The Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a relatively new addition to the Penfolds stable, sourced from the Barossan sub-district, Marananga. Simply a revelation, this wine is an inky, black beast in the glass with lashings of dark chocolate and coffee accented fruit, yet this years offering shows a lingering, soft structured finish that will see the wine cellar very nicely.

An interesting blend from the Barossa that is sourced from two vineyards - the Grenache adds spice and lift while the Tempranillo adds savoury characters and texture to the palate.

Vital, youthful and vigorous. Joven-style Tempranillo with bright, punchy fruit aromatics of damson plum and mulberry that sit above darker dried herb and wood smoke notes. Mid-weight palate with lively red berry and tart stone fruit flavours that mesh with nervy, bright fruit acids and light, snappy tannins. Harvested from a single, elevated vineyard in the southern Barossa foothills. Handpicked early in the season to capture lively fruit and retain natural fruit acids, selected bunches were fully destemmed prior to fermentation in a small open fermenter. The young wine was allowed to mature on its lees for six months prior to bottling without filtration. Spinifex was started in 2001 with the opportunity to source some great old vine Mataro growing in deep white drift-sand on the Barossa Valleys Western Ridge. Owned by husband and wife team, Peter Schell and Magali Gely, their focus is on regional wines from the traditional Mediterranean grape varieties that have been grown successfully in Australia for over 150 years - Shiraz, Mataro, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne and Semillon. They aim to make wines that display signatures of vineyard provenance and vintage, show regional typicity and have a consistent thread of 'house style' that reflects their preferences and experiences with wine. The wines they choose to make are predominately blends, the synergies derived from blending wines of differing character enhance the subtle complexities, even textures and profound personalities delivered from great old vine vineyards.

Rockbare's second label, Mojo Shiraz punches way above it's weight in the quality division. Rich and ripe, this versatile wine would not be out of place at the dinner table or at a BBQ.

A story that has intrigued Sons of Eden for years is the fable of the legendary founders of Ancient Rome, Romulus and Remus. These twins were abandoned at birth and reared by a she-wolf. Romulus murdered his twin in a fit of rage over the naming of Rome, the city which both had built. Legend presents Romulus as the stronger, more powerful of the brothers, while Remus was more refined, focussed and elegant. Sons of Eden believe the twins characterise the distinctive and unique flavours and attributes of Shiraz from the twin valleys - the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Deep crimson in colour with a complex aroma of dense cherry and red berry fruits together with nuances of dried herb and vanilla bean. A powerful and fleshy palate of plums, red berries and spice are balanced with persistent silky tannins.

The Glaetzer family have been part of the Barossa winemaking scene since 1888 and now Ben takes over the reigns and produces Shiraz of the utmost intensity and concentration. Named after the ancient Egyptian god Amon-Ra who was the champion of the poor and troubled and was central to personal piety, the temple of Amon-Ra is believed to be the first to plant a vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple. This incarnation is rich, full-bodied and viscous to the palate, yet with sublime oak integration and a balance on the back palate that is quite lifted allowing it to be paired with many meals and a prime candidate for medium to long term cellaring.

Two Hands Ares Shiraz is a wine that showcases the very best parcel selection that Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz can get their 'Two Hands' on. A wonderfully powerful, rich and dense Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, the Ares Shiraz is matured in 100% French Oak, not a common practice in the Barossa. With the full-bodied nature of the wine, the extra bottle age makes the Ares Shiraz a perfect bottle to open now.

A complex, savoury nose of spice and white pepper. Rich plummy fruit with a touch of vanilla and cedary oak characters. This Grant Burge Balthasar Shiraz is drinking beautifully now or for careful medium term cellaring.

If you love your big, bold and brash Barossa Shiraz, then look no further. Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz produce wine of utmost power and strength. Their Gnarly Dudes is a perfect example. Bold black and blue fruits dominate with a healthy smattering of oak to hold everything in place. Sumptuous!

Some great Barossa Cabernets have come out of the Saltram winery over the years and this multi award winning wine continues in that tradition. Enjoy the Peperjack Cabernet Sauvignon's rich berry fruit and chocolately regional character.