We have to talk about the Elephant in the Room Merlot. An aromatic scent of ripe, red berries balanced by spice and earthiness is continued into the palate with a well-contained flavour explosion. The delightful finish makes this the perfect wine to enjoy with friends.

This is a wine that stays true to more traditional methods in an effort to preserve the purity and flavour of the Barossa Valley. If youre looking for a rich and juicy Shiraz, this may just become a favourite.

HEAD Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa Valley The hand-picked fruit comes in small parcels from up to 100-years-old vines. Theres a little whole-bunch fermentation prior to 12 months in a mix of old and new barrels. There is a measure of Old Vine Grenache to lighten up the classic Barrosa Valley Shiraz richness.

A tried and true expression of ripe and generously flavoured shiraz that lets the fruit do the talking rather than excessive oak or alcohol. Traditionally a blend of Barossa and Eden Valley estate grown fruit, there's so much to like here ; delicately scented spice, earth and licorice complexities intertwine with layers of supple, mouth filling blue and black fruits. Savoury, long and fine, quality French oak imparts gentle cedar notes to complete the picture. 'A blend of Barossa and Eden Valleys. An extremely powerful and complex wine, with a major question hanging over its head in the form of tis alcohol; there is an ocean of black fruits, but the alcohol warmth is a take it or leave it issue.' (2012 Vintage) - 94 Points. - James Halliday - Published on 26 Jul 2014.

Two Hands is a winery that rarely puts a foot wrong, and the 'Gnarly Dudes' is no exception. The Gnarly refers to the gnarled old Shiraz vines this wine comes from. The nose jumps immediately out of the glass with hints of Asian spice, blackcurrant, rasberry, black pepper, anise and the slightest waft of perfumed violets. The palate gives up a generous hit of black cherry and liquorice. With great complexity, heavy tannins and a brilliant long length, this is a wine that will greatly reward a few years in the cellar.

Located in the High Eden sub-region of the Barossa, Mountadam was originally established in 1972 by the late David Wynn for his winemaking son Adam. Since 2005, it has returned to being a family owned and run winery, with David and Jenni Brown overseeing its success. With Phil Lehmann, the son of Peter Lehmann, as chief winemaker, they are going from strength-to-strength. High Eden’s chilly heights lead to harvests up to a month later than those in neighbouring Eden Valley. The result is gorgeous Shiraz like this, full of blue fruit and peppery acidity.

When it comes to the quality and price ($320 a bottle!) of this outstanding Shiraz, the term Super Premium is an understatement. The story of this winery began in, you guessed it, 1847. After the proclamation of a land grant by the Governor for the historic Rowland Flat property, Bavarian immigrant Johann Gramp planted what was the first commercial vineyard in the Barossa Valley. 1847 winery now encompasses some 200 acres of premium estate vineyards. “There's a bright, spicy crunch to the best of '17 Barossa shiraz. This is a refreshingly medium-bodied style laced with red cherries, greengage plums and a hint of black pepper. Tangy acid line and a fine tannin grid carry a finish of impressive persistence... 95pts” (Halliday Wine Companion, Tyson Stelzer).