ark Richardson, red specialist at Tyrrell’s calls Heathcote “undoubtedly Australia’s most exciting new red wine producing region.” Buying up vineyards here was the brainchild of Bruce Tyrrell – and it has yielded a red that wins huge numbers of loyal fans every year.

The Exception wines are driven by one-off parcels of exceptional fruit. These wines are strictly limited edition and never-to-be repeated.Deep red purple. Mulberry, plum, dark cherry, earth, pepper and wood smoke. Ripe and full-bodied, in a deluxe style, with concentrated red and black fruit, layered tannins adding power and complexity, charry chocolatey oak and a long, toasty finish.

A densely layered wine, Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz will be a reward for cellaring. Spice and savoury characters are the features of this wine along with hints of plum blackberry and chocolate. Being packaged under stelvin a big bonus!

Beresford pride themselves on passionately capturing the pure varietal expression and the essence of their terrior to deliver a Shiraz of timeless elegance and muscular complexity. Quintessentially McLaren Vale, the wine has a rich, full palate brimming with dark berry fruits, coffee and spice characteristics finishing with soft, lengthy tannins. A cracking wine of great substance and exceptional balance.

Intense, textured and showing pure fruit flavours, Jester Shiraz is considered Mitolo's baby G.A.M Shiraz using the same barrels in which the G.A.M was previously aged in. The palate is full of bright, red berry flavours, a subtle herbal character and an overall savoury quality to the finish. Made to be upfront and approachable for early appreciation, the Jester Shiraz delivers excellent quality for the price.

Shiraz and Grenache blend beautifully in many of the warmer parts of South Australia. This AAA is Paxton's 9th release, crafted similar to a Rhone-style wine yet it is packed with Au's Terroir. Bright with juicy red berry fruits and spices on the palate with well integrated oak and tannins, giving this wine a remarkable lengthy finish.

The Chalmers familys commitment to innovation and excellence has made them a pivotal force in the Australian wine scene for over 20 years. The Chalmers Nero dAvola is deliberately made in a drink-young, lifted red-fruit style reminiscent of the Cerasuolo wines of Vittoria. This wine shows a vibrant fruits-of-the-forest and blueberry nose with pretty rosehip aromatics. The medium-bodied palate marries savoury boysenberry fruit with chalky tannins, sweet spice and just a touch of blood orange.

The Little Reddie Bootleg Red (2024) NV from Heathcote is a bold and captivating wine that showcases the talent of this renowned Victoria-based producer. On the nose, rich aromas of ripe blackberries and plums mingle with hints of dark chocolate and a touch of spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with a deep crimson hue that hints at its intensity. Flavors of black cherry, cassis, and a subtle smokiness tantalize the taste buds, while soft tannins and a long, lingering finish complete the experience. This vintage NV is a testament to Little Reddie's expertise in crafting exceptional wines that perfectly balance power and finesse. Enjoy this Bootleg Red with a hearty beef stew or a juicy steak for a truly indulgent dining experience.

Consistency has been the hallmark of Majella Shiraz for some time now. Ripe fresh raspberry and mulberry fruit is supported by fine tannins and subtle oak.

Tyrrell's Rufus Stone is an excellent example of Heathcote Shiraz at a reasonable price. A rich, balanced wine of deep magenta colour with liquorice and white pepper aromas. Intense dark plum flavours are given a subtle lift from the well judged French oak. Better than ever!

Tempranillo is an easy going red variety and well suited to the climate and deep red soils of Northern Heathcote. With soft fruit and fine tannins, Woodfired Tempranillo has modern grainy flavours, ample structure and savoury tannins. This wine will pair perfectly with dishes like chargrilled chorizo and Manchego cheese.