Its 95pt scores, two Golds and other accolades speak to the quality of this Grenache from Elena Brooks. The Heirloom Vineyards website proudly announces this was "produced from our best McLaren Vale Vineyard whose clones and viticulture embody the very best in cutting edge but old school viticulture and winemaking. Hand tended vines, whole-bunch fermented, basket pressed and stored in French oak barrels from bespoke coopers." “There’s a density of fruit here, leavened with the verve of the season. Red and black cherries, raspberry compote, redcurrant jelly, red licorice, white pepper and a dusty, earthy quality. There’s a firm drive to the palate apace with the fruit weight, cinching without constricting, the finish both vibrant and savoury. 95pts” (Marcus Ellis, The Halliday Wine Companion). try it with Maroccan spiced pitas as the producers suggest.

"A smart blend" (Halliday) with Golds, Platinum and 94-96pt scores. From the very gifted winemaker Elena Brooks. "Flavours skip through sour plum, wild raspberry, blackberry pastille, soft licorice, ground ginger, dark rye, mace and a certain tarriness, measured but robust tannins closing out. It’s a smart blend, pulpy, chewy, multi-layered and bursting with flavour. 95pts” (Marcus Ellis, The Halliday Wine Companion). "Rich and intense on the palate with loads of blue fruits and dark earth minerality... it rolls long and weighty with supple tannins ensuring the drive is clear, focused and very long. 95pts” Stuart Knox, The Real Review). Ken Gargett, WinePilot adds that it is "Stunning stuff... A silky palate, very long and seamless with soft and sleek tannins. An enticing style which is utterly delicious. 96pts".

Exceptionally potent and powerful, initially giving the (false) impression its alcohol is more than 14%. Retasting brings it back into perspective, the two varieties bonded, yet each preserving its varietal integrity and structural architecture. A classic Australian blend of exceptional quality, destined to outlive most who taste it.

His upland vineyard raises fruit of rare elegance without losing any of its perfumed intensity. Lithe tannins underlie a strap of lively blackberry, and perfect amounts of sinew, flesh and bright acidity guarantee a highly rewarding decade or two.

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.

There's a lot to adore about this Cabernet Sauvignon from a beloved family-owned winery. Halliday deemed it worthy of 92 points, and it's picked up four gold medals from Australian wine shows. But if that pedigree doesn't impress you, one sip of this beautiful red will.

Hardys Upper Tintara Shiraz McLaren Vale From the premium stable of Hardys Tintara Sub-Regional series comes the Upper Tintara Shiraz. This range has a singular goal of allowing the nuances of McLaren Vales sub regions shine, and the terroir of the Upper Tintara is manifest in this sublime Shiraz. Sourced from high-grade vines chosen for their exceptional fruit, this is a Shiraz of gorgeous purity, a millefeuille of red and black fruits, and a touch of spice. Its deep and rich, with whispers of mocha, olives and charcuterie meats. The real surprise is a dance-on-the-palate acidity. Fully formed, but still refreshing, it will elegantly reward 15 years of cellaring.