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.

Brothers Kym and John Davey are the winemaking team behind this quality expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Using modern viticultural practices that minimise work to the soil of their estate vineyard, ensures superior fruit is grown for the wine. Flavours of dark cherries and chocolate are finely framed with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Fine grained American and French oak are the thread that runs through this full-bodied Shiraz, tying together the opulent mid-palate and long, lingering finish.

Utilising the winemaking talents of Larry Cherubino and over 40 years of winemaking experience himself, Robert Oatley lends his name to this McLaren Vale Shiraz that has all the hallmarks of an exceptional regional example. Matured for 10 months in French oak and sourced from fruit from around the sub-region of Blewitt Springs, this Shiraz is opulent, fleshy and textured with flavours of blueberries and spice with a lingering, soft finish.

In the glass the 2010 S has a black core with a deep red rim. There are elegant aromas of red black fruits, and spicy earthy notes with a hint of grilled meats, graphite and controlled oak. On the palate the fruit continues with rich plums, and blueberries and delicate spice and chocolate which all roll on to a juicy palate with fine tannins that go on ... and on. Smidge recommends drinking this wine betwen 2014 and 2030.

Chapel Hill The Vinedresser is a true to form McLaren Vale Shiraz. With hints of blueberry and spice and a long, silky finish.

The Nugan family is dedicated to showcasing the best vareitals from our finest growing regions. This McLaren Vale Shiraz is no exception, it is rich and full bodied, bursting with juicy plums, chocolate and a hint of black pepper. Enjoy with roast beef or kangaroo.

Yangarra Estate is a biodynamic wine farm in the McLaren Vale devoted solely to producing wines from the best grape varieties of the southern Rhone. Shiraz from the Yangarra estate vineyard adopts more of a cooler climate expression than the typical McLaren Vale style, thanks to the vineyards elevation and cooling night breezes from the nearby Southern Lofty Ranges, but retains concentration and complexity. lots of lifted violet aromas, with fresh cherries and plums, with a soft and juicy palate and fine elegant tannins.

The Red Knot Shiraz is set to enshrine this label among the all time bargain greats in Australian wine. Following the ground breaking previous releases, the mass following for this wine is guaranteed to continue. Deep blackberry concentration swathed in supporting red fruits, dark plums, complex spices, and definitely more aniseed in this edition. A Shiraz lover's delight in every way possible!

Made by Rockstar winemaker Ben Riggs, the McLaren Vale Shiraz is as true an expression as one could hope for. The fifth release of the wine is based around a core of pristine fruit with dark red berries, hints of spice, earth, tar and leather and with seamlessly integrated oak. Ripe tannins are apparent but not overwhelming, meaning this is a wine which can be enjoyed now or in the next 10-15 years.