A wine who’s reputation proceeds it, 0f particular note is the interesting winemaking on show here – it’s old school, yet cleverly so, with all the components co fermented, everything relying on the juice, rather than new oak to tell the story. I like that blend of old and new – its what the Barossa does best. A mid red colour, this has dried herbs, cherry, a waft of VA and tomato paste on the slightly forward savoury nose. There is even a hint of saddle, though its more winey than bretty. The palate is medium bodied, pleasurably soft and somewhat evolved, with spicy old oak the only influence, the rest derived from integrated, maturing fruit. It feels like a pair of favourite jeans – worn in all the right places and comfortable from the get go, yet without losing its style. Suffice to say its one very drinkable, enjoyable, medium bodied drink and its all the better for it. It probably won’t seduce you with its intensity and some will be looking for more primary fruit freshness (I’d like to see it in a screwcap too because I’m a stelvinista or even a vino-loker: now they are pretty sexy too) but I’d drink a ton more of this than so many heavier Barossan reds. 18.0

Spinifex Esprit is a Grenache Mataro blend that has a vibrant, youthful and fresh palate driven by a tangy herb infused line of red fruit red currant, sour red plum, pomegranate and marjoram that gains warmth and depth turning to tobacco, game, cedar and darker fruit to close. Pulpy, fleshy fruit is drawn long with plum skin acids and stony tannins.

Old vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mataró combine in this Barossa red. Aromas of raspberry, dried herbs and floral notes introduce juicy berry flavours on the palate framed by fine tannins. [biodynamic]

This bright, juicy Grenache displays peppery notes, along with raspberry, cherry and wild strawberries on the palate. Balancing blueberry and sandalwood, it finishes with a floral high note. Absolutely scrumptious.

The Kennedy is a blend of old vine Barossa Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Its named in honour of the legendary Barossa vignerons who were instrumental in planting these old precious vineyards. Grenache from 50-year-old vines dominates the blend and all varieties are fermented separately at very warm temperatures for optimal extraction of colour, tannins and flavour. Kennedy is matured in seasoned French hogsheads and puncheons for up to 16 months.

Hand-crafted using small parcels of old vine fruit, The Barking Dog Grenache Shiraz Mataro is an exceptional example of three of the Barossa Valleys finest varieties. Natural fruit sweetness drives the palate with flavours of blackberry, plum, tobacco and a touch of spice to round it out. The soft balanced tannins and acid provide the core structure and combine to provide an intense long finish.

Schild Estate Old & Survivor Vine Barossa Valley Grenache 2019 The Old & Survivor Vine 2019 Barossa Valley Grenache is firmly in the red fruit register but at the darker end of the spectrum. Dark cherries and red currants are chaperoned by savoury spice. Slight creamy texture and soft tannins are offset by a bright edge. This isnt an over the top Barossa Grenache, its generous, layered and interesting without being indulgent. The fruit is sourced from two vineyards. The Kleemann Vineyard was established in 1985 at 320m asl on the Eastern Hills overlooking Rowland Flat and are now classified as Old Vines (35 years+). The second vineyard in the blend is the Three Springs. Established at 300m asl, the plot is adjacent to the original Schild family estate in Rowland Flat. The vines are 70+ years old Classified and Survivor Vines. At this altitude, the vines are much lower-yielding and, combined with the decades of growth, produce fruit of great concentration, complexity and character. Schild Estate then realises the potential of the fruit and presents it in this sumptuous 2019 cuvée.