WOLF BLASS WINES Platinum Label Medlands Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley

As the custodian of some of the world's oldest Grenache vines, Marco Cirillo has been called the guru of Grenache! The 1850s Grenache, as the name suggests, has fruit that comes from vines that date back over 160 years. Truly remarkable flavours of red fruit, earth and leather notes. An old world feel comes from a glass of this new world Grenache.

The Glaetzer family have been part of the Barossa winemaking scene since 1888 and now Ben takes over the reigns and produces Shiraz of the utmost intensity and concentration. Named after the ancient Egyptian god Amon-Ra who was the champion of the poor and troubled and was central to personal piety, the temple of Amon-Ra is believed to be the first to plant a vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple. This incarnation is rich, full-bodied and viscous to the palate, yet with sublime oak integration and a balance on the back palate that is quite lifted allowing it to be paired with many meals and a prime candidate for medium to long term cellaring.

Barossa Valley identity, Kym Teusner, harnesses the fruit weight and concentration of old vine Mataro with expert hands here with the Righteous Mataro. The fruit was sourced from the 'fruit salad' vineyard planted in the 1930s and consists mostly of Grenache, but if you look closely, every fourth vine is a quirky Mataro vine! Wonderful layers of spice over dense blue and black fruits pave the way for a finish that is utterly long and sublime.

Kellermeister's Wild Witch has garnered a cult following over the past years due to the brooding, rich, full-bodied and limited nature of the Barossa classic. The inky, viscous, foreboding black fruit is sourced from low-yielding, dry grown vineyards specially selected for producing the very best Kellermeister can get their hands on. Resting for two years in the finest French oak to really develop its flavour and character. Almost 'magical'.

The Malleea (an aboriginal word for 'green paddock') is a very fine exapmle of the classic Australian Cabernet/Shiraz blend. The 2008 is rich, dark magenta in colour, with ripe plums, spice and vanillin oak on the nose. The palate is like a complex fruit cake with layers of fresh berries, black olives and hints of chocolate.

Langmeil Jackamans Cabernet Sauvignon has developed a deliciously intense perfume of blackcurrants and mulberry with rich dark chocolates after two years in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads. A powerful wine from mature vines.

Originally an Apricot Orchard and re planted with Shiraz vines in 1974. Hence the name Apricot Block. Totally opaque black crimson colour. Superb pronounced nose , with flavours of plum., spice and black pepper. The palate is mouth filling flavours of plum, blackberry. pepper and dark chocolate. Fine grained tannins perfectly balanced. Very long aftertaste. of black pepper , plum and blackberry.

Torbreck, a well-respected winery in South Australia. The Steading is a decadent blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, the three traditional Barossa varieties. Wonderful richness and bold fruit flavours packed in this bottle yet harmoniouslyýco-exist together. Well developed complexity on the palate, although great to enjoy now, it has great potentialýfor further long term cellar with the right conditions.ý