The 2019 Winemaker of the Year award was announced on September 19, and of the 10 people nominated, five were women. Three of the finalists were Emma Norbiato of Calabria Family Wines; Sarah Crowe of Yarra Yering and Sarah Pidgeon of Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Wynns' V&A Lane reds are Sarah Pidgeon's special creations. Sarah Crowe has taken Yarra Yering to new heights since she took over, and Emma Norbiato makes head-turning old-vine reds from the Barossa as well as good-value Riverina wines.

Calabria St Petri Shiraz Carignan 2017, Barossa Valley, $90

Score 95

The colour is saturated deep red-purple, the bouquet is all about rich chocolate, plum and spice aromas, while the palate is full-bodied and supple, smoothly textured and decadently plush. Supple tannins; a delight to taste. Cork; 14 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 20 years.

Stockists include calabriawines.com.au

Wynns Coonawarra Estate V&A Lane Cabernet Shiraz 2016, Coonawarra, $60

Score 96

Made from 74 per cent cabernet and 26 per cent shiraz, picked and fermented together, with the cabernet crop restricted to encourage it to ripen at the same time as the shiraz. Gorgeous aromas of violets and other flowers, red berries rather than black; the palate fine-boned and elegant. An elegant style. Screw-cap; 13.4 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 2034.

Stockists include Dan Murphy's, Double Bay (NSW) and Alphington (Vic)

Yarra Yering Pinot Noir 2017, Yarra Valley, $105

Score 96

The colour is quite deep for a Yarra pinot, and the commanding bouquet delivers sweetly ripe cherry and spice aromas. Medium to full bodied, its flavour is backed by a goodly foundation of tannin. Deep and rich, it has potential to do more with cellaring. Screw-cap; 13.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 2032.

Stockists include Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW); Prince Wine Store, South Melbourne (Vic)