Full of value and midweek bliss, but with a nice bit of weekend class. It’ll impress the heck out of your parents at your next lunch, or become a regular favourite whenever you can get your hands on a bottle.

Woodvale Sharegarden Shiraz 2021

This is another multi-generational banger that'll suit every family member at the lunch/dinner table, especially if the BBQs on and your best griller has the tongues. We love it for the chewy tannins and generosity of the fruit. It also just feels exactly like a McLaren Vale Grenache blend should, whilst still being original, and creative.

Paralian Blewitt Springs Grenache Shiraz 2023

The queen on the Osicka throne. Moormbool is nearly imposing with its tannin, but still at a manageable weight thanks to fleshy, ripe berries that seem to swell on the palate before a sprinkling of dusty pepper and cooling herbs come through. These are some of the oldest vines Osicka has so expect depth and don’t be afraid to cellar this.

Paul Osicka Moormbool Reserve Shiraz 2022

Sure, you’ll get plenty of red fruits and currants meaning it’s great for everyone at the lunch table, but those flavours are playing a supporting role. So much length and drive, it’s good to turn the volume way up every now and again.

La Cabotte Cotes du Rhone Colline Rouge 2022

All melody, no naïvety. This is the latest in our series on place and focuses on a darling region, Heathcote. This has everything we love because home is where we want to be, so there’s mulberry, peonies, compote spice and liqueured forest berries delivered glass after glass. There’s no need to speak in tongues, this is approachable and for everyone at the table.

This Must Be The Place Heathcote Shiraz 2023

Plum pudding and just the tiniest touch of vanilla sweetness. It’s the plush raspberries and maraschino cherries that’ll have you coming back, and the fact you nailed your pasta sauce. Again. This is why the Italian tourism board doesn't waste time with marketing, the wine and pasta makers do the work for them.

Borgo Cipressi Montepulciano d Abruzzo 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

A richly-fruited McLaren Vale Shiraz showing off everything there is to love about this pocket of South Australia. Dark berries and plums play alongside some graphite-like minerality, and prominent tannins thanks to a good dollop of French oak. This drinks like a warm embrace on a cool night, while Smooth Operator plays softly in the background.

Lloyd Brothers Estate Shiraz 2021

Baddaginnie Run is true to style with rich plum, liquored cherry, a lick of black pepper, and a smidge of vanilla bean on the palate. Perfect with your best beef stew, or your favourite lentil soup.

Baddaginnie Run Shiraz 2019

Sweet notes of blueberry, generous plum and dark liquorice are all wrapped up with some nice, rich tannin for a crowd-pleaser of the highest order.

The Winner's Tank Shiraz 2021

Crushed violets and blackcurrants with a ribbon of red apple skin. They’re bottling harmony in Margies, and it comes with some lifting dried tobacco and a drop of olive brine. Simultaneously classic and uniquely perfect like that coastline.

Deep Woods Estate Reserve Cabernet 2022

Aged for two years in large oak to develop smooth elegance and the big, intense fruitiness we’re all longing for. Palate is all full and luscious with black fruit. You’re going to really love this.

Taylors Fine Ruby Port 750ml

Ripe, sweet vanilla and plums that play out with liquorice spice, prunes, figs and peaches. It might read like a bit of a shopping list, but it’s what dreams are made of and it’s all one bottle!! To make it all even better, pair it with your favourite tomatoey comfort food.