The 2023 Dunn's Selection Shiraz Cabernet is an exciting new exclusive from Clare Valley's celebrated Knappstein winery. And it's immediately caught the attention of show judges winning Double Gold. It's a classic Aussie blend of 70% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium bodied Shiraz with true strength of flavour and richness provide the base for this wine. Characteristic Cabernet flavours of blackcurrants and dark chocolate are highlighted with touches of mint-cream. The Knappstein website tells us that "Fruit is grown on our Yertabulti and Provis vineyards, situated at the northern end of the Clare Valley, this is the perfect climate for maturing our premium red grapes." The team at Knappstein consider themselves guardians of the vines, most of which are in excess of 50 years. They adopt a minimal intervention approach in the vineyard with the aim to create wines of real personality and unique regionality while maintaining rigorous high standards of sustainability. About the naming of Dunn's Selection the winery have said: ""Knappstein’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the story of the Clare Valley; a place where history and landscape have shaped generations of winemakers. Dunn’s Selection draws its name and inspiration from the neighbouring Dunn’s Range, an area defined by undulating hills, weathered soils, and vines that have stood the test of time. It is from this same enduring landscape that Knappstein continues its craft, transforming the richness of Clare’s red earth into wines that speak of place, purpose, and provenance. Dunn’s Selection Shiraz Cabernet embodies the strength and elegance of its surroundings; a wine that honours the origins of the valley’s character while reflecting Knappstein’s continual pursuit of refinement."

Medium red with a purple hue in the glass, Jim Barry The Forger Shiraz opens with a brooding array of purple fruits with a hint of violet lift then countered with notes of cinnamon and sweet oak char. The palate is packed with the rich brambly fruit which follows on from the nose. Fine, chalky tannins give the wine a plush, velvety texture that fills the length of the palate. The Forger has a rich, lingering, persistent finish and is ideal for cellaring.

High up in the Adelaide Hills, Paracombe is owned and operated by the Drogemuller family, which it has passionately done since 1983. Sourced from both estate and selected grower fruit, Paracombe Shiraz shows wonderful ripe fruit aromas with a delicate cool-climate aspect. Notes of cherries, plums, pepper and spice are notable along with a palate of layered spicy fruit and a fine tannin structure.

Knappstein Shiraz displays rich, ripe, plum and berry flavours with fine velvety tannins. Medium term cellaring will be rewarded.

Wendouree has achieved cult status with its tiny production from ancient vines. Luscious dark berry Shiraz fruits and some meaty characters run through the full-bodied palate with ripe tannins.

Taylors St Andrews Shiraz from the Clare Valley is a classic and is consistently a show-stopper. The bouquet shows rich plum and cherry fruit with earthy spice and the palate is perfectly balanced with soft silky tannins.

This wine is generous and rounded at first with juicy, deep berry compote fruits then yielding to a tightly woven frame of firm yet generous tannins. There are alluring, coconutty oak and fine dark chocolate characters, with a deep, soft centre of ripe berry fruits. Elegant acids and light, long tannins carry the palate to deliver a lingering finish.

With plenty of blackberry, plum, mulberry and menthol-like fruit and fine, rusty, almost unyielding tannins, this is a strong, firm wine by Wendouree with plenty of lasting power. The Shiraz component derives from vineyard plots that include bush vine material. Parcels of very old vine Malbec bring further distinctiveness. The wine is vinified in open fermenters and matured for 12 months in new and used French oak.