There's a lot to adore about this Cabernet Sauvignon from a beloved family-owned winery. Halliday deemed it worthy of 92 points, and it's picked up four gold medals from Australian wine shows. But if that pedigree doesn't impress you, one sip of this beautiful red will.

The Shingleback D Block Reserve Shiraz is named for the Davey Block of the Davey Estate vineyard and is the personal expression of the McLaren Vale from the eyes of winemaker John Davey. True reserve wines, the D Block is only made in exceptional vintages just like this 2009. In the glass the wine has a colour that is impenetrable purple red. On the nose there are aromas of mulberry and blackberry that mingle with dusty cashew, milky chocolate (typical of McLaren Vale), spice and forest floor. There are tight, fine tannins to counter the bold, fresh fruit which results in an alluring and unmistakable wine that expresses the essence of the vine, the time and the place.

The Hill Block straddles the ridge running through the Chapel Hill estate. The wine was then aged for 19 months in 100% tight grained French oak. The proportion of new oak was kept low to encourage the continued expression of the characters that are unique to the vineyard site.

Chapel Hill are in the fortunate position to be the custodians of some of the most unique vineyard sites in McLaren Vale; showcased by The Gorge vineyard planted in 1993. With the gently undulating soils, which are derived from prized ancient rock formations, are further enhanced by the elevation as the site perfectly capitalises on the beneficial coastal influence. Always limited in number, theýGorge Block (formerly TheýChosen) Cabernet Sauvignon proudly showcases the sites wonderful ability to build a complex and concentrated red that will comfortably live in your cellar for the next 10 years if you can resist the alluring primary fruits on display today

The wine is a result of the serendipitous discovery of small remnant patches of withered ancient vines, some well over a century old, that have been carefully nurtured back to life. The protection of this old vine resource of the Barossa Valley is central to the Torbreck story and this wine, more than any other, is an indication of what is possible from these historic cultivars. The Steading’s generous and supple flavours combine with its silken texture in a wine that defines what is possible only in the Barossa.

Enjoy an excellent vintage Syrah from the superb Chalk Hill, where "The range of Syrah here is stellar." (Ned Goodwin MW) with Gold and high scores up to 96pts. "Offering fabulous fruit purity with seductive complexity, the wine shows Black Doris plum, blueberry, violet, dried herb, game and roasted hazelnut aromas on the nose. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent weight and plush texture, wonderfully framed by velvety mouthfeel and beautifully melded tannins. Graciously opulent with an impressively long, expansive finish. 95pts” (Sam Kim, Wine Orbit). "The growth of Chalk Hill has accelerated after passing from parents John and Diana Harvey to grape-growing sons Jock and Tom. Both are heavily involved in wine industry affairs" (James Halliday). The excellent Renae Hirsch heads an impressive wine team.

The Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz is an opulent concentrated and complex style with plenty of spicy fruit and a dash of chocolate. True to the style that Wolf himself made from the very beginning of this now iconic brand, this is very tasty and enjoyable now yet it has the weight and complexity to improve with cellaring.

Intense, textured and showing pure fruit flavours, Jester Shiraz is considered Mitolo's baby G.A.M Shiraz using the same barrels in which the G.A.M was previously aged in. The palate is full of bright, red berry flavours, a subtle herbal character and an overall savoury quality to the finish. Made to be upfront and approachable for early appreciation, the Jester Shiraz delivers excellent quality for the price.

Chris Hatcher of 'Hatch Wines' has been a winemaker for almost 50 years including more than 35 years at Wolf Blass, 27 as Chief Winemaker. After many years of contemplating releasing his own wines, Hatch retired from TWE in June 2023 and then in October/November released my own label HATCH, his monicker for most of his life. Hatch McLaren Vale Vesey Shiraz is a powerful, rich and plush wine with great vibrance and purity. The palate is intense, opulent and silky, delicious now, however will be reward with medium to long-term cellaring. 'A dense vibrant purple, aromas which simply leap from the glass. Generous in style, indeed opulent, with a seductive and soft texture, silky tannins. This will easily age and improve for eight to twelve years. Love it'. - Ken Gargett