For those who believe that Australia makes an inimitable style of big red wine which could never have evolved elsewhere in the world of wine, Mitchelton presents Nero D’Avola. A boldly flavoured and opulently proportioned varietal that's dear to the hearts of Sicilians, it makes a wine of astonishing similarity to the earthy, mouth filling growths which gladden the palates of new world Syrah enthusiasts. Brimming with seasoned black berry characters, cherries and plum, Nero D’Avola's persistence of fruit and redolence of fragrant spice, resolves on a warm, savoury length of dark, bramble tannins.

The opulence of mature vines Shiraz, grown to the fertile blocks along Goulburn River, banked by mighty red gums and surrounded by propitious billabongs, an essential part of the terroir and clime which make the wines of Mitchelton so structured and refined. Goulburn is a shangri la for winegrowing, harvests are measured but the quality of fruit is breathtaking. Redolent of spice and juicy black plums, mullberries and milkbox, reductions and fruit, supported by the leather savouryness of ripe oak tannins, Shiraz which defines the enduring Victorian style, generously proportioned yet elegant and poised.

The very wine which defines the greater Nagambie Lakes district as a region that's so opportune for the the fleshy white styles of Cotes du Rhône. Marsanne was an early pioneer of Goulburn Valley viticulture, it has found a home away from home in the Victorian midlands, evolving into a refreshing, yet engagingly complex genre of table white that goes astonishingly well with fine food. Its radiant goldish hues presage a blossoming bouquet of peaches and white floral, a textured, mineral palate of juicy savouryness, almonds and nougat, before a refined, delicate finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon are among the earliest planting at Mitchelton, they have thrived under the balmy climes and yield an outstanding harvest with each vintage. A compilation of fruit from some of the oldest blocks have been treated to a traditional vinification and term of age in the pick of luxury oak barriques. Elegantly structured, intense savoury aromas are complemented by sweet leather and musk, the palate is all about concentrated black and red fruits layered over tasty tar and savoury black olives, fine, chewy tannins draw the palate out to exquisite length.

Half Shiraz with a quarter each Grenache and Mourvedre, all treated to a separate ferment and course of age before assembling into the final Cuvée. Victoria grows structured yet elegant Shiraz, the Rhonesque Mourvedre and Grenache require a sultry clime to encourage full development of piquant varietal characters, Mitchelton's plenitude of scenic lakes provide the optimal environment. An engaging mix of juicy red fruits and ripe black cherry, mocha notes and exotic spice, layers of complexity over a length of lovely silky tannins, coating the palate with peppery bramble, seamless and refined.

Mitchelton was originally a grazing property known as Blackwood Park. The soils and microclimate are significantly influenced by the presence of the pristine Goulburn River which surrounds the property on three sides, shaping the unique environment and mesoclime. In turn, geological shifts, ancestral river flows and climate have created distinct soil profiles on individual blocks. Priority is given to monitoring sugar and acid profiles while grapes are ripening, timing of harvest is critical to achieving optimum balance and intensity in the wine.

Half Marsanne, the balance of Rousanne and Viognier, sourced exclusively from the Mitchelton estate vineyard. Airstrip is a lively but tight blend of vigorous white fruit. Modest crop levels ranging from 2 to 3½ tonnes per acre give this wine its core intensity. Each individual block is managed and vinified separately to allow the different qualities of each variety, shaped by the unique vineyard site and soil profiles, to shine through. The individual parcels of fruit are moulded together during blending to produce the unique Airstrip style.

A superb accord of elite parcels Cabernet Sauvignon from the oldest De Bortoli blocks in Yarra Valley. Fruit is sourced from two estate vineyards, suitably named Old Hill and Old Back, both established 1971. A beguiling overture of seductive dark Cabernet fragrances and fragrant jube berry flavours over fine integrated tannins. Like her eponymous opera star, Melba is conspicuous for her alluring perfumes, exceptional taste and intense crescendos, before an exquisite, memorable finish.

