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While the estate known as Chateau Haut-Bailly dates back to 1461, its wine production began in 1530, falling into the hands of the de Leuvarde and Le Bailly families in 1630. It was purchased in 1998 by Robert G Wilmers, a Harvard-educated banker, and his French wife Elisabeth and under their care, the estate has begun producing some of the best wines in its history. The cellars and production procedures were renovated and modernised and this year, the Chateau itself was awarded government recognition of its cultural and vinious heritage. From some of the oldest vines in the region, the 2016 has been lauded as one of the Chateaus best, with Neal Martin hailing it as perhaps the best that I have tasted in almost 20 years of tasting at this estate.

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier began its life after a career defining trip to the Côte-Rôtie in the mid 90s which set Tim Kirk on the journey towards producing one of Australia's best Shiraz. Determined to show that Australia could produce elegant but still powerful Shiraz, Tim's work has paid off with his flagship being acclaimed worldwide. In only 15 years, the Shiraz Viognier has attained 'Exceptional' status with Langton's, the highest possible.

McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shea Shiraz continues lead the pack of great Hunter Valley Shiraz. A lovely return to old form, this Maurice has a striking purple hue to it in the glass. To the nose aromas of liquorice and spice with hints of cedar will beguile. Layers of complex flavours dance across the palate including savoury, spicy dark fruits like dark plums and cherries. A classic of classics.

Although this wine is plush, dense and rich, it possesses a compelling percussion and balance. Right up there with Grange and Hill Of Grace as one of Australia's best Shiraz, and from one of the greatest vintages too!

Something of a d'Arenberg icon and "the best one yet" (Halliday), an elegantly packaged, triumphant 96pt century-old-vine Shiraz meets a trio of young, exotic & fragrant white Rhône varieties. (Although as the d'Arenberg site points out: "Some might joke that the old bloke is Chester, and the three young blondes are his daughters, the fifth generation who will carry on the d'Arenberg tradition. Each of these title characters are represented on the label as a cut out silhouette." ) As Marcus Ellis writes in The Halliday Companion, this iconic red is: "“From centurion vines crushed over 1% each of roussanne, viognier and marsanne. The cuvée name always sounds like the start of a joke going the wrong way, or at least for the zeitgeist. This does not go the wrong way, although it is also outside the zeitgeist. No matter – cancelling isn’t recommended… It’s loaded with flavour, roiling through red and black berries, plum, old cupboard spices, ground dark chocolate and dried herbs. For me, it’s the best one yet. 96pts” (Marcus Ellis, The Halliday Wine Companion). In 1912, horse-fanatic Joseph Osborn sold his beloved stables and horses and bought the family the d'Arenberg estate in premium McLaren Vale. “d’Arenberg kept its 100+yo heritage while moving into the 21st century with flair. At last count, the d’Arenberg vineyards have 40 varieties planted, as well as more than 50 growers in McLaren Vale. Its considerable portfolio of richly robed red wines, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and grenache are the cornerstones. The iconic 5-level Cube cellar door offers a range of wine experiences including a restaurant and a wine sensory room” (James Halliday). The Osborns are co-founders of The First Families of Australian Wine. You'll always spot a d'Arenberg wine with its bold red stripe on the label.

Another fantastic release from Wendouree's uber-famous old vine Shiraz. One of the most collected wines in Australia. Full of plush red fruit, spice, pepper and light eucalypt. Medium bodied but very well structured with firm chalky tannin and firm acidity.

The flagship of the Torbreck stable. Recently been elevated to 'Exceptional' status in Langton's Fine Wine Classification, it is a wine of utmost power and density. Famous for rich concentration and opulent power, this exceptional Australian Shiraz is as popular abroad as it is at home. Definitely one to place in the cellar and simply forget about - let the patience reward you over 10 or more years time.