The Great Bonza Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
It's made by the talented John Quarisa, who has enjoyed a “distinguished career as a winemaker spanning over 20 years” (Halliday). John likes his wines to express big personality and juicy fruit and value for money – he’s certainly achieved that here! Ripe and round blackberries conspire with flavours of plum and cinnamon spice. On the palate, rich red berries and brewed coffee make for a very appealing wine.
Brokenwood Cricket Pitch Red
Excellent colour and mid-density. Being 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Shiraz it is more of the classic Aussie blend Cabernet/Shiraz. Lifted dark fruit and cedar notes on the nose. A rich mouthfeel from the McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Fine tannins with the oak very much in the background ensuring great drinkability.
Campo Viejo Reserva
Dark Corner Durif Shiraz
David Joeky marries deep, black Durif and smooth spicy Shiraz to produce a darker, denser, profound red. As he says: “Magical things happen when Shiraz and Durif come together” . His Dark Corner bears that out to delicious perfection. The result? It's almost as dark as the corner in which it was made, a wine to stain your palate, and once tasted, you’ll be hooked. Ripe and mouthfilling, with blackberry, plum berry fruit and mocha flavours with a smooth, creamy texture
The Holdings Syrah Malbec
This luscious red comes from Zuccardi - an outstanding, third generation family cellar founded in the 1960s by Don Alberto Zuccardi. A decade before, he'd started an irrigation company, then planted a vineyard to demonstrate to other producers how his system could benefit grape quality. The rest, as they say, is history, and Zuccardi have become one of the leading cellars in Mendoza. Today his grandson Sebastián is winemaker, assisted by Rubén Ruffo. This is a silky, elegant red, with Syrah adding spicy red fruits and structure to Malbec's darker velvety berry notes. Recommended with chilli, a beef stir-fry or on its own.
Rex Mundi Shiraz Grenache
This irresistible black beauty is made from fabulously intense Shiraz and Grenache grapes grown on the craggy hillsides of France's Roussillon region. Look up from the vines and you will see ruins of castles perching precariously on rocky peaks. This inhospitable landscape and these ancient strongholds were home to medieval Cathars who lived in awe of evil god Rex Mundi ('King of the World'). He corrupted the faithful with promises of earthly pleasures and the forbidden delights of mortal flesh. Don't even try to resist, just sip and enjoy this lusciously ripe, juicy marriage of liquorice scented Shiraz and lush, silken Grenache. Gloriously easy to quaff on its own, it also goes well with barbecued meats, Cajun chicken or lamb chops.
RedHeads The Red Sedan Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
A South Australian blend of spicy Shiraz and fruity Cabernet that pays homage to a much-loved classic car. A consistent source of driving (and now drinking) pleasure.
Pikes Wilfred's Block Clare Valley Cabernet Shiraz
The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.
Deep Woods Redlands Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Visit the quality obsessed winery of Deep Woods and you'll find winemaker Julian Langworthy working his magic. He's behind their recent 97 point 'Best Cabernet in Show' - which also won the 2016 Jimmy Watson Trophy! The Redlands is the sister wine to the triumphant Reserve – a deliciously deep, intense Cabernet with a dash of rich Shiraz for extra sumptuous drinkability. A Margaret River marvel to savour with rack of lamb, roasted vegetable lasagne or a juicy rib-eye steak.