De Bortoli retain some of the finest Cabernet vineyards in Yarra Valley. To make the consumate Victorian claret, parcels are assembled with a component of Syrah for suppleness and spice, while the addition of Nebbiolo contributes tannin structure and mouthfilling, old world savouryness. Resonating with fruit and filled with the weight of tiitillating pastoral complexities which will delight aspirants of truly engaging wines, match your Mimi to veal, cutlets of lamb or Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

The auspicious soils of Yarra Valley can be quite old and weathered, so much so that Cabernet Sauvignon may struggle to develop the solid tannins which are so beloved of Australian enthusiasts. A component of Sangiovese is included to contribute good natural tannin and some savouriness. A dulcet rendition of Melba which will inspire you to sing, Lucia resonates alongside grilled meats, braised rabbit or pasta with porcini e olio di tartufo.

A shared interest in crafting exceptional quality wines inspired leading industry identities Alister Purbrick and Andrew McPherson to identify the choicest Victorian sites. Much of the estate plantings are old vine, a large portion of their production are destined for discerning enthusiasts overseas, the pick of crop is reserved for the most astute aficionados right here in Oz. Principle contender for best value Shiraz in the land, a palate of remarkable length, its plum and dark currant fruit characters are seasoned by complex spice notes and framed by delicate, carob oak.

Tempranillo is an early ripener which tends to develop fuller flavours and aromatics when grown to the cooler climes of Victoria's Ovens Valley. Mayford Vineyard was established within a mildly temperate amphitheatre, with a view to crafting limited yields of hand made wine. Tempranillo was a natural fit with its late bud burst and early maturity, planted on a bony ridge which restricts berries to pea size, keeping the vines inherent vigor in check. A flagship boutique effort, treated to an old world vinification, achieving an evocatively new world styling.

The long cool ripening seasons of the Victorian Alpines are ideal for winegrowing. The team at Mayford settled on the Ovens Valley and established their small dry grown vineyard within a hidden vale that's blissfully frost free. Proprietor Eleana Anderson is a vigneron with a focus on investment rather than return. Viticulture to her is all about how much more effort you can put in to build a better crop. Her fruit is vinified to the same exacting standards, limited yields ensure that there's not much Mayford wine around to see the next vintage.

Massoni were at the forefront of establishing Mornington with a definable genre of Chardonnay. With their crisp natural acidity, elegance and restraint, the wines of Mornington are today renowned for elegant and refined new world styles of Chardonnay. Massoni is more robust than most, with ripe fruit forward and solid structure throughout. The perfect accompaniement to the freshest seafood or crisp skin chicken, the middle palate is viscous and deep while the finish shows the minerality and texture of a good Chablis.

Syrah is a style of wine that Lucinda does exceedingly well, a few precious parcels of the excruciatingly limited harvest are set aside for a blushing pink wine that's garrulous of a superior site and auspicious climes. No two vintages are ever the same, each year brings its own complexities, Lucinda take a view that Syrah Rosé must not only be pretty to see and moreish to taste, it should express the influence of season and resonance of soil. Pepper, currants and musk, her rakish rose hues are a reflection of succulent cherry ripeness, savoury tannin crispness and divine, pink jelly jube.

A tally of bespoke clones Pinot Noir, some from the old world, some of the new, treated to natural wild yeast ferments and judicious course of oak, the aim being to preserve the integrity of texture, expressions of clime and eloquence of a magnificent little vineyard. There's so much about Gippsland that's favourable to Pinot Noir, the bucolic pastures and fertile soils make a wine of amazing richness and rewarding complexity. A generous palate of virile red fruits, rhubarb and allspice, farm yard and smoky game, its lingering lozenge of glace flavours, wrapped in a corset of supple, savoury tannins.

