Hand-crafted using small parcels of premium fruit, The Old Dog Shiraz is an uncompromising marriage of both elegance and strength. The exceptional structure of the palate delivers full bodied flavours of rich plum, dark fruits, chocolate and liquorice, finished with impeccably polished tannins that balance the natural fruit acid nicely. John Harris (renowned winemaker behind the Shanahans label) has crafted some serious Shiraz.

Hentley Farm is a boutique, single estate vineyard that focuses on producing premium quality single-estate and single-block wines reflective of their exceptional Barossan terrior. 'The Marl' takes its name from the fruit grown on red clay loam over marl (a friable earthy deposit consisting of clay and limestone) which reduces the water and nutrient availability producing low crops and rich flavours. True to the style, the Shiraz is layered with berry fruits with hints of dark chocolate, earth and subtle spice. While full-bodied the palate is soft with lovely lingering finish.

With the Southern Ocean coastline just minutes from Gemtree's vineyards, the maritime influence runs deep at this winery. Couple this with the certified organic vineyards that are tended by hand and you have a perfect recipe for a bold and full-bodied Shiraz; the Dragon's Blood McLaren Vale Shiraz. Choosing sites that offer the greatest varietal expression, concentration and finesse, the wine then saw maturation in French oak of sizes ranging from barriques (225L) to puncheons (500L) for 12 months. The result is a foreboding Shiraz that displays notes of blueberry, blackcurrant, aniseed and balancing earthen touch. Ideal served on its own to fully appreciate the rich and complex flavours but also at home when paired with French cutlets and slow cooked duck.

Pirramimma Stock's Hill Shiraz has bright cherry aromas with sweet oak and a hint of spice give this wine real appeal on the nose. The palate is rich with flavours of blackberry and chocolate balanced by grippy tannins. Great value!

Peter Lehmann Shiraz is always a reliable Barossa Shiraz. The nose offers lashings of dark plum with an underlay of dusted chocolate and the palate is brimming with rich fruit flavours restrained by soft fine grained tannins.

Rockbare's second label, Mojo Shiraz punches way above it's weight in the quality division. Rich and ripe, this versatile wine would not be out of place at the dinner table or at a BBQ.

6ft6 Shiraz is a rich, succulent and savoury style of Shiraz. More about finesse and complextity than potency, this red reflects the Moorabool Valley's ability to produce a more refined style than most warmer regions. Unless you have more will power than most, enjoy this Geelong red while young and fresh.

Aromas of plums, spice and background peppery hints lead to a richly flavoured palate of blackberry, plum and anise fruits. Firm, supportive tannins will hold this release in good stead for further cellaring.

Barwang, value-for-money and consistency all go hand-in-hand. It's the hallmark of a winery that is producing some fantastic wines at great prices at the moment. Their Shiraz shows ripe blackberry fruit flavours that are supported by some savoury and spicy undertones. This is wine that continually over delivers for its price, the same can also be said of the entire Barwang range.

From Orange in NSW, this Shiraz is a good introduction to the qualities of this emerging area. It shows aromas of plum and spices and the palate is all about the fruit with little intrusive oak.