The Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz is an opulent concentrated and complex style with plenty of spicy fruit and a dash of chocolate. True to the style that Wolf himself made from the very beginning of this now iconic brand, this is very tasty and enjoyable now yet it has the weight and complexity to improve with cellaring.

Vibrant, youthful colour, medium density and lovely purple tints for this Shiraz by Brokenwood. Being a cooler year the aromas are more on the spice cherry side than ripe and opulent. Medium weight palate and again spice and savoury edges. The tell-tale McLaren Vale jube fruit is there along with background oak.

Kay Brothers from McLaren Vale tread that delightful line between tradition and innovation perfectly. A rich and deep history in the region has seen them settle on some of best vineyard land in the region which helps produce juicy, pleasure-filled wines like this Basket Pressed Grenache. Lifted colours of purple and dark crimson in the glass give a preview to the layers of brambly fruit on the nose. Copious amounts of plush redcurrants and raspberry on the palate with a silken mouthfeel due to elegant tannin and bright acidity.

Mitolo Wines is a family owned business, borne of and led by the founder and owner Frank Mitolo's vision; to create a range of wines of individuality, integrity and utmost quality. The G.A.M. is deep purple, the nose is an intense combination of smoked herbs, liquorice and blackcurrants leading to a full bodied palate with notes of cassis and cracked pepper. Premium McLaren Vale at its best.

Chapel Hill's Michael Fragos loves using The Parson Shiraz to showcase McLarenVale's diversity and varietal character. The Shallow soils over livestone in maritime influenced vineyards between McLaren Vale and Masline Beach and also around Bowering Hill, provide explosive blueberries and liquorice with finesse and a wonderfully framing tannin structure. Up in the foothills of the Mount Lofty ranges, a Kangarilla vineyard offers Indian spice complexities that many higher priced wines would simply love to have. The added length and savoury tannins of this component and the use of some French oak result in a beguiling final release that is extraordinary.

The Parson GSM is a traditional take on three of McLaren Vale's most important and historical varieties. The wine displays hints of rosemary and aniseed the nose. The big palate is layered with liquorice and dark chocolate flavours that are beautifully interwoven into the textured firm tannin structure.

d'Arenberg are quintessential McLaren Vale and the produce wines that reflect their regionality perfectly. Even down to their affordable value for money wines like this Stump Jump GSM blend. A flavoursome, easy drinking style, ripe and juicy with lovely soft tannins and a savoury, earthy touch.

The McLaren Vale can be considered the true home of Grenache blends here in Australia witho some of the oldest vines in the world being dry grown there. Steve Maglieri's Serafino label provides a rich and delicious GSM blend a nose of rose petal and tobacco. The palate flows on with dense coffee and cedar notes that glide across the tongue.

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.