Vintages Release: March 6, 2010

Tatachilla Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia $21.95 (80689) 14.5% alcohol
Expressive expansive aromas rip from the glass with black licorice, earthy notes and mixed dark berry fruit galore. A gusher of tangy ripe cherry flavour mingles with dark chocolate and racy cranberry that coat the palate and attack the senses. It’s full-bodied, fully textured and concentrated with a lingering fruity aftertaste. A big and bold crowd pleaser at any gathering, give this a go with a thick slab of grilled rib eye slathered in garlic served rare to medium rare. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: March 20, 2010

St Hallet ‘Faith’ Shiraz 2007
Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (980631) 14.5% alcohol
Here’s a flavourful Barossa Shiraz that’s not over worked or over done, but balanced and beautiful with food. Expressive aromas of black pepper, eucalyptus and dark berry fruit give way to flavours of juicy ripe Bing cherry, spice and espresso roast. Mid weight and beautifully textured, this delivers a lengthy finish featuring ripe fine-grained tannin, just enough acidity for balance and juicy lip-smacking dark fruit. It matches up well with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: April 7, 2010

Mitchelton ‘Crescent’ Mourvèdre/Shiraz/Grenache 2004
Central Victoria, Australia $29.95 (6725430) 14.5% alcohol
Leather, raisined berry fruit and ripe fig aromas roll easily off this beautifully balanced, smooth and mellow blend. The fresh fruit flavours—mulberry and ripe red cherry—are underpinned by ripe resolved tannin and a lovely burst of acidity. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured with a lingering luxurious finish. It showcases six years of bottle age adding a delightful dimension to an already fine wine that was sourced from +40-year-old vines. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: May 1, 2010

Kapuka Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Marlborough, New Zealand $14.95 (163576) 12.5% alcohol
This is fashioned in an easy-drinking bistro-style bursting with focused flavour and value—it’s certainly worth your attention. Aromas and flavours of zesty lime, savoury herbs, crisp green apple and hints of honeydew melon wash in waves over the palate finishing up crisp, refreshing and lip-smacking good. Sip on its own as an aperitif or pour alongside Greek salad, a deli plate or freshly shucked oysters. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: June 26, 2010

Two Tracks Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Marlborough, New Zealand $16.95 (163980) 12.5% alcohol
Both value and flavour packed, this jumps from the glass with distinctive aromas of grapefruit and tropical fruit salad. It’s medium bodied with a lovely texture offering flavours of key lime and gooseberry delivered on a crisp and refreshing spine of tangy citrus. The aftertaste is lip-smacking good—the perfect foil to pan-seared or grilled prawns or fish fillets under a squirt of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)