Flavour favours the bold wines? That’s not how it goes, but this goes down, right down with juicy blues fruits and sarsparilla flavours stirring with sandy tannins and something like blood orange. Add friends and a grill for perfection.

SC Pannell Dead End Tempranillo 2022

Rich and juicy with boysenberry, mulberry that feels like laying on a rich, comfy shag-pile of tannin. There’s a handful of lavender in there too, and a little punnet of plums and blue fruits.

Stonehaven Stepping Stone Malbec 2022

Well-balanced sweetness. Dark berries and plums that sparkle, or bubble even. Notes are worth journaling because they’re mulberry and a stingy piece of dark chocolate – apparently, I break off too much and need to be ‘monitored’ at family functions when the block comes out. Don’t worry, it’s on my list of things to work through with my therapist.

Gudilly Sparkling Shiraz NV

Offer up glasses of flowing, liquored berries, sweet cherries and some blackcurrant essence tonight to yourself or those lucky enough to be in your (and this bottle’s) company. Soft n plush with enough tannin to keep you engaged, even after the conversation has lulled and everyone’s on Insta.

Gudilly Shiraz 2022

Philosophers say that even in dreams, we create problems because we want something to overcome. I have this recurring dream where, despite pouring from a full 750ml bottle, I can’t fill up my glass with the 150mls I want which means I only ever get to enjoy just a sip of all the black currant cassis and tobacco a wine like this offers.

Gudilly Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

There’s also a solider of perfectly toasted raisin bread, and hints of pepper. As you’ve already inferred, it’s a wine that offers up a new note/layer with every sip, on top of what you’ve already identified and loved.

Michael Hall Sang de Pigeon Shiraz 2022

Semprevino translates to ‘Always Wine’ and these are made with that effortless approach we love European bistros, tavernas and bars for. When we’re lucky enough to be on the continent, we mostly get what we’re given, and everything just fits perfectly into the meal, the mood, the second-hand smoke and the street noise to be a beautiful part of the experience.

Semprevino Shiraz 2021

This is a wine you won't soon forget. Deep saturating plum, liquorice strap and some earthy spice play beautifully alongside vanillin oak and just a flash of bitumen-like reduction, with a concentration of fruit flavour that will linger on your mind long after the bottle empties.

Lloyd Brothers Hills + Coast Shiraz 2021

Stonehaven Stepping Stone Shiraz 2021

Coonawarra Cabernet, it's iconic and the winemakers at Balnaves have been producing unbelievable vintages for years. This Cab. Merlot is dials up the approachability and is a sure fire hit at a family dinner. it If you want to flex a little wine knowledge, it's full of cassis and some herby depth, and pencil shavings.