Not every red wine gets better with age, but the right bottles absolutely do. Here's how to tell the difference.

Drink now - Lighter styles with soft tannins and bright fruit are made to enjoy young. Pinot Noir like Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir, easy-drinking GSM blends like Rolf Binder Heinrich Shiraz Mataro Grenache and entry-level Shiraz like St Hallett Faith fall into this category. Open them, enjoy them, don't overthink it.

Worth holding - Fuller reds with firm tannins and good concentration reward patience. The Reynella Basket Pressed Cabernet, Houghton Thomas Yule Shiraz and Petaluma B&V Shiraz all have the structure to develop beautifully over the next 10–15 years.

The icons - built for the long haul. Some wines are made to be forgotten about for a decade or two. Grant Burge Meshach Shiraz and Shadrach Cabernet are intended to cellar 20–25 years. St Hallett Old Block Shiraz, from some of the Barossa's oldest vines, is equally long-lived. And from Western Australia, Houghton Jack Mann Cabernet is one of Australia's greatest Cabs - built to last 15–20 years or more.

Simple home storage - You don't need a wine fridge. A cool dark spot with minimal temperature fluctuation is enough for most bottles, like an underground garage or shed. Avoid the kitchen, heat and light are the enemy. If you invest in one thing, a small wine fridge for a dozen bottles makes a real difference, but a larger wine fridge can make a real statement even in a small space.