackberry characters, firm tannins, and cigar box notes, subtly balanced by crisp as well as lingering acidity. Try pairing it with smoky pulled pork or venison carpaccio for an enhanced taste.

Subtle aromas of vanillin oak and melon, with a hint of green pear. Oak and fruit are well balanced. A rich fruit palate combines with a creamy texture from the French Oak treatment. The aftertaste is clean, with lingering peach flavours. Drinks well now, but will continue to improve with 3-4 years further cellaring.

Floral fruit in youth, moving towards biscuity characters with age. A generally softer bodied palate with smoother acids than the Vat 1 and Belford Semillons.

This is a rich red wine displaying layers of red and blue fruits that are well complemented by sweetness ands tructure from the oak barrels. The presence of fine tannins and spicy notes contributes to the seamless palate, delivering a wine of greater character, intensity and balance. The wine is ready for immediate drinking but also has excellent potential for careful cellaring up to 10+ years.

Delicate, light sparkling wine. A classic, easy- drinking and refreshing. Aromas of citrus fruit, with a crisp mouth-feel and finish that lingers on and on.