Levantine Hill Syrah has lifted complex aromas of dusty red berries, musk, cardamom and white pepper and vanillin oak. The elegant medium-bodied palate abounds with spice and earthy nuances in a concentration of savouriness. The silky ripe tannins have been deftly integrated with the underlying oak providing carriage for the fruit weight and lingering flavours to a pronounced and persistent finish.

Maison Tardieu-Laurent was founded in 1994 by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent in the small but beautiful village of Lourmarin in Provence, although today it is completely in the hands of the Tardieu family and is one of the premier wine producers of the Rhone. This is from the famed appellation of Chateauneuf-du Pape and boasts all of the fabulous flavour attributes that this region can offer. The cepage is mourvedre, syrah and grenache. The wine exhibits savoury red fruit, a regional earthiness and hallmark silky tannins. Tardieu-Laurent are regarded as one of the consistenly high performers of the Rhone Valley.

Bright red with a purple hue, a glass of Estate Vineyards Syrah is like opening a spice box. It overflows with cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, thyme, pepper and the irresistible scents of Black Doris plum and vanilla. There are floral lift and charm here, but also a supple palate with luxurious savoury fruit and enticing notes of red and black liquorice. The perfume and depth of this syrah are matched by its fine, textural expression, balance and soft, even tannins. Food match with a wonderful accompaniment to all red meats, savoury and lightly spiced dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, as well as soft cheeses.

The guru of all cult winemakers in South Africa, Eben Sadie, brings meticulous care to his wines with old vines, low yields, old barrels and concrete fermenters. Columella was the first South African wine to score 95 points from Wine Spectator, and continually reaps praise from the critics for the depth and length of flavour in this imposing Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache blend.

This single vineyard, award-winning Levantine Hill Melissas Paddock Syrah, has its own inimitable characteristics of the unique site and inherent signature expression. It features a complex nose, featuring blackberry, liquorice, tar, spice and cherry oak. The resounding sophisticated palate features fine tannins leading to a long finish. There is a delicate nervy balance between savouriness and sweet fruit with an emphasis on balance and length for a resounding echo of flavour.

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.