The Lucinda logo is a representation of a vine, all parts of the picture represent a segment which makes an essential contribution to the ultimate achievement of a masterful vintage, the fruit bearing branches, animacy of rootlings and health of soil, all instruments in a concert of complete harmony. Small vineyards are a joy to dedicated vignerons, each and every vine is an important fellow. Intimacy with every planting encourages the finest fruit. All the winemaker needs do is preserve the sublime expression of harvest. Lucinda make Pinot Noir of extraordinary infusions, complexity and balance before a gentle, cherry finish.

Crafting small yields of exceptional fruit are what Lucinda do best, a collation of parcels Heathcote Shiraz are treated to a minimalist vinification and time well spent in a selection of luxury oak barriques. Led by a vibrant nose of mulberries, red currants, tri colour peppercorns and plum, the decidedly ferrous Heathcote terra rosa perfumes precede an elegantly structured palate, seasoned by bay leaf, garniture and thyme, its lingering length of silky tannins define a superbly balanced Shiraz that's remarkable for its gracious seamlessness, superb balance and resplendent style.

A welcome arrival at the platform on Yering Station, Little Yering is no mean featherweight, a generously proportioned Pinot Noir with the focus on varietal charm, richness of palate and a youthful appeal that makes it a good choice alongside today's cosmopolitan faire. Gentle handling and careful treatment has allowed the expression of quality Yarra Valley Pinot to shine through. Fine French oak has softened the tannins without overpowering the fruit, Little Yering is all about elegance and poise, making it a fine choice as accompaniement to all good food.

Yering Station can boast of a long and mutually propitious association with Chardonnay, its rootstock has been called upon to establish many Victorian vineyards. An entry level into the noble house of Yering Station, nothing is ever done in half measures here, the vines are all fully mature and many of the grapes for Little Yering are picked by hand, the finished wine is aged exclusively in French oak. Fashioned to the enduring fruit forward Yarra Valley style, a well proportioned Chardonnay offering refined bouquets, intense flavours and lingering concentration.

Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Lillydale Estate's Sunnyside and Morning Light Vineyard blocks, as well as a small quantity from a favoured grower. Fruit from the three vineyards was hand picked, then handled separately to accentuate the individuality of each block. The 2006 vintage was characterised by warm, dry conditions in November and December followed by a heat wave during February, bringing the harvest date forward for Sauvignon Blanc. The vintage delivered beautifully ripe Sauvignon Blanc with excellent flavour concentration.

Lillydale Estate's vineyards are set amongst the rolling hills near Seville in Yarra Valley, where the cooler, slow ripening climes produce elegant and concentrated, world class Pinot Noir. The food friendly Victorian epicurean of choice, to accompany succulent duck breast or rare tuna escalope with truffled purée and Pinot Noir Jus.

The inspiration behind Lillydale Chardonnay is to collate a series of components which speak of the terroir whence they came, assembling them into a complete wine, which expresses the Yarra Valley as a whole. Richly barrel fermented and treated to a luxuriant lees stirring, Lillydale reveals long orchard fruit characters, defining the tastefully oaked Yarra Valley Chardonnay style.

The Yarra Valley is characterised by cool weather patterns and slow consistent ripening conditions, enhancing the fruit with complex flavours. With a proud history of winning competitions, including Trophy at the Royal Melbourne for Best Victorian Red, Lillydale was amongst the very first Yarra Valley estates to emerge during the rekindling of interest in Australian table wines during the 1970s. The climes around the estate's Morning Light and Sunnyside vineyards yield fully ripened, well concentrated and elegantly flavoured black grapes.

Here's a treat for the real enthusiasts of all good things Gippsland, an effusive, textural wine to match with a grill of the best beef or hunk of holiday pud. Fashioned to the complete methode traditionnelle, employing the full monty of bottle ferments, riddling and disgorgement, an elegantly structured, richly effervescent, plum and allsorts flavoured wine, layered with complexity and brimming with festive fruit characters. Gippsland Shiraz through and through, a lovely vibrancy and depth of flavour are complemented by its seemingly endless, mouthcoating finish.

