Margaret River is an under appreciated region for Australian Shiraz, and it's hard to see why with Cape Mentelle's Shiraz showing a vibrant core of blueberry, mulberry and hints of raspberry. It is well balanced with cocoa and savoury oak. The palate yet, is fine, elegant and focussed, finishing with chalky and structural tannins.

Located within Murrumbateman in the now prestigious wine region of Canberra District, comes Eden Road who are well known for cool-climate, elegant style wines. Here their 'The Long Road' Syrah is actually sourced from vineyards that are both within the Canberra District and other nearby regions, like Hilltops. The result is a Syrah that is lifted in both aroma and flavours of ripe red cherries and strawberry. 14 months in older French oak has also provided a subtle savoury note with extreme elegance.

A great Margaret River Shiraz with temperate ripening conditions promoting fruit intensity, richness and fine tannins. The palate is restrained and balanced with flavours of plum and aniseed spice.

Occupying some of the more elevated land in the Canberra District, Quarry Hill produces a Shiraz with ripe flavours and excellent natural acids; the hallmarks of great cool-climate Shiraz. Aged in a mix of new and older French oak, the wine is bright purple in the glass, follwed by aromas of raspberry, plum, spice and a little pepper. Through the palate, there are flavours of mulberry and plum, fine tannins and a crisp, dry finish.

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.

Occupying some of the more elevated land in the Canberra District, Quarry Hill's climate is well-suited to produce one of the great red grapes of the world, tempranillo. Taking a cue from Spanish joven styles of young & fresh tempranillo, Quarry Hill's expression is fresh and bright-fruited, but guided in by the chewy skin tannin characteristic of the grape variety. The versatility of the wine means its not just for tapas or other Spanish foods, it also goes great with any grilled dishes or roast pork.

Mount Majura, from the emerging wine region of the Canberra District, considers Tempranillo as their flagship variety. With a dense core of dry savoury tannin, interwoven with fleshy cherry and blueberry fruit, and embroidered with a host of aromas, from sweet spices and pomegranate, to malt and leather.

Lark Hill have a history in the Canberra District region of over 30 years and today that legacy has been continued on by founder's Sue & Dave Carpenter's son, Chris. Located 30km North East of Canberra, Lark Hill's wines are certified bio-dynamic and have an ethereal, almost pure nature to them. The Pinot Noir is delightfully fragrant alongside a earthy backbone that is perfect for most game dishes.

It is a rich, long flavoured Shiraz with soft tannins, fragrant spice, pepper and dark berry fruit. It is fantastic with char grilled lamb or a thick sirloin. Put it away for a few years to truly appreciate it's richness.

The 2008 release of this took out the prestigious tri-nations award. The 2009 from a stronger vintage looks even better. A classicist?s Merlot; plum and cassis supported by fine tannin.