Mt Bera’s 157ha of lush hills and valley have evolved from an 1851 commercial orchard to the biodynamically grown vineyards of today. The 1990s marked the beginning of how the Horner family’s passion shaped Mt Bera’s identity, producing wines of elegance, purity and a true expression of its source.

This wine deserves a quiet place and a swirl in a decanter, it isn’t yelling but speaking softly and with conviction. Plummy with boysenberry and mulberry leaf tones. There are chocolate foundation aromas mixed with coffee, nutmeg and cinnamon dust. It moves with a real sauntering pace that drifts across the palate. It’s juicy and lush with silken tannins. Certainly up there with some of the top Aussie Merlots, perhaps more fruit weighted than oak driven than most, drinking well now and still has 3-5 years to evolve. Serve with a warm pork and udon noodle soup, slurped in peace and quiet. Drink to: 2025-2030; Price: $75.00; Rating: 95 Points; Shanteh Wale

A delightfully presented medium-bodied Merlot from the cooler climes of the Adelaide Hills. Plenty of black fruits on the nose with a little cedary oak evident. The palate is supple but with a firm tight core controlling through to a sustained finish. There’s a slightly ferrous character that rings further intrigue into the palate. Its slightly savoury minerally finish completes an excellent wine. Drink to: 2025-2033; Price: $75.00; Rating: 94 Points; Ray Jordan