The Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz is an opulent concentrated and complex style with plenty of spicy fruit and a dash of chocolate. True to the style that Wolf himself made from the very beginning of this now iconic brand, this is very tasty and enjoyable now yet it has the weight and complexity to improve with cellaring.

Grenache has always been a cornerstone of d'Arenberg's red wines and this is one of the benchmarks of the variety. Produced from old low yielding vines it is a wine of great character and intensity. Showing none of the sickly confectionery characters that can plague this variety, it's all about elegant, savoury spice.

d'Arenberg are quintessential McLaren Vale and the produce wines that reflect their regionality perfectly. Even down to their affordable value for money wines like this Stump Jump GSM blend. A flavoursome, easy drinking style, ripe and juicy with lovely soft tannins and a savoury, earthy touch.

Sitting proudly next to the iconic Woodhenge gate at Wirra is a classic Aussie residence. Originally built after severe storms destroyed the winery buildings in 1940, the then owners, the Sparrows, built this residence with left over materials from the fallen winery. Over the years, Sparrow's Lodge has been home to vintage vagabonds and the occasional winemaker and it is the good times that have been had within its walls that is celebrated in this wonderful, rich, vibrant and full-bodied McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Ingoldby McLaren Vale Shiraz is deep red in colour with purple hues. Red berries and plums on the nose, a spicy, peppery, plummy palate with good length of flavour and a smooth, lingering finish.

Now sourcing fruit from premium regions across Australia, this Cabernet blend shows varietal mint on the nose with floral notes in the background. The palate has good weight and texture, the flavours of blackcurrant and herb framed by firm tannins.

Chapel Hill's Michael Fragos loves using The Parson Shiraz to showcase McLarenVale's diversity and varietal character. The Shallow soils over livestone in maritime influenced vineyards between McLaren Vale and Masline Beach and also around Bowering Hill, provide explosive blueberries and liquorice with finesse and a wonderfully framing tannin structure. Up in the foothills of the Mount Lofty ranges, a Kangarilla vineyard offers Indian spice complexities that many higher priced wines would simply love to have. The added length and savoury tannins of this component and the use of some French oak result in a beguiling final release that is extraordinary.

Chapel Hill's Michael Fragos loves using the Parsons label to showcase McLaren Vale's diversity and varietal character. To achieve the desired style and to harness the regal varietal flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes are strategically harvested to avoid any green tannins or overripe jammy fruit flavours. Full-bodied in style, the palate is both eloquently pure and broodingly complex, supported by fine, savoury tannins. A great companion for a medium rare steak with a solid helping of steamed greens.

d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz is a firm favourite with many McLaren Vale Shiraz lovers and for good reason. This is another great example of the rich, full-bodied style with aromas of ripe blackberry and spice that mingle with minty peppery notes. The palate is full-flavoured, supple in texture with a velvety finish.

Shingleback owners John & Kym Davey produce a lovely, rich McLaren Vale Shiraz here with aromas of ripe cherry fruit, milk chocolate and licorice. Plush and sweet fruited on the palate, the tannins are soft and supple. Wonderful drinking.