Castillo Ygay Tempranillo from the famed Rioja region in Spain was one of the stars of the show at the recent Dan Murphy's Wines of the World Expo! Complex roasted chestnut/mocha/dark berry/leather fruit with superb richness, underlying savoury nuances and ripe chocolaty tannins. Although matured for 31 months in American oak, the oak and fruit integration is sublime.

Coonawarra is regarded as Australia's premier region for Cabernet Sauvignon. The Reschke properties are located on the famous strip of 'terra rossa' soil in Coonawarra and has been owned by the family for almost 100 years. The fruit selected for Empyrean is the best on their 10.8 acre site and is only made in exceptional years.

Château Brane-Cantenac sits in a prime position on the plateau of Cantenac and makes full use of its excellent terroir. No doubt something that Baron de Brane was aware of and along with his viticultural talents were the reasons behind the estates rise to fame. Now tended by the Lurton family, the wines continue to be in great hands. Of the 2009 vintage, Henri Lurton is known to have said that the winery was enveloped in aromas of raspberry and blackberry even before fermentation began! Even though fruit ripeness is an obvious trait, the balance and structure of the wine are also clearly evident which will see the wine age for a decade or two more.

One word - legend. Jack Mann served Houghton for a remarkable 51 consecutive vintages. His determination to create wines of intensity, elegance and regional character have inspired a generation of Australian winemakers to achieve great things. Simply one of this country's greatest Cabernets, this wine is not just single vineyard fruit, the selection process is so rigorous that often it is just a few rows from the Justin Vineyard. Such is the reverence for that great man - Jack Mann.