Xavier Vignon, based at Chateauneuf-du-Pape, has been a consulting winemaker since 1995. His access to parcels of fruit has enabled his own label. Fruit from six terroirs in Pic Saint Loup and Gres de Montpellier, fermented to 12.5% alc. Bright straw-yellow colour with some lemon-green hues, pale on rim. This has a very fresh, elegant bouquet of citrus fruit and citrus zest, along with attractive apricot, lime and herb notes. Dry to taste, flavours of exotic musk and florals combine with limes and citrus fruits and sit on a soft, near unctuously textured palate. The acidity is restrained and there is alcohol drive for the dense and rich mouthfeel. This weight grows and the wine finishes with a solid, round and somewhat chunky presence. This is a solid, rich and soft Viognier with exotic lime and citrus flavours. Match with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare over the next 2-3+ years. 16.5+/20 Jul 2012 RRP $21.99

This highly regarded domaine has one of the best sites in Cadiere d'Azure. Rosé constitutes approx. 40% of the production. 70% Mourvedre, 20% Cinsault and 10% Grenache, fermented to 13.5% alc. Bright, very pale peachy-pink colour, ‘eye of the partridge', pale on edge. The bouquet is delicately soft with good depth of stonefruit aromas and the faintest red florals and red berry fruits, along with herbs and flint. Dry to taste, subtle rich flavours of red florals and peaches are encompassed by weight and vinosity, the fruit showing a degree of lusciousness, well-matched by alcohol drive. The acidity is discreet, and the rounded mouthfeel carries through to a dry, crisp and sustained finish with light fruit notes. This is a classical dry Bandol rosé with subtle richness and excellent weight. Serve with antipasto and charcuterie over the next 3+ years. 18.0-/20 Jul 2012 RRP $32.99

Hecht & Bannier have operated as negociants since 2002. A blend of Syrah from Saint Chinian, Grenache from Roussillon and Carignan, fermented to 13.5% alc. Fruit certified organic by Ecocert. Full, dark, deep ruby-red colour with purple hues. The nose is a little reserved, revealing bright raspberry and dark berry aromatics, along with garrigue herb and some savoury game nuances. Medium-full bodied, the flavours of ripe, fresh dark raspberries and minerals are expressed openly and accessibly. The wine has a robustness and near rustic element with tannin grip and alcohol generosity filling the palate. The wine has a moderately sustained finish showing raspberry and peppery flavours. This is an up-front fruity, warm red with mouthfeel and grip to match hearty pastas and barbecued red meat dishes over the next 5-6 years. 17.5/20 Jul 2012 RRP $21.99

Domaine la Sarabande is the Faugere estate of Paul and Isla Gordon in the Languedoc region. 60% Grenache, 25% Carignan and 15% Syrah and Mourvedre from two sites in Autignac, fermented to 14.0% alc. A portion of the Carignan was aged in 500 L barrels. Very dark, deep, purple-hued ruby-red colour, youthful in appearance. Openly full, ripe, vibrant raspberry Grenache aromas show with notes of confectionary and jam, the bouquet quite intense with a mineral and earthy core. Medium-full bodied, sweetly ripe and juicy flavours of raspberry confectionary and jam show whole berry fermentation. The palate is underlined by fine-grained, powdery tannins which provide fine textures and a degree of elegance to the up-front fruitiness. The finish is long and sustained, with sweet fruit nuances. This ripe, sweet-fruited Grenache-based red has fine textures and tannin grip to make it a match with pasta, pizza and roasted meats over the next 4-5+ years. 18.0-/20 Jul 2012 RRP $29.99

This highly regarded Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer has 13 ha of vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone appellation. 80% Grenache with Syrah and other varieties, the vines over 35 y.o. 14.0% alc. Moderately deep ruby-red colour with some purple hues, lighter on edge. The nose is initially reserved, but unfolds to reveal complex aromas of dark red berry fruits with pepper and savoury herbs, along with elements of game. Medium-full bodied, this is elegantly proportioned, with very good intensity of dark raspberry fruit flavours seamlessly interwoven with black herbs and earth forming a dense core. The fruit is fresh and lively with fine acidity adding a sweet silkiness to the fine tannin extraction. The wine grows in warmth and generosity, but finishes with refined mineral and earthy notes. This is a stylish and refined Cotes du Rhone with seamless textures. Serve with grilled and roasted red meat dishes and firm cheeses over the next 5-7+ years. 18.0+/20 Jul 2012 RRP $25.99

Tenuta Monteti is based at Capalbio, Maremma. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante and Merlot, fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in French oak. Dark, deep ruby-red clour with youthful purple hues. The nose is intense with ripe black berry fruit aromas along with powerful meat and game notes, showing considerable brettanomyces influence. Medium-full bodied, powerful and richly lush and juicy black fruit flavours are laced with notes of savoury game, meat and earth. This is seriously constructed with plenty of tannin extract, the mouthfeel fulsome and textured, but with a roundness and approachability. The acidity is well-balanced and adds to the fruit sweetness, matching the dry tannins on the finish. This is a rich and lusciously ripe Tuscan red with gamey brettanomyces elements. The tannin grip will become more evident. Match with slow-cooked game meat over the next 4-5+ years. 16.5-/20 Jul 2012 RRP $24.99