While normally associated with Grenache and Shiraz blends, Mourvèdre recently has begun to stand on its own two feet as a stand-alone wine. Quite evocative in nature, Chapel Hill's Mourvèdre is a dark and brooding red with wonderful hints of spice and violet tones. Walking the line between medium and full-bodied, this wouldn't be out of place next to either a thick cut steak or a plate of picked Mediterranean vegetables.

Chapel Hill's Cabernet Sauvignon is a superb McLaren Vale wine which rivals others well beyond its price range. Generous blackcurrant, dark cherries, cedar and spice mixed in with fine, firm tannins. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to improve with a few years in the cellar.

Sharktooth is an apt name of this wonderfully balanced wine. Razor sharp flavours of dark mulberry and blackcurrant are sliced by a freshness and vibrancy not often seen in full-bodied wines from McLaren Vale. A supreme example of modern Australian red winemaking is on display here and despite the unctuous concentration this wine dances across the palate and leaves you with a delightful length of flavour.

Pirramimma Shiraz is full-fruited and powerful, with sweet plum and mocha along with cinnamon notes and dark chocolate which are all typical regional characters of McLaren Vale.

Olivers Taranga have access to some rare old vine Grenache fruit from their Taranga vineyards and they make the most of them with this quite brilliant McLaren Vale Grenache. The perfect balance between the lively, fresh and fruit driven aspect of the variety and an earthy savoury backbone that completes this wine perfectly. Always made in small batches to increase the quality and concentration, don't miss out on this stand-out Grenache from a region that specialises in it.

Battle of Bosworth Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout wine of flavoursome red fruits and currants; firmly structured, very rich and grippy. Deserves to be taken very seriously. Proof of such comes with the Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2011 McLaren Vale Wine Show.

Wirra Wirra's flagship Shiraz has won many accolades over the years, including the 'world's best Shiraz'. It's loaded with distinctive McLaren Vale blueberry and chocolate characters, supported by plums, violets and spice, and tannin structure destined for 10 more years in the cellar.

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.

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.

Battle of Bosworth are a terrific, family owned winery producing some of the best organic wines available in Australia today. Their Shiraz is typical McLaren Vale with dark fruit, fresh meat and milk chocolate that can be found on the nose as well as hints of marshmallow weed and spice if you look carefully. The nose segues subtly into the long, balanced, persistent palate. A super McLaren Vale Shiraz.