The Syrah patch was planted in the mid 1940’s and yields a microscopic 250-300 dozen per annum. The Sandown Syrah patch is west facing and features significant ironstone content. The site yields a signature incense like spice throughout the fruit and makes for a highly exotic expression of Blewitt Springs Syrah. Cola, sarsaparilla, incense, blackcurrant, blueberry, black olive, Italian leather, Sandalwood and roasted meat are all on display with recessed power woven throughout this highly perfumed and multi-layered, seamless example.

Chapel Hill makes great value wines in the maritime climate of McLaren Vale. This Shiraz is a beauty. Dark berries and vanillin oak are evident in the bouquet with spice coming through on the palate.

Some would say McLaren Vale is the spiritual home of Australian Grenache. We are not about to start arguing when Grenache like this one from Chapel Hill are produced. Generous rich red fruits with smattering of dried herbs and a fleshy mid-palate. There is real concentration and complexity to this wine.

Allegiance Wines was born from a pledge to produce the highest quality from vine to glass. Sourcing parcels of expressive wines that over-deliver in all facets, the Allegiance Wines commitment is to combine outstanding viticulture and winemaking every vintage.

Dense midnight black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Nosing offers up lifted aromatics of dark plum, black cherry and liquorice with some vanillin cedar, smoked meat and peppered clove notes also evident. Mid weighted generous dark plum, black cherry and liquorice fruits carry plenty of flesh across the palate. Scorched earth, clove and peppered meat elements lie underneath. Nicely integrated fine grained tannins concluding ripe and savoury. Drink over the next 4-5 years. Alc. 14%

Thorpe & Smart Shiraz is a celebration of individuality, history and regionality from Yangarras estate vineyard in McLaren Vale. This wine pays homage to the prominent pioneering families of the region to be a true local you must either be a Thorpe or a Smart. The elevated blocks, with their variations of ancient soils and cool air flowing down from the nearby ranges, produce an elegant Shiraz with finesse. While full flavoured, there is intrigue of perfume, bright primary fruