Wilder, fleshier with more grip and structure, the Las Lamas is sourced from a steep south-facing sloped vineyard at 730m altitude. The biodynamic single vineyard has vines averaging in age between 50-90 years anchored on minerally schist and clay soils. Fermentation takes place in small foudres and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered after 14 months' maturation in French oak of various ages. Approximately 5 barrels of this wine are made each vintage.

This wine displays a bright bigarreau cherry colour with light red-brick tones provided by the oak ageing. It has complex and interesting aromas of ripe red fruits harmoniously integrated with spicy touches, dominating some pleasant balsamic notes. Balanced in mouth, with body and strength. Soft tannins, fleshy and expressive. A wine with a long life.

Upon much deliberation, our overall masked winner revealed a style and character that provided us with a fairly clear cut insight into the modern day advances of a region etched in history and tradition. Cosme Palacio consistently produces one of our favourite Riojas that always offers incredible value for money. Produced predominantly from Tempranillo grown in cool, relatively high altitude sites, this is modern Rioja that's bright and ready to go thanks to a touch of bottle age. It's medium bodied with fine tannins and juicy in the mouth. Black fruits dominate the flavour profile with some delicate cedar and earthy notes adding complexity to a delicious example from this much loved region.

Yacca Paddock vineyard, owned by international film makers, Scott Hicks and Kerry Heysen-Hicks, is situated at Kuitpo in the south west escarpment of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Planted in 2000, vines are east facing with site temperatures some 2.5 degrees cooler on average than McLaren Vale which, as a crow flies, is just 5km away. The 2016 Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo was fermented in a 5 tonne open fermenter, resting on skins for 7 days, followed by membrane bag pressing. Fermentation was completed in 33% new French oak with the balance 2 year old French oak. Post malo, the wine was left on its gross lees for a couple of months to add texture and creaminess to the palate. A wonderfully textural, stylish wine, with natural fruit sweetness and elegance, the Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo characteristically displays savoury tannins, dried herb undertones, and highlights sweet tart red cherry flavours. Drink with food.

Medium bodied wine with raspberry fruits, cherries and chalky tannins on the finish.

Pomegranate, violets and spicy peppers. Medium-bodied, savoury and rich, cherry and red berry notes, silky tannins, fine boned structure.

Aromas of raspberry and cherry cola. Aromatic, blue and red fruits, soft and textural, fine integrated tannins. Gemtree is a third generation family owned winery in the heart of McLaren Vale. Since 2008 the winery has operated using biodynamic practices ensuring an outstanding quality of fruit. Winemaker Mike Brown is a passionate advocate for environmental practices in the vineyard including sustainable agriculture to produce the best results in all of the Gemtree wines. The same philosophy is adopted by the viticulturalist - his wife, Melissa. Gemtree Vineyards are located just 35 kilometres south of Adelaide in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region. Its considered one of the best regions in the world to grow grapes thanks to its ancient soils and Mediterranean climate plus cooling sea breezes from the nearby Gulf of St.Vincent. Soils in the area range from shallow red brown earths over limestone to deep fertile clay soils. Gemtree Vineyards comprises 260 acres under vine planted with Chardonnay, Verdelho, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. Working in tandem with his wife Melissa in the vineyard and taking a minimal interventionist approach to the winemaking is integral to Mike, to allow the wines to simply express the region in every glass.

Blue Rock Wines 2017 Eden Valley TempranilloOur cool-climate Eden Valley Tempranillo is ruby-red in colour with bright purple hues. The aromas of cola and black cherry indulge the nose. Enticing fruit flavours of black cherry, blueberries and boysenberries coat the soft velvety palate. Hints of chocolate make this wine reminiscent of Cherry ripe. This Spanish wine varietal pairs beautifully with tapas, marinated mushrooms, olives, chorizo sausage and even BBQ prawns. It doesnt get any more Mediterranean than that.

Medium to deep purple red colour. Red and blueberries on the nose with subtle oak aromas. Medium bodied. Elegant palate with an abundance of berry flavours. Fine tannins. Drink now and over the next three years.