Traditionally from the Friuli-Venezia regions in Northern Italy, here’s a fantastic local rendition of Verduzzo from Bobar. This is enveloping with some skinsy tannin richness, plenty of citrus peels and golden apple flavours that come through with cinnamon and sandalwood.

Bobar Orange Verduzzo 2023

Grown in one of our favourite Yarra Valley subregions, Dixons Creek, this is a cool climate-styled Shiraz that’s full of true-to-style dark fruits like violets and dark plums, whilst still being easy-drinking in the Bistro way – just like that inspiring Syrah we loved in the Rhône Valley too long ago.

BISTRO Shiraz 2022

Syrah drinker appropriate meaning it’ll be play nice with the entire family no matter what the occasion that’s brought you all together. Has some good pepperberry spray and a nice amount of blue fruit juiciness that’s so moreish. Love it.

Hunter Gatherer Shiraz 2022

Fruit was fully destemmed and left in Slavonian oak for 18 months. The structure here is all about the fine bone delicate feel, bricky tannins and some ripe cherry. The tail is savoury and chalky, and while full of adventurous spirit. It's also a seriously lovely drop.

Alessandro Stefani La Vignola Sangiovese 2022

All melody, no naïvety. This is the latest in our series on place and focuses on a darling region, Heathcote. This has everything we love because home is where we want to be, so there’s mulberry, peonies, compote spice and liqueured forest berries delivered glass after glass. There’s no need to speak in tongues, this is approachable and for everyone at the table.