They said he was 'aluado' ('loony') but the ever inventive José Neiva Correia has proved his doubters wrong. Alicante Bouschet produces some of the world's deepest coloured wines and is often used to enhance Portugal's top reds. Here you find it in its pure form thanks to José. A legend of Portuguese wine, he combines generations of tradition with an inquisitive spirit undimmed at 60+ years of age. Following on from last year's triple Gold medal triumph, José again used grapes from his own historic estate, Quinta de Porto Franco, which dates back to the 12th century and is thought to be the oldest vineyard in Alenquer. Thanks to a great season, Aluado 2017 is a big, rich wine best served with roast meats - try with pork or rack of lamb.

A superb WA classic from Five Red Star Howard Park, originally set up by John Wade and named in honour of his father, now part of Burch Family Wines, a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wines. “No barrel fermentation or lees working, the two varieties having a close natural affinity with each other. Citrus and green pea marry with passionfruit and gooseberry, citrus the lead player. One of those wines made for consumption, not nerdy wine conversation... 91 points” (Halliday).

Rich and ripe, blueberry and chocolate flavours, tempered by savoury tannins and well balanced acidity. Pikes Wines is a beautiful location at Polish Hill River, near Sevenhill in the wonderful Clare Valley. With a history dating back to 1878, the Pike family has a past rooted in winemaking. Current custodians, Neil & Andrew form a formidable partnership creating wines that express terroir magnificently. Neil Pike grew up amongst his father, Edgars vineyards in Langhorne Creek and Padthaway . After doing a vintage in 1978 at Wynns Coonawarra he decided to study wine production and marketing at Roseworthy College. After he graduated in 1981, Neil worked as a winemaker making wine for several Clare Valley wineries before starting Pikes with brother Andrew in 1984. He has now completed 38 vintages in the Clare Valley. Andrew was introduced to the wine industry through his father Edgars vineyards in Langhorne Creek and Padthaway. Andrew attended Roseworthy Agricultural College, graduating in 1976 with a Diploma in Agriculture, and immediately joined Wynns Coonawarra Estate. After almost 4 years at Coonawarra, he joined Penfolds Wines in 1979 where he established a new vineyard project in the Clare Valley. The seeds for Pikes Wines were immediately sown, as he quickly realised Clares potential. Andrew become General Manger Vineyard Operations for the Southcorp Wine Group where he was responsible for over 6000 ha of corporate vineyard and all grape supply on a global basis. During this time he was also involved in the establishment of Pikes Wines in the Polish Hill River Valley sub region of Clare. In 1998 Andrew resigned his position at Southcorp to assist his brother Neil in the running of the Pikes family business.

If you’re a long-standing customer who enjoys a drop of decent mature Bordeaux, chances are you’ve heard of Château Ramage La Batisse. If you haven’t, it’s a remarkable cru bourgeois from the Haut-Médoc that’s only a short stroll from First Growth Châteaux Lafite and Mouton Rothschild. Our Bordeaux Buyer Jean-Marc Sauboua has known the family for years and they always give him first refusal on their latest releases. Which is lucky for us – and you – because the family hoard their finest vintages for years, only parting with them when they’re ready to enjoy. This 2015 is supple and approachable now, but will develop over the next few years and maintain peak form for a few after that. Open an hour or two before serving with your Sunday roast.

Classic Rioja fans will love this red, with all its moreish, silky, ripe berry fruit tempered by toasty spice. No wonder the late Spanish expert John Radford listed Primicia among his top 20 Rioja bodegas. It’s a family estate, founded by three brothers, and has over the years won many awards. This 2019 is made from 100% strawberry scented Tempranillo, from mature, low yielding vineyards. Winemaker Fernando Domingo matured the wine in American oak barrels for four months – just enough to flatter the fruit with gentle toasty spice and hints of vanilla, while letting plenty of exuberant, youthful, fruit character shine through. A delight on its own, this wine is spot on with garlic chicken, lamb chops with rosemary or a selection of tapas.

Classic single vineyard Barossa shiraz made from old vines on the western ridge of the valley. There’s opulence, fruit weight, fine tannins and a long finish on this one. Wild yeast has been utilised before nearly two months in a mix of new and seasoned French and American oak. Plum, mulberry and clove jump out of the glass upon first whiff. The palate expands even further with vanilla, licorice, dark chocolate and graphite. Smoothness, complexity and depth all wrapped up in a velvety package. This is really, really good vino.