Picked from a wide cross-section of vineyards across the far reaches of the Hunter Valley. Whole-bunch pressed, directly transferred to French puncheons (40% new) ; a barrel selection was made with deliberate mlf; then matured 9 months with fortnightly batonnage. As complex as they come, but has retained focus and freshness. Alcohol: 12.5%. Closure: screwcap. Date tasted: Mar 2023. Drink: 2023-2028. Price: $48. Rating: 95/100.

Vibrant aromas of dark cherry, mulberry, and red berries with a hint of spice and subtle oak. The palate is medium to full-bodied, featuring fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, savoury finish of elegance and balance.

2014 has been touted by many as the best vintage since 1965 and our flagship Shiraz, the Fenestella’ Shiraz, showcases this extraordinary vintage. A classic Hunter Valley Shiraz, this wine has a rich and complex palate of red and black fruits derived from maturation in French oak puncheons. Medium bodied yet intense, this Shiraz was approachable on release and will continue to reward with extended cellaring.

Put a quadruple Gold, 96pt Hunter Valley Shiraz Cabernet on your table. It’s from Hungerford Hill’s always impressive Bryan Currie, and boasts: “Incredible depths of dark, delicious fruit flavours make this wine easy to love. The shiraz imparts a beautiful plushness to the blend while the cabernet provides structure. Bright and harmonious, with ripe, chewy, integrated tannins. Excellent balance and even flow. Good ageing potential. 96pts. (Toni Paterson, The Halliday Wine Companion).” Shanteh Wale, WinePilot adds that finds it “A well balanced wine in almost every vintage I have tried…93pts” and Huon Hook calls it “Very tidy red wine.93pts” in The Real Review.

From the single vineyard site in the McLaren Vale comes this intensely dark crimson coloured Shiraz from the team at Paxton. Intense dark crimson in colour and equally intense flavours - this is for lovers of beautifully complex wine. It is a clear expression of its unique site.

Brokenwood and the Hunter Valley region is experience somewhat of a renaissance of late. Quality wines for a great prices just like this nice Hunter Shiraz. Typical earthy notes with hints of leather and spice all wrapped around dark brooding plum and cherry fruit. Quality oak imparts a subtle cedar character and fine grained tannins complete the wine that finishes long and smooth.

Tucked away nicely in the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate have made an art form out of crafting some of the very best single vineyard cool-climate wines available in Australia. Owen and Cassandra Inglis purchased the boutique property in 2004 and immediately set about making their vision become a reality. Their Sidewood Shiraz displays that vision to perfection. Attention to detail is the key here which enables flavours of red cherry, currants and dark plum to shine through along with hints of cinnamon and spice. The texture is beguiling and gives promise to a wine that will age for up to a decade.

Poole's Rock Chardonnay gives refreshing zesty flavours, lime juice, lemon zest, lemon grass, green melon, kiwi fruit with a lingering mineral line down the palate, a fresh mouth watering aftertaste.

Old vine Barossa Valley Shiraz doesn't get much better than this. The Kaesler name was reborn by winemaker and visionary Reid Bosward in 1997, breathing new life in the over 100 year old vineyards. A Quirky name matched with unrivaled concentration make The Bogan Shiraz as must have for all big Australian Shiraz lovers.

Complex mineral and flint aromas with a palate that has good length. Tyrrell's Stevens Semillon has wonderful balance between the fresh citrus flavours of youth and the aged 'toasty' characters. It is great with seafood dishes.