This Sparkling Shiraz by Bests has a deep red colour. An energetic mousse which settles to a very fine persistent bead. A very fragrant nose containing a Cornucopia of perennial herbs, exotic spices and cherry. A faint whiff of an ocean breeze adds to the interest. Succulent red fruits tingle in the mouth and lead to a soft savoury finish.

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.

Meet the black sheep of the Scarborough family, a Pinot Noir that defies the odds of a warm region with varietal charm. These days its a scarcity to find Pinot Noir in the Hunter Valley but Scarborough are firm believers in the style and select the best fruit possible to create a non-vintage style that is the best interpretation of the variety. Deliciously decadent. Fantastic with anything.

Elgins Crossing remembers vigneron John Riddochs voyage aboard the sailing ship Lady Elgin in 1851. Riddoch became an influential figure, establishing the Coonawarra Fruit Colony.This buoyant Coonawarra Sparkling Shiraz is typified by ample blackberry, mulberry, dark chocolate aromas and flavours, seductive panforte, smooth velvety textures, savoury spice and fine persistent bubbles. Delicious as an aperitif or with food. Serve chilled.

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.

Peter Rumball has been a constant in the world of great quality Australian Sparkling Shiraz. Made from 100% Coonawarra fruit, this is an elegant, but full-bodied style of sparkling with rich Shiraz fruit flavours. An absolute favourite during the festive times of the year.

Poole's Rock Chardonnay gives refreshing zesty flavours, lime juice, lemon zest, lemon grass, green melon, kiwi fruit with a lingering mineral line down the palate, a fresh mouth watering aftertaste.

A bright light emerging from the Hunter, Boydell's are kicking some goals already. The wines are made by the talented Liz Silkman, from quality fruit.Bright mid lemon colour. Subtle white peach and ginger aromas. Clean, dry and fresh with good citrussy fruit intensity and stonefruit depth in a youthful and spicy frame with good development potential.