An amazing parcel of rich, dark, concentrated McLaren Vale Shiraz has gone into 'The Prize' ... look forward to a mouthful of powerful dark fruit, a tempting dark chocolate richness, and a silky, spicy, long, long palate. This is a beauty. Enjoy.

Old, extremely low-yielding McLaren Vale vines are responsible for d'Arenberg's Dead Arm Shiraz - a wine of enormous power, intensity and real complexity - an absolute must for any serious wine cellar and d'Arenberg lover. One of the flagships for McLaren Vale for many years, this wine continues to shine with a balanced between tradition and Chester Osborne driven innovation.

Select parcels of premium McLaren Vale Shiraz were chosen from 4 different vineyards for this wine, each being crushed separately. Following extended barrel fermentation over 18 months, the four parcels were blended to create this superb wine.

Deep rich red showing a youthful purple rim. Lifted notes of blackberry, chocolate and spice, with secondary characters of blueberry, leather and soy provides a complex and intense introduction to the wine. The palate is full bodied, displaying classic spice and ripe berry notes, integrated oak and concentration for which Australian Shiraz is renowned. It has spice and savoury notes with plentiful ripe succulent tannins on the finish.

Thorpe & Smart Shiraz is a celebration of individuality, history and regionality from Yangarras estate vineyard in McLaren Vale. This wine pays homage to the prominent pioneering families of the region to be a true local you must either be a Thorpe or a Smart. The elevated blocks, with their variations of ancient soils and cool air flowing down from the nearby ranges, produce an elegant Shiraz with finesse. While full flavoured, there is intrigue of perfume, bright primary fruit, and soft silky tannins, pairing well with roasted red meat and aromatic spices.

Made by Corrina Wright, a sixth generation member of the Oliver family, this is McLaren Vale Shiraz to the extreme. There's bold chocolate and blackberry flavours, a hint of pepper and smokey overtones. The alcohol sits at the higher end of the spectrum and there's plenty of vanilla oak, but the fruit intensity pulls it all together to produce a superbly balanced wine.

Big bold and tightly knit, Woodhenge will evolve over the following years as the style and full body of McLaren Vale fruit starts to integrate. Currently showing dark chocolate, mocha and mint over tones. As this wine ages and unfurls patience will be rewarded.