Awards & Reviews95 Points - Sam Kim 94 Points - James HallidayDescriptionDescriptionIntense spice, berry and chocolate aromas with integrated oak notes. Full Bodied and bursting with a complex mix of flavours of mocha, vanilla and intense red berry flavours. Great middle palate sweetness with well integrated American oak.Drink now to 15 years.

In 1802, the peaceful Encounter of two great explorers, the English Captain Flinders, and the French Captain Baudin, occurred at the co-ordinates of 35 ̊40’S and 138 ̊58’E, off the south coast of South Australia. Following this discovery, a period of settlement and agricultural establishment ensued, and a large winery was built in our region in 1896, which latter became known as Southern Vales Winery. Each one of our wines has a story and integrity of its own. Today, Southern Vales is a place where valley and sea meet, our family’s work hard together, and we all share the bounties of regions natural way of life. Seven is the seed of life, it is the number of perfection, security, safety and rest, it also contains the number three of the heavens and soul with the number four of the earth and body. The No. 7 is a classic Australian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%) and Shiraz (46%), the aromatic and perfumed Cabernet Sauvignon providing the firm structure and distinctive tannin length while the spicy Shiraz contribute the richness and softness. The fruit is complimented and enhanced by extended maturation (24 months) in French oak barrels, which softens and complexes the rich fruits resulting in a full-flavoured and generous wine with great length and harmony. Variety - 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz Region - McLaren Vale Colour - Purple Black Aroma - The rich bouquet shows blue and blackberries, dark cherry, cassis and a touch of anise intermingled with dark chocolate and vanilla oak. Palate - Sweet ripe fruit flavours provide plushness on the palate and are nicely balanced by soft ripe tannins which extend the flavours in the mouth. Rich and full-flavoured now, this wine will benefit from more time in the bottle.

Re-tasted on 07/06/2022 Magnificent colour displaying a pitch black core with a very deep black dark red hue. Pronounced black cherry, liquorice and black plum aromas are overlaid by scorched earth and smoked meats followed by spicy vanillin cedar and pepper notes. Tightly built rich black cherry and liquorice flavours dominate over inky earth, lightly scorched vanillin cedar, dried meats and blackpepper. Dry grippy finish with tightly grained tannins. Rich yet elegant and muscular in its feel. Good underlying power with a long black cherry, liquorice, smoky vanillin cedar, dried meats and earthy pepper aftertaste. Cellar 8-10 years. Alc. 14.5%

Made by Rockstar winemaker Ben Riggs, the McLaren Vale Shiraz is as true an expression as one could hope for. The fifth release of the wine is based around a core of pristine fruit with dark red berries, hints of spice, earth, tar and leather and with seamlessly integrated oak. Ripe tannins are apparent but not overwhelming, meaning this is a wine which can be enjoyed now or in the next 10-15 years.

Kay Brothers Amery Hillside Shiraz is big, rich and uncompromising in the traditional McLaren Vale style. Intense fruit a good measure of oak and beautifully balanced overall - a Shiraz to live for a decade or more.

The wine has a mouth filling lusciousness, densely packed with generous plum and dark cherry fruit flavours along with subtle floral violet characters and a smack of vanilla underlying the opulent oak expression.

An aromatic nose of blueberries, dark cherry fruits, floral and spice notes. Medium to full bodied, blueberry, plum and dark cherry fruits burst onto the palate. Vibrant fruit combines with notes of red flowers, cacao and layers of cooking spice. The hallmark sandy/biscuity tannins of Blewitt Spring linger on the palate.

The brilliant 2020 Maison Eros McLaren Vale Shiraz is rich and full, showing intense plum and dark berries with elegant savoury earthy tannins that round out the mid palate. The wine finished with great balance and length. Characterised by a depth and intensity only achievable with old vine fruit. The subtle integrated oak and textural tannins will soften as the wine ages.