Paxton 2008 MV Shiraz

The Paxton vineyards in McLaren Vale are farmed using biodynamic principles and the wines certainly shimmer with bright fruit. This is made from old vines and is a lovely shiny wine with appealing spicy dark berry characters, minimal oak and a delightfully silkly palate. Despite being the product of a warm year, the alcohol is relatively restrained at 14% thanks to the fruit having been picked early. Available from Dan Murphy's stores and a very good buy for $20.

Castagna Allegra 2008 Rosé

There are many good judges who believe Julian Castagna’s shiraz rosé from Beechworth in Victoria is the best in Australia. I wouldn't argue. It has an attractive fresh nose with plenty of character and texture on the palate. You’ll discover a kaleidoscope of flavours from tangy citrus and stone fruits through to savoury dark cherries. A serious rosé this one. Enjoy with a mezze plate. $38.

Cardinham Estate 2009 Riesling

I'm a sucker for dry Clare rieslings - and there were plenty of them from the excellent 2009 vintage. This is fresh and fruit-driven; more Germanic in style than most Clare rieslings with a lovely floral nose. That said, there is still plenty of zingy acidity and lashings of green apple and citrus on the palate, but less minerality than you might expect. This would be brilliant with Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. $20.

Leconfield 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Balance is the key to this superb Coonawarra cabernet, which is glorious, even in its youth. You'll find lashings of dark berry fruit here with French oak aiding and abetting but not intruding. There are hints of mint and spice but also plenty of richness and mouthfeel - a consequence of the warm vintage. While this will develop beautifully for a decade or more, it is already elegant and eminently drinkable. I'd pair it with a rack of lamb. $30.

Penfolds 2007 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz

Bin 389 is one of Australia's vinous treasures. Created by Max Schubert, who also made the early Granges, it is sometimes decribed as "baby Grange" because components of the wine are matured in barrels that held the previous vintage of Australia's most famous red. This is a stunning 389, tightly-focussed with bright dark fruits, immaculately integrated oak and ripe tannins. A wine of complexity and structure that will certainly repay cellaring - although it would be superb right now with a roasted lamb, goat or venison. $65.

Wine by Brad 2009 Rosé

What a fun wine this Western Australian rosé is; from the zingy fruit on the palate – which finishes quite dry – to the pop art label. There are fresh strawberries and cream flavours, hints of spice, and cleansing acid. Fresh and lively, this is a terrific little wine for picnics or parties. $17.

Syrahmi 2008 Maelstrom Heathcote Shiraz

Adam Foster is the sommelier at the Lake House in Daylesford, one of regional Australia's most outstanding restaurants. He's also a winemaker of considerable ability, as is underlined by this impressive shiraz made from fruit grown at Heathcote in central Victoria. It's a powerful and expressive wine with toasty oak prominent but also shows some restraint - not an easy trick to pull off. Fabulous drinking even in its youth. $50.