Tucked away nicely in the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate have made an art form out of crafting some of the very best single vineyard cool-climate wines available in Australia. Owen and Cassandra Inglis purchased the boutique property in 2004 and immediately set about making their vision become a reality. Their Sidewood Shiraz displays that vision to perfection. Attention to detail is the key here which enables flavours of red cherry, currants and dark plum to shine through along with hints of cinnamon and spice. The texture is beguiling and gives promise to a wine that will age for up to a decade.

The trailblazers of the Adelaide Hills have created another outstanding wine. A superb expression of modern cool-climate Shiraz; Shaw & Smith is elegantly spicy and brimming with supple red-fruit flavours matched by fine tannins. An absolute ripper.

An elegant and fine-boned cool climate Shiraz from the emerging wine region of the Canberra District. The wine is packed with spicy aromatics from pepper and bay leaf to marzipan and violets. Red fruit flavours run to blackberry and beef stock, carried by savoury, grainy tannins.

Old vine Barossa Valley Shiraz doesn't get much better than this. The Kaesler name was reborn by winemaker and visionary Reid Bosward in 1997, breathing new life in the over 100 year old vineyards. A Quirky name matched with unrivaled concentration make The Bogan Shiraz as must have for all big Australian Shiraz lovers.

Complex mineral and flint aromas with a palate that has good length. Tyrrell's Stevens Semillon has wonderful balance between the fresh citrus flavours of youth and the aged 'toasty' characters. It is great with seafood dishes.

Krinklewood Shiraz is a deep plum coloured wine from Hunter Valley. The bouquet of this classic red offers spiced aromas of plums, cherries, forest timber and dried apple. The well-structured palate exhibits velvety-smooth tannins layered over vibrant fruit characters. The wine has a bright, engaging and lengthy finish. This medium-bodied wine will continue to develop with careful cellaring. Pair it with barbecues, grilled meat, lamb chops or pork tenderloin.

Run Amok Shiraz shows the power and elegance of a great Hunter Valley vintage. Deep purple in colour with aromas of red and dark fruit. The palate displays flavours of earth, spice and dark berries with assertive tannins. Pair with rich meat dishes such as pork or roast duck, or alterntively, cellar it for your next gathering and enjoy!

Run Amok Shiraz Cabernet is a blend of Hunter Valley Shiraz and Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were fermented in open fermenters and blended prior to bottling. The resulting wine has a purple hue with aromas of earth and spice. The palate reveals flavours of plums, blackcurrants, oak and spice. Pair with rich, creamier dishes such as lamb shanks or fattier meats of wild game.

"Out of the three traditional red grape varieties of the Barossa, Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro. Mataro and Shiraz have always been my favourites. Shiraz for its bold richness and Mataro for its savoury spice and earthiness. This single vineyard is nestled at the base of the Barossa Ranges in the Krondorf sub-region, it is planted in rich red loamy clay. It is sun struck during the day and is soothed by the cool air falling from the hills at night. The vineyard even though is young in Barossa terms, shows an intensity and complexity usually reserved for older vines. This wine to me is more than what’s in the bottle, it represents the on-going history of my region, the complexity of family and the chance of being able to create something I truly love."

The palate is expansive and gently fruity, with excellent fruit clarity and softness. Overall, the wine is beautifully lemony and full-flavoured. Multi-vineyard sourcing, including from the Soldier Settler vineyard in the Broke Fordwich subregion. Hand-picked fruit, cool-ferment and early bottling to preserve freshness. Alcohol: 11.5%. Closure: screwcap. Date tasted: Feb 2024. Drink: 2024-2029. Price: $48. Rating: 96/100.