River Block is planted to a gentle easterly slope of rich red terra rosa soils over a limestone bluff alongside the Mitchell River, an opportune terroir that's heaven sent for the realization of world class vintages Shiraz. Grapes are all selectively hand picked and gently destemmed into small open fermenters, hand plunged twice daily and treated to a hundred days of maceration before filling to an extravagantly high proportion of new French oak. Magnificently balanced, seamless and profound, little more than a hundred dozen can be made each vintage.

An early harvest of Myrtle Vineyard Chardonnay, grown to the auspicious cool maritime clime of Gippsland Lakes, assembled with the pick of Pinot Noir, essential for building masculinity and introducing aromatic complexity, exquisite structure and generous palate length. Treated to the full extravagance of methode traditionelle, a luxurious five years in bottle ageing on yeast lees, infusing the wine with textural opulence and layers of creamy, effervescent biscuit richness. Match your Myrtle to a terrine of aspic, cockscomb and sweetbreads financiere.

Is there a place on the Australian mainland that's as condusive as Gippsland for the realization of fleshy, fragrant Shiraz wines of remarkable balance and stately structure? Myrtle Point Vineyard was established in the right way, chosen after an exhaustive search to isolate the perfect site for cool climate viticulture. An elegant construct of Gippsland Shiraz, perfumed with punnets of dark plum, opaque berries and milled spice, its peppery black cherried palate is supported by a length of malleable allsort tannins and sophisticated French oak.

Myrtle Point Vineyard was established in the 1990s, after a soil mapping of the region identified tracts of precious Terra rosa over limestone substrate. The fortuitous soils are enhanced by the temperate growing seasons to form a mesoclime, very like the splendid terroirs of La Belle France. Ferments through the action of Rose specific yeast, retain the precociousness of Pinot Noir, just picked from the vineyard, while infusing into the blushing pink wine, fruity fragrances and a redolent, ripe berry palate.

Crafted from small parcels of single vineyard fruit, treated to the traditional old world regimens of whole bunch and wild yeast ferments. This is Pinot Noir to match the classic Cru La Bourgogne, the cool ripening Gippsland climes provide the perfect chill to encourage optimal fruit sugars and velvet tannins. Exclusively Myrtle Point grown Pinot Noir, its bright sasafras, cherry and plum fruit complexity are supported by charming pastoral elegance, a touch of barnyard, French oak sophistication and the soundest structure.

Lightfoot & Sons are made exclusively from Myrtle Point fruit, where the vines are stimulated by cool and balmy, semi maritime climes. Fashioned exclusively from harvests of home vineyard Chardonnay, for the realization of a magnificently complex and well proportioned wine with the structure and palate weight to accompany roasts white meats. Generous stone fruit and citrus characters complement the textural richness achieved through classy barrel ferments, lees stirring and maturation in the finest French oak puncheons and barriques.

One of Yarra Valley's flagship editions in superior, single vineyard Chardonnay, exactingly crafted from an outstanding parcel, known as Block 2 within the Lightfoot & Sons Myrtle Point property. A big burgundian style with weighty palate and outstanding length, driven by powerful orchard fruit complexity, supported by textural and seductive, creamy oak richness. The pick of Myrtle Point's Dijon clone B96 Chardonnay is treated to a wild indigenous yeast vinification and term of age in a selection of cassy French oak, a mere hundred dozen are produced.

Lightfoot & Sons call on the peerless quality of fruit, picked off a superb parcel of vine, clone MV6 Pinot Noir, planted to the superior Cliff Block on the family farm in East Gippsland. Myrtle Point Vineyard always yields an exceptional harvest, the smaller bunches and tightly packed berries of this exquisite patch however are something that's even more special. An outstanding articulation of the excellence which can be achieved from cool climate, Gippsland grown Pinot Noir, a mere two thousand bottles of this exquisite wine are made annually.