From the Riverina, these Warburn Estate Show Reserve reds have plenty of oomph. There are several different wines in the series and they all have real character. This cab-merlot is a robust red and very oaky, but there's deep plum and berry fruit at the core. Hard to ignore, this is one for that large number of Australian wine drinkers who like rather woody red wines. Now they have a vast enterprise sourcing wine from a new set-up in Victoria's King Valley, the refurbished Rovalley winery in the Barossa and their original operation at Griffith.
Prices are keen across the board and wine quality is good.
This cabernet from Victoria's Alpine foothills vineyards is an uncomplicated red with attractive blackberry fruit, a hint of leafiness, good intensity and smooth tannins. The best Alfreds are the two reds, a shiraz with bubbles and one without. The still wine is immensely drinkable and generously styled. It has a ripe nose of cherries and berries with earth and spice complexity. Oak is subtle and the palate is smooth with mild tannins.