The 2023 RockBare The McLaren Vale Shiraz is a deep, rich expression of the McLaren Vale region in South Australia. On the nose, aromas of ripe blackberries and plums intertwine with subtle hints of vanilla and oak. The deep ruby colour hints at the intensity of the wine, which is confirmed on the palate with bold flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spice. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, providing a velvety texture to the wine. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a touch of black pepper and sweet oak on the palate. This Shiraz is a testament to the exceptional quality of the McLaren Vale, and will only continue to improve with age. A true delight for any wine lover, it pairs perfectly with a hearty steak or game dish.

A masterly crafted Shiraz from some outstanding regions in Australia. Hardys HRB has a complex nose showing dark fruits and well handled oak, and mouth coating tannins lead to a persistent finish.

Bright dark black garnet colour. Lively, spicy aromas and flavours of blackberry pie a la mode, spicy praline, and mole with an oily, tangy, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, subtle, breezy spiced cherries, chocolate mint and nuts, and cedar finish with firm, chewy tannins and moderate oak.

This Tomich Hill Shiraz has a flavoursome palate which displays juicy mulberry and plum with hints of pepper, spice and chocolate. Grippy tannins are enhanced by a long elegant finish.

Restrained and supple, lots of ripe dark plum, pepper and spice of Shiraz with the rose petal perfume lift and red cherry taste of Grenache. Lovely lightness and brightness to the back palate with a faint dried herbal and savoury edge, making it terrific immediate drinking but will cellar nicely for 5-10 years.

Medium bodied, with lots of chocolate and blackberry, sophisticated supple tannins supporting deep fruits and appealing savoury balance. Has enormous appeal now yet will age gracefully for 8-12 years.

Melded purple and quite deep. Righteously rustic. Dark and red berry fruits with a savoury and green herbal edge. Violet flowers, aniseed, bay leaf and star anise. A background of soft and drying oak that helps extend the savoury fruit aromatics. Rich and rounded with hints of the earth and of good hardwood joinery. Bright, pert, and fresh red fruits. Alluring from first sip. A chewy, meaty and savoury red wine then ensues, with a wonderful three-way balance amongst the cheerful yet still restrained fruit flavours, the soft and gentle yet present tannins, and the beautifully and quietly persistent acid. Rounded and mouth-filling, yet long and ultimately dry. This is a grown-up’s red wine, hence think of grown-up foodstuffs to drink it alongside. A fava bean and octopus stew, complete with too much smoked paprika and some slices of fried chorizo. A smoked mackerel? We would. Oh, and this bottle suits four people with four appetites and four free lunchtime diary spots.