Deep red-purple in colour showing dark plum, clove, sarsaparilla root, brambly fruit on the nose and palate, lifted by a touch of fresh sage. An elegant full -bodied wine with flowing cranberry and rhubarb flavours, subtle fennel/liquorice and a hint of minerality. Breathtaking poise that finishes rich with lingering, fine tannins.

Bekkers Syrah Grenache McLaren Vale The Syrah is sourced from red clay-loam over siltstone rock in Clarendon (which they now own) and Grenache from sand over orange sandy-clay in the much vaunted Blewitt Springs. Picked by hand, vinified with 15-30% whole bunches and cold soaked for 5-6 days before natural fermentation and basket pressed to aged French oak 500L puncheons. Deep inky purple with a nose of lavender, violets, blueberry, blackberry, Indian spices and a palate of leafy blackcurrant and a long, soft, silky texture.

The Old Vine Syrah patch was planted in the 1930s and is on a slope of the property with a westerly aspect. These old gnarly vines are planted in heavily decomposed ironstone and quartz. The style of wine is completely individual and the winemaking team always comment on how light the style is and how exotic the spices are in this vineyard. The spices come across like incense mixed with deeply aromatic and smoky lapsang oolong tea. Exotic characters such as sandalwood, cocoa powder, sarsaparilla and cola elements top the roast meat and flinty, strawberry and cream palette of this wine. The lighter frame on this style is highly attractive and the intoxicating spices combine to create something highly exotic.

This wine, a Piebald, meaning black and white, is a co-fermentation of the blackest Syrah grapes, with a hatful of the purest white Viognier. Deep in colour, the wine is almost black, yet is also vibrant and bright. The nose is perfumed with apricots, spice and liquorice; a pretty, fragrant wine with a sweet juice and velvety palate. The finish is elegant with savoury spice and a fine tannin length and persistence.

For lovers of great Australian Shiraz, but with a balanced savoury kick, the Innocent Bystander Syrah is your wine. Made by the crew at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley, this Syrah (Shiraz) has wonderful redcurrant and cherry fruit flavours with an underlying tone of herbs and savouriness.

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.