Church Block first appeared back in 1972 under the watchful eye of Greg Trott and was taken by one of the original vineyards that ran alongside the small Bethany Church, across the road from Wirra Wirra's old ironstone cellars. Over the last 4 decades, it has become one of Australia's favourites. The 2005 Church Block is showing just what a little patience can do. After six years, the velvet texture is the dominant feature with integrated tannin taking a backseat.

The perfect balance between power and elegance is present here in 'The Descendant' Shiraz by III Associates. Lifted perfume of violet and red fruits courtesy of older oak used lets the fruit sing.

Sisters Run is an independently owned and operated winery with a fierce commitment to make the best wines from family vineyards. The label pays reference to talented young winemaker Elena Brooks who wears steel cap boots in the day but carries a pair of high heels in the back of the ute, just in case of emergencies. Lovely aromas of red berries mingle delightfully with spice and black pepper notes. The palate is dry, medium-full bodied and amply rewards the promise of the nose. Suggestions of spice, plus red and black fruit, with a crisp acidity and appropriate tannins keeping everything balanced through the end of the long and tangy finish.

Subtle hints of oak and soft tannins support the fruitiness of raspberries and red currents in this approachable and very smooth red. Pair with pork and beef sausages with lots of mustard and chutney.

Made by Corrina Wright, a sixth generation member of the Oliver family, this is McLaren Vale Shiraz to the extreme. There's bold chocolate and blackberry flavours, a hint of pepper and smokey overtones. The alcohol sits at the higher end of the spectrum and there's plenty of vanilla oak, but the fruit intensity pulls it all together to produce a superbly balanced wine.

An elegant wine with perfectly ripened blackberry and plum fruit, liquorice and hints of dark chocolate. Maturation in high quality French and American oak has created a complex layered finish with fine tannins and notes of vanilla and spice. Sourced from vines planted in 1947 this wine was matured in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months. Expressive aromatics of liquorice, dark chocolate and blackberries emerge from the glass with underlying toasty vanillin oak and spice. Full bodied, rich and velvety in its mouthfeel the palate delivers a generous flavour profile of ripe blackberries, liquorice and dark chocolates over some smoky vanillin cedar, a touch of mocha and spice. Silky smooth, polished tannins only enhance the wines sumptuous qualities. Superb length with a long aftertaste of blackberries, liquorice, dark chocolate, toasty vanillin oak and spice.

This vibrant Shiraz from Cape Barren in McLaren Vale is full of ripe black fruits, spice, liquorice and anise aromas with delicate hints of French oak. The full-bodied palate is silky smooth with highlights of blackcurrant, liquorice, mocha and spices. The elegant soft tannins lead to a long lasting, luscious finish.

Geoff Merrill Henley Shiraz shows a deep brick red colour lined by cherry red hues. A whiff of the wine reveals generous scents of berry fruits and toasty French oak. Ripe fruit flavours combine with fine and powerful tannins on the full flavoured palate, to provide an elegant structure. This delightful Shiraz ends in a captivating finale. It tastes marvellous with lamb shanks in a red wine jus, chocolate-dipped honeycomb, and sharp Cheddar cheese.

Mitolo Wines is a family owned business, borne of and led by the founder and owner Frank Mitolo's vision; to create a range of wines of individuality, integrity and utmost quality. The G.A.M. is deep purple, the nose is an intense combination of smoked herbs, liquorice and blackcurrants leading to a full bodied palate with notes of cassis and cracked pepper. Premium McLaren Vale at its best.