V&A Lane Shiraz showcases a contrasting wine style from one of the most beloved grape varietals. A purposely early harvest to highlight a fresh red fruit spectrum, naturally lower alcohol, whole bunch inclusion, wild ferments, and the use of larger oak for maturation are just some of the techniques employed to make these beautiful food friendly wines.

The Author pays homage to pioneering vigneron John Riddoch (1827-1901). A true visionary, Riddoch is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Australian wine. The Author represents the finest expression of the vintage. The 2019 Shiraz is dark magenta in colour with lifted spice, sweet oak and dark berry aromatics. The wine shows vibrant red berry fruits, with hints of plum and bramble. Aged in a combination of new and old French Oak, seamleessly intergrated with the fruit. Refined and silky tannins lead to a long and persistent length of flavour. This has all the hallmarks of a classic Coonawarra Shiraz and will drink well now but will reward patient cellaring for 10-15 years.

This Merlot is medium to full bodied, displaying bold notes of black dark cherry and plum. The palate is lengthy and generous, followed by layers of vanilla bean and hints of mocha to finish.

This Merlot is a medium bodied style with abundant ripe red berry fruit flavours displayed on a rich round mid palate. The red currant, plum flavours integrate well with subtle oak characters creating a balanced wine.

This Shiraz is full bodied with a smooth rich texture. The notes of dark berries, bay leaf and dark chocolate are nicely balanced with spicy oak characters. The lengthy palate is concentrated and mouth filling.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-driven wine with bold notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cherry. With touches of subtle oak, chocolate, and vanilla bean, a complete, rich round palate will make a lasting impression.

The Author pays homage to pioneering vigneron John Riddoch (1827 - 1901). A true visionary, Riddoch is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Australian wine. An influential figure, he established the Coonawarra fruit colony in 1890 and is synonymous with the region's story. The Author represents the finest expression of the vintage. Dark red in colour, with a crimson hue and classic aromatics of ripe cassis and blackberry fruit. Vibrant blueberry and black forest fruit flavours aew well integrated with hints cedar and spicy oak from maturation in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads.Elegantly structured, fine grained tannins lead to a long and persistent finish. This has all the hallmarks of a classic Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and will drink well now but will reward patient cellaring for 10 to 15 years.

This wine epitomises Coonawarra at its very finest. Deep magenta in colour with rich blackberry aromatics and hints of spiced cedar oak. Lush blackberry plays on the palate, while the fine tannin structure creates an elegant, balanced finish with persistent length. Aged in a combination of old and new French Oak for 15 months with an additional 24 months of bottle maturation prior to release, this wine will drink well now but also reward careful cellaring for 10-15 years.

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.

In every wine region there are hidden gems, and Bordeaux is no exception. Chateau Chantecaille Clauzel is a tiny (0.4ha) patch of vines right on the border between St-Emilion and Pomerol, wedged in by vines owned owned by Chateaux LEvangile and La Dominique. Illustrious near-neighbours include Cheval Blanc, Petrus and Gazin. Chance, a proud family history and local politics account for its survival. If the cards had fallen differently Chantecaille Clauzels fruit would be incorporated in a much more famous and much more expensive wine. Chantecaille Clauzel is essentially Merlot, with a little Cabernet Franc. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and matured in seasoned barriques (just five or six of them) at the Clauzel familys nearby Chateau Guillot Clauzel.