For John Hughes, the attraction to Riesling is all encompassing. Growing up on a small vineyard in the Clare Valley, and going on to work with some of the brightest Riesling makers in the country before launching his own venture, John is never far away from his beloved grape. John makes classic Australian styles from carefully selected vineyards with an emphasis on purity and site reflection, as well as German-inspired expressions that balance acidity and sugar with singular precision.

For John Hughes, the attraction to Riesling is all encompassing. Growing up on a small vineyard in the Clare Valley, and going on to work with some of the brightest Riesling makers in the country before launching his own venture, John is never far away from his beloved grape. John makes classic Australian styles from carefully selected vineyards with an emphasis on purity and site reflection, as well as German-inspired expressions that balance acidity and sugar with singular precision.

Within Kiedrich’s Gräfenberg Grand Cru lies a small 0.5-hectare parcel once known as the Gräfenberg-Lay. Sitting in one of the steepest portions of the vineyard, the Lay is located at the transition between Gräfenberg and Turmberg and is known for having the highest concentration of phyllite slate on the hill. The vines here are now between 40 and 60 years old. This site was originally purchased by Dr Robert Weil in the 19th century, using the dowry from his marriage to Emilie von Vacano (a descendant of the Vacano family in Lombardy). The wine from this parcel, called Monte Vacano (the Hill of Vacano) was always produced and bottled alone. It was used only for celebratory occasions and never released for sale. Following Weil's death in 1921, the tradition of Monte Vacano fell dormant, and the fruit was incorporated into a regular Gräfenberg bottling. Compared to the Gräfenberg GG, Monte Vacano trades power and richness for exceptional purity, elegance and detail. Resurrecting the old custom, 2021 marks the fourth Riesling in a century made solely from this special lieu-dit. It was harvested in October, and the grapes were whole bunch-pressed into two ancient refurbished Stückfässer (1,200-litre casks) where the wine fermented wild and spent almost two years on lees before bottling.

Bollinger Special Cuvée is unquestionably one of the finest of all French champagnes, the Bollinger style is distinctive for its full-bodied toasty character derived from a high proportion of Pinot Noir and the inclusion of base wine that has been matured in oak.

The structure is defined by wonderful balance. The style is vigorous and frank, with a surprisingly rich middle palate, finishing with lively vivacity. Domaine Christian Salmon Sancerre leaves one with an overall sensation of elegance and harmony

The thrilling energy of this splendid season charges it with a vibrancy and definition that places this blend on a plateau elevated high above even the lofty heights that this cuvee has attained under the new Charles Heidsieck. In searching for any other entry non-vintage cuvee to which to compare it, I can fathom none short of the mesospheric heights of Krug itself. In sheer age (current Krug Grande Cuvee is only one year older) and depth of reserves, this Charles Heidsieck splendidly upholds its elevated position among Champagne's richer NVs... In sheer, breathtaking calibre for the price, this is the greatest Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve I can remember. It deserves to be the house champagne we all have chilled perpetually at the ready this year. Rating: 96/100.

Yabby Lake's 'no expense spared' approach to viticulture and winemaking, is amply demonstrated in this super Pinot; fresh and fruity with secondary nuances, will please all Pinot lovers on a budget.

Tim Kirk has quickly become Australia's Shiraz-Superstar. With cool-climate vineyards that are managed pefectly and with expert guidance, Clonakilla is a must have for all serious wine lovers. Tim's Hilltops Shiraz has luscious dark Shiraz fruit, with blackberry, roasted meat and gentle spice in the background. The tannins are ripe, the fruit juicy, the finish long and savoury. Superb.

Is this Australia's best Chardonnay? If not then it shares the rarified air reserved for only the finest examples. Rich yet restrained, with mineral notes, cashew and almond meal, amazing fruit complexity and wonderful length...why not try the benchmark?