Another hearty expression of Barossa's generous fruit from the impressive Teusner stable. Black olives, black pepper and blackberries, there's a dark side to this feisty Shiraz. Concentrated and thick yet artfully constructed with balance and efficiency.

Originally an Apricot Orchard and re planted with Shiraz vines in 1974. Hence the name Apricot Block. Totally opaque black crimson colour. Superb pronounced nose , with flavours of plum., spice and black pepper. The palate is mouth filling flavours of plum, blackberry. pepper and dark chocolate. Fine grained tannins perfectly balanced. Very long aftertaste. of black pepper , plum and blackberry.

Full bodied yet velvety texture with plums and raspberries dominating. Hints of sweet spice, black olive pepper add to the complexity.

The Glaetzer family have been part of the Barossa winemaking scene since 1888 and now Ben takes over the reigns and produces Shiraz of the utmost intensity and concentration. Named after the ancient Egyptian god Amon-Ra who was the champion of the poor and troubled and was central to personal piety, the temple of Amon-Ra is believed to be the first to plant a vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple. This incarnation is rich, full-bodied and viscous to the palate, yet with sublime oak integration and a balance on the back palate that is quite lifted allowing it to be paired with many meals and a prime candidate for medium to long term cellaring.

The Jim Barry McCrae Wood is a fine example of the bold Clare Valley Shiraz style. Intense and concentrated, it is well worth putting away for five years at least!

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.

The perfect counterpoint to its other half in the Hentley Farm stable, The Beast, The Beauty is made from cooler climate Shiraz and co-fermented with a dollop of Viognier. Utterly seductive like some dark pool calling you to dive in, it is complex, elegant and aptly named.

The Craiglee vineyard was established in the 1860's, and replanted in 1976 by the current winemaker, Patrick Carmody. All wines are made from estate grown fruit using natural processes that reflect the flavours specific to the site. This is an iconic Victorian wine that features a trademark of pronounced cracked black pepper.

Kalleske are leaders in organic and biodynamic vine growing and winemaking practices. Their old vine Barossa vineyards are able to produce fruit of the utmost concentration and power. The Eduard is sourced from three dry-grown vineyard blocks that were planted between 1905 and 1960 and which produce extremely low yields. Named after Karl Heinrich 'Eduard' Kalleske who worked the Kalleske vineyards from 1853 until the 1880s. Showing an intense, powerful and full-bodied nose and palate exhibiting dense classic Barossa old vine Shiraz characters. Inky black fruit flavours abound together with harmonized tannins, subtle oak complexity a sturdy structure and great length.