Good winter rains set the vines up well for the ensuing dry, warm growing season. The ripening period was characterised again by warm, dry condition without excessive heat which gifted us rich, opulent reds with well-balanced structure. The moderate weather allowed us to harvest fruit at optimal ripeness. The Shiraz in particular demonstrates rafts of blackberry, fennel and earthy characters, typical hallmarks of a classic d’Arenberg red. Produced in close partnership with some of Australia's finest vineyards, Collaborations is our new capsule range of five wines. After over a year of tasting and scoring, we arrived at our core collection of wines: a Brown Brothers prosecco, a Mr Riggs shiraz, a Yering Station chardonnay, a Pizzini pinot grigio and a Xanadu cabernet sauvignon. Get to know the new Vintage Cellars Collaborations range.

The McLaren Vale region in South Australia has a moderate coastal climate, perfectly suited to growing high quality Shiraz grapes. Its unique soil produces concentrated fruit that impart pronounced berry and spice characteristics and soft palate. This wine is complex, fruit driven and smooth with hints of strawberries and raspberries with notes of spices. Deep ruby-red in colour, it is the ideal accompaniment to roasted or grilled meats such as beef or venison, as well as hard cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan. Team up at a bbq with friends. Awarded Gold at the Melbourne International Wine Competition in 2022 and 4 Stars at the Winestate Magazine (94 Points).

The Black Chook is another fantastic 'big fruit' style from Ben Riggs. The nose is complex with aromas of black cherries and violets and the palate is rich and spicy with great mouth feel and excellent length.

Steve Maglieri's Serafino Sorrento Shiraz, is one the most flavourful McLaren Shiraz's we've seen for quite some time. Spicy and rich on the front palate that then leads to a supreme density consisting of ripe plums and blackcurrants. If you're a McLaren Vale Shiraz lover, this Sorrento Shiraz has your name written all over it.

With the Southern Ocean coastline just minutes from Gemtree's vineyards, the maritime influence runs deep at this winery. Couple this with the certified organic vineyards that are tended by hand and you have a perfect recipe for a bold and full-bodied Shiraz; the Dragon's Blood McLaren Vale Shiraz. Choosing sites that offer the greatest varietal expression, concentration and finesse, the wine then saw maturation in French oak of sizes ranging from barriques (225L) to puncheons (500L) for 12 months. The result is a foreboding Shiraz that displays notes of blueberry, blackcurrant, aniseed and balancing earthen touch. Ideal served on its own to fully appreciate the rich and complex flavours but also at home when paired with French cutlets and slow cooked duck.

Pirramimma Stock's Hill Shiraz has bright cherry aromas with sweet oak and a hint of spice give this wine real appeal on the nose. The palate is rich with flavours of blackberry and chocolate balanced by grippy tannins. Great value!

Penny's Hill Cracking Black Shiraz continues to be what all McLaren Vale Shiraz should be. Deliciously intense, with all its components looking their best and beautifully synchronised. There's lengthy concentrated blackberry fruit, liquorice and pepper. Superb!

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.

This is definitive McLaren Vale Shiraz rich and generous in flavour with vibrant pepper and spice on the nose and a typically strong hint of dark chocolate.Little Road is estate-grown by a leading McLaren Vale (and Coonawarra) producer and made by veteran, Jimmy Watson Trophy-winning winemaker Paul Gordon, who matured it for 16 months in mainly French (with some American) oak.

Colour: Medium to deep red with crimson hues. Nose: red berries, nutmeg & touch of cinnamon, complimented with cedar oak. Palate: Generous spice carries through to the palate. Fine tannins and intense red berries enhanced with integrated oak, bright acidity and a long finish. Overall true to varietal. Best Drinking: great drinking from 2022. Beyond that it will age gracefully until at least 2030 and beyond. Food Match: superb with rich flavoursome dishes. With the wine’s savoury notes consider also medium flavour pairings. Winemaker’s Comments: A slightly cooler and wetter growing season a long and beneficial ripening season, requiring less ripeness to produce maximum flavour. Grapes from Willunga and Sellicks Hill areas of McLaren Vale on heavy clay-loam soils. Matured in American and French oak for 18 months