This "funky red blend of Shiraz (48%), Grenache (42%) and Mataro (10%)... is Juicy and bouncy with a real meaty, rusty, medina-spicy edge that is very appealing indeed. 93pts.” (Dave Brookes, The Halliday Wine Companion). Whistler Wines is owned by the Pfeiffer family, with brothers Martin and Chris at the helm. (Martin had run the Penfolds vineyards back in the 1980s). The next generation, brothers Josh and Sam Pfeiffer, joined them in 2013, introducing new wine styles and a drive towards sustainabilty.

Enjoy a "…delicious Barossa GSM… It is plush, silky, opulent and generous – what is not to like about that!" says Ken Gargett, WinePilot. "The flavours weave through chocolate, coffee beans, dry herbs, cassis and blackberries. The supple texture and seamless structure provide a solid base for a really likeable red blend and we see more chocolate emerging on the palate. A wine with impressive length, this will drink beautifully for at least the next ten to twelve years. 94pts." Ray Jordan, also writing in WinePilot agrees: "“A plush and generous blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Seductive floral perfumes of rose petal and stewed plum. The palate is a polished combination of supple fruit, fine chalky tannins and a gentle touch of oak. Displays an earthy red fruit flavour combo with a little dried herb and sage-like character on a palate that is medium weight and harmonious. 93pts.” (Ray Jordan) It boasts several high scores up to 95pts.

Head Wines was started in 2006 by Alex Head. It focuses on single site Rhône varietals from the Barossa and Eden Valleys in South Australia. Head Red is a barrel cull from Barossa vineyards including 'The Blonde', 'The Brunette' and The Contrarian single vineyard Shiraz wines. It allows a pre-view of the vintage quality to come and keeps the quality of the Single vineyard wines as high as possible. The wine receives 12 months barrel age in predominantly older French hogsheads allowing the vintage and terroir to show clearly. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Another hearty expression of Barossa's generous fruit from the impressive Teusner stable. Black olives, black pepper and blackberries, there's a dark side to this feisty Shiraz. Concentrated and thick yet artfully constructed with balance and efficiency.

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.

Though part of the Barossa, the Eden Valley is a slightly cooler climate than the neighbouring Barossa Valley, so generally produce Shiraz that is slightly more elegant in style. That said, the Eden Hall Shiraz is a wine that is not only rich, vibrant and full of life today, it will also hang in for the long haul.

Spinifex Papillon is a vibrant and luscious red from the Baross Valley that is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mataro. Made in the typical modern Australian mould, the Papillon is bright and aromatic with lifted cherry, red currant and spicy raspberry. A very perfumed wine with earthy flavours of beetroot and white pepper which lends itself to being a terrific food style wine with lovely acid structure and a medium weight.

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!

Based at their Home of the Brave winery in the Barossa, First Drop describe their wine-making philosophy as a sensibility for tradition with a passion for innovation. This Shiraz is garnet red with purple hues. Complex nose of dark cherry and blackberry aromas with a hint of forest floor and spice.

Murray Street Vineyards might be a recent addition to the Barossa Valley elite, but it hasn't taken Andrew Seppelt and his team to firmly place themselves at the pointy end of quality in the Barossa. With access to some of the oldest vineyards in the Valley, Murray Street are able to produce wines like this Red Label Shiraz that are bursting with varietal aromas and flavours. Dark, purple and blueberry fruit with a fine and integrated tannin structure. A beautifully balanced wine.