The unstoppable John Quarisa really is unstoppable! He has been variously described as a “magician” and “a sorcerer” by Halliday. His wines do have a magic knack of winning Gold. His secret? Over 20 years of experience as a winemaker and wine judge – and a great attitude. As John says, “you just can’t take life too seriously” . Today, taste his Double Gold-winning ‘Enchanted Tree’ Cabernet. It's juicy and rich, with delicious dark plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, and subtle eucalypt and mint. The tannins are fine and smooth... a little bit of magic in the glass!

"A super example of Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s from Clarendon, an area consistently producing some of the finest red wines in the region. This has everything – poise, power, elegance and style – all delivered with a smooth deft touch. 95pts"(Wine Pilot). It has a dash of Shiraz, which adds to the complexity and spends a full 24 months in oak lending it "vanillin oak, cake spice and cigar characters on the nose" and making it "Flavoursome and highly enjoyable" (Sam Kim, Wine Orbit).

This top Cabernet comes from a fifth-generation winemaker whose ancestors planted some of the first vines in South Australia in 1837. Halliday calls it “a distinguished estate with a proud history, long renowned for its Cabernet”. Winestate Magazine gives it an impressive Five Stars: "A very pretty dark fruit/blackcurrant bouquet and good depth and concentration of sweet primary varietal flavours on the fresh, tight and vibrant palate that has a soft tannin structure...5 Stars" (Winestate Magazine)

Mountadam can boast being the “foremost producer of chardonnay in the Eden Valley” (Halliday), but their deeply layered, textural and complex reds are also creating great excitement amongst the trade. Try for yourself here with this 'exuberant' yet underrated Cabernet showing lovely florals of violets, dark brambly fruits and fine supple tannins. "A morass of mulched leaf, anise and black currant, dabbed with olive. A lovely, energetic feel, finishing with verdant cigar box tannins and a whiff of mint to menthol. This has spent up to 24 months in oak and is in it for the long haul. It will be nice to taste it again when the curranty exuberance calms... 93pts" (Halliday Wine Companion, Ned Goodwin MW).

Punnets of strawberry, blackberry and raspberry flavour are miraculously shoehorned into a standard size bottle, while ageing in American oak adds a spicy, toasty finishing touch. 'Big Mac' McPherson grew up in the world of wine, tutored by his father Jock, who had established a winery in the Hunter Valley. Andrew went on to set up wineries at home and abroad and work for some Australia's top names. These days he crafts characterful wines by himself at great value prices. The Full Fifteen is perfect with roast beef or lamb and a wonderful companion to barbecues.

The rich palate shows berry fruit flavour and soft ripe tannins. The finish is also soft and long. This is a classical Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon exhibiting elegance with excellent flavour and structure. A benchmark of the region, enjoy with roast lamb now or cellar it for up to 7 years and watch it evolve!

The Marauding Vintners travel the regions, coaxing and cajoling the makers of prime wine to send it their way. As their friends, we reap the benefits in the form of top drops like this. Now you can too! “A dashing presence of noble birth, well travelled, able to mix in all companies but happy to stand proudly alone. Broad-shouldered and smooth, he’ll add a touch of class and excitement...” That's the Captain! He'll be a very welcome addition to your dinner parties!