Colour: Deep red with purple tints Nose: Blackberry and dark cherry aromas are matched by subtle spicy, vanilla oak Palate: A very complex palate with blackberry flavours and fine, silky tannins Style: Full bodied wine matured for 14 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barriques Serve with: Red meat, smoked or gamey meats and strong cheeses

Balthazar was the last of the Babylonian kings whose empire ended after he drank from a mythical sacred chalice. A fascination with ancient history and an appreciation of the deep sense of irony that befalls those who choose their drinks - and drinking vessels - unwisely, prompted the name. concentrated and generous blackberry, dark cherry, plum & dark chocolate flavours balanced by velvety tannins and savoury oak complexity delivering texture and structure on the long, persisting palate.

Yalumba Paradox Shiraz is an inky, crimson wine full of aromas of mixed spice and crushed black pepper, violets, fennel and hints of blueberries. The palate is like layers of velvet, with great structure showing lush red berries, olives and anise.

A big brooding Barossa wine with endless layers of fruit and oak. The tannins are very well integrated and will continue to develop in years to come. A great example of a true Barossa Shiraz.

Bannockburn Shiraz is a multi-layered wine showing blackberry, black cherry and spice on the nose which follow through to the palate. Soft tannins and medium length.

First made in 1959, Penfolds Kalimna Shiraz is an icon in the field of warm-climate Shiraz. Always ripe, robust and generously flavoured. The Bin 28 is named after the Kalimna vineyard that was purchased back in 1945 and from which the original fruit was sourced from. Today, the Bin 28 is a great example of the Penfolds dedication to multi-region, multi-vineyard blending. The Barossa Valley will always remain an integral part of the Bin 28 blend providing rich, vibrant primary fruit flavours.

Dark fruits and licorice intermingled with forest undergrowth notes precede a long lasting, fine tannin Rosemary flavoured finish. The medium weight but firm structure and vibrancy of this wine ensure it has many possible food matches.

Howard Park has joined Australia's First Families of Wine and is amassing a loyal following. From the Scotsdale vineyard site, this Shiraz mingles earthy and spicy aromas layed out before a palate displaying great concentration but supreme elegance. Black fruits, liquorice and five spice overarch layered tannins that are fine and persistent.

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!

Shiraz is thought to be one of the oldest grape varieties. It is typically deeper in colour just as the colour of this wine from the Great Western area. It has the elegance of a cool climate wine; Black peppery and sometimes mint characters with warm spices on the nose with great tannins and oak structure on the palate. Best's Great Western Bin 1 Shiraz is beautifully made for most occasion.

Chapel Hill makes great value wines in the maritime climate of McLaren Vale. This Shiraz is a beauty. Dark berries and vanillin oak are evident in the bouquet with spice coming through on the palate.