YANGARRA ESTATE VINEYARD Ovitelli Grenache, McLaren Vale

Bekkers Syrah Grenache McLaren Vale The Syrah is sourced from red clay-loam over siltstone rock in Clarendon (which they now own) and Grenache from sand over orange sandy-clay in the much vaunted Blewitt Springs. Picked by hand, vinified with 15-30% whole bunches and cold soaked for 5-6 days before natural fermentation and basket pressed to aged French oak 500L puncheons. Deep inky purple with a nose of lavender, violets, blueberry, blackberry, Indian spices and a palate of leafy blackcurrant and a long, soft, silky texture.

Yangarra started introducing large format foudre in 2017, and a single block of Shiraz (block 12) started to show its head with a particular style that was very much suited to whole bunch and large format oak. Originally labelled as the "Whole Bunch" Shiraz, the label evolved to become the King's Wood with the first release only in 2017... and what an introduction it was scoring 99 points from James Halliday. The 2019 vintage is excellent. A rare mix of power and restraint. The palate is captivating with its plush, supple, velvety nature. All of the elements are perfectly integrated. Special.

Noon Winery has become a cult figure in the wine world due to their opulent red wines that are known for their concentration and power. Not beholden to the trend of lower-alcohol, leaner styles, Drew and Raegan Noon produce block-buster reds that are in huge demand the world over. Their Reserve Shiraz is so highly thought of, it sits in the Outstanding category in Langton's Classification of Australian Wine. With fruit sourced from the '20 Rows' block in Langhorne Creek owned by the Borrett family, this is a Shiraz of serious weight and body. Still very young, aromas of violets, lavender and herbs are balanced with traditional fruit notes of blueberries and spice. Big and fleshy on the palate while still showing supreme complexity, this is a wine that needs some decanting before enjoying the saturating flavours that Noon can offer.

Sharktooth is an apt name of this wonderfully balanced wine. Razor sharp flavours of dark mulberry and blackcurrant are sliced by a freshness and vibrancy not often seen in full-bodied wines from McLaren Vale. A supreme example of modern Australian red winemaking is on display here and despite the unctuous concentration this wine dances across the palate and leaves you with a delightful length of flavour.

In the glass the 2010 S has a black core with a deep red rim. There are elegant aromas of red black fruits, and spicy earthy notes with a hint of grilled meats, graphite and controlled oak. On the palate the fruit continues with rich plums, and blueberries and delicate spice and chocolate which all roll on to a juicy palate with fine tannins that go on ... and on. Smidge recommends drinking this wine betwen 2014 and 2030.

Rich and opulent displaying aromas of deep plum and black cherry with hints of complex herb and delicate oak spice. The palate is full flavoured yet elegant with dark fruits and bright red berries, framed by firm, structural tannins and moreish acidity.

This wine displays muscular yet elegant silky black fruits couple with deep, rich, warming spices, hints of violet, mineral and black cherry. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.