Shows more traditional Australian brooding dark fruit character of blackcurrant, stewed cherry and satsuma plum on a backing of liquorice, spice and smoky, bacony oak. Black pepper is infused through the tannin, lending a distinctly savoury edge to the finish. Length is excellent. Luxury is affordable. The Lane Vineyard, near Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, is 400 metres above sea level. Shaped by this altitude and southerly latitudes the cooler climate is ideal for growing grapes destined to become wines of distinction, wines with impressive structure, minerality and natural acidity. North facing single vineyard sites maximize autumn sunlight for later ripening varietals, South facing sites favor aromatic whites and sparkling wines. Significant diurnal temperature variation during grape ripening is a distinguishing feature of this vineyard. Longer sunlight hours and temperate daytime temperatures contribute to intense fruit flavours while the sudden fall in evening temperature preserves natural acidity and structure.

This is the sixth release of this wine and it's richness is again on display. This is rich, ripe, Hills shiraz looking a lot like the 'Vales. Black and blue fruits dominate with a hint of eucalypt and a palate supported by 20% brand new Frenach oak. A very classy wine that demands decanting to enjoy now but will offer improvement over the next 10-20 years.

A small but brilliant parcel of fruit meant our flagship Five Clones Shiraz was on the menu again. The nose is abundant with black and blue fruits also seen on the palate, which is full bodied and underpinned by fine tannins. Further breathing reveals more layers of flavour and complexity after the initial tranche of bright fruits. A superb example of care in the vineyard and judicious winemaking. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar for up to 20 years.

While the establishment date of Arrivo is 1998, when Peter Godden and partner Sally McGill established a nursery block of 35 vines of nebbiolo, the inspiration goes back to 1995 and '96, when Peter spent much time in Barolo, Italy, working the '96 vintage at leading producer Vietti.Now with plantings of around 1 hectare of nebbiolo, Peter uses a unique trellis and training system derived from Barolo, but with an Australian twist. Not only is the trellis complicated and unique, but so are the amazingly complicated fermentation techniques being used.The resulting wines are a benchmark for Australian nebbiolo.

This is the flagship Cabernet of the Jim Barry stable. Ripe black fruits combined with a beautifully distinct earth, leather aromas with hints of dried fruits and sweet mulch.

Yering Station Reserve wines are produced only in years of outstanding quality. The Shiraz Viognier is co fermented, made up of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier. A wonderful vintage in 2012 where fruit was able to ripen to maturity in cool conditions

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.

The perfect counterpoint to its other half in the Hentley Farm stable, The Beast, The Beauty is made from cooler climate Shiraz and co-fermented with a dollop of Viognier. Utterly seductive like some dark pool calling you to dive in, it is complex, elegant and aptly named.

The Craiglee vineyard was established in the 1860's, and replanted in 1976 by the current winemaker, Patrick Carmody. All wines are made from estate grown fruit using natural processes that reflect the flavours specific to the site. This is an iconic Victorian wine that features a trademark of pronounced cracked black pepper.

Created in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 is a regional wine that reflects the unique climate and growing conditions of South Australia's Coonawarra district and the relatively elegant style of cool climate Shiraz. From the 1980 vintage, French oak replaced American, highlighting the pepper, spice and floral characteristics that define this style. Since the mid-1980s, a greater attention has been paid to fruit ripeness, resulting in a wine that is fuller in style and structure.