Balnaves 2006 The Blend

How do they do it for the price? Balnaves make several more expensive reds than this, but it's hard to beat when it comes to price/quality ratio. Evocative aromas and lashings of berry/chocolate and oak on the palate. Flavoursome and delicious. $19.

Yarrabank 2004 Cuvee

Yarrabank is a joint venture between Champagne house Devaux and Yering Station. As you'd expect, the end result is top notch. There's a complex nose, followed by tight, focused fruit on a delicately structured palate. Delicious! $35.

Petaluma 2005 Coonawarra

An outstanding cabernet merlot blend from the ever-reliable Petaluma winery - with just a dash of petit verdot and malbec added. Better than a lot of Bordeauxs with its ripe fruit flavours combined with elegance and structure. Beautiful! $65.

Hollick 2005 Hollaia

This is Coonawarra winery Hollick's excellent take on SuperTuscans. A blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon, it has lovely sweet/savoury aromas and is beautifully structured with attractive fruit and soft tannins. A terrific food wine. $24.

Cargo Road 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

The Orange region is well suited to producing beautifully balanced sauvignons blanc. This is neither too herbaceous, or overloaded with tropical fruit. There are some nice crisp apple flavours, citrus, gooseberry and zingy acid. $22.

De Bortoli 2006 Noble One

De Bortoli have have inspired a legion of imitators but this remains the standout stickie in Australia; a stylish botrytis semillon with intense aromas and a rich, luscious palate oozing with stone fruit and citrus flavours. Great with blue cheese. $30.

Kumeu River 2006 Hunting Hill Chardonnay

This New Zealand winery makes oustanding chardonnays at a range of price points, but this indivdual vineyard wine is absolutely brilliant with lovely balance and great acidity. Powerful but elegant, this would be superb with a roast leg of pork. $58.