In 1962 Alfred Liebich’s love of fishing led him from Barossa, where his family settled in 1852, to the Murray River. His ‘left bank’ vineyards produce plush Petite Sirah brimming with blueberry, black cherry and spice.

The term ‘Wayfaring’ means ‘to travel’, while ‘Catador’ means ‘taster’ in Spanish. Bring these together and you get a rough definition of what our roving wine buyers do each vintage – discover the best wines from the best regions to bring you a stunning final product. This eye catching label depicts South Australia’s state flower: Sturt’s Desert Pea. South Australia is famous for its big, full-flavoured reds – this one is no exception - Rich and full-bodied with melding ripe berry fruit and warm, spicy oak on a rich, smooth palate.

Sam Trimboli LOVES Durif. He calls it a “stunning little powerhouse grape that develops astounding complexity”. The numberplate on his car even sports the word ‘Durif’, that’s how highly he rates it. The grapes for this wine come from a small vineyard that Sam helped establish in the 1980s and is now at peak maturity.

South of Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, the Setúbal Peninsula is famous for its rolling Atlantic waves and its long lived, fortified dessert wines. However, the sunny climate, tempered by cooling ocean breezes, is also proving itself with bold, fruit forward reds. Parker rated winemaker Jaime Quendera firmly believes in the region and is dedicated to bringing it to the world’s attention. He was the man behind the ‘Best Red Wine in the World’ a few years back. This 2020 is a sumptuous blend of native Aragonez (aka Tempranillo), Syrah and Cabernet. Delicious with pork and chorizo casserole or chicken dishes.

Portugal is a treasure trove of little known native grapes and one of its best is Castelão. The variety is grown throughout the country but particularly excels in the Setúbal Península. That’s where the highly rated winemaker Jaime Quendera sources grapes for our Rainha do Mar – a moreish, easy going red with juicy raspberry fruit and a silky smooth, rounded style. Centuries ago, this region is where Vasco da Gama set sail to discover a sea route to India. Today the plentiful sunshine and coastal breezes are ideal for red grapes and produce wines that are balanced with excellent ripeness. Rainha do Mar (which means ‘Queen of the Sea’) proves the point. This red’s delicious ripe flavours are ideal with rich pasta dishes or grilled meats.

South Australia has long had a reputation for turning out rich reds, deep in flavour and complexity. This Shiraz is no exception. Deep, dark, distinctive and delicious, rich in black plums and fragrant spice, this red is made for sipping with fine fare like fillet steak or slow-cooked lamb shanks. Enjoy!

Small parcels of the best quality fruit from across top regions in South Australia were chosen for this Reserve Durif – and it shows! It’s big, rich and mouthcoating, a ‘black red’ with some serious heft. Take that as a warning! The wine is named after a type of cattle (Hereford/ Shorthorn cross) bred for the harsh conditions of Australia’s far north, and has been crafted with steak in mind. Hints of black pepper and dark chocolate coat the palate with layers of rich red fruit and black cherry.

A memorable Durif, awash with lush black fruit and spice that comes in an appropriately distinctive bottle. Bill Calabria has won won Trophy after Trophy after Trophy for his wines – including the prestigious Stoddart. He has been on a short list for the Jimmy Watson Award at least twice, His ‘3 Bridges’ alone has been recognised at the Sydney International Wine Competition, as ‘Most Successful Winery or Brand’ … he’s been praised by Robert Parker and Halliday who’s placed four wines within his 1001 Top Wines. He was a local boxing champion as a teenager, winning 12 out of 13 fights (with seven KOs) before his mum found out and put a stop to it. “I made a lot of friends out of boxing,” he says. It’s given him rare opportunities including sparring with the Australian champion, and has also come in handy in other ways. A few years ago he confronted three men who’d come to the winery to steal wine. After they started throwing punches Bill fought back, literally knocked some teeth out, and they fled empty handed. This is an unashamedly weighty, full flavoured red with masses of lush black fruit, spice, liquorice and herbal hints and a toasty oak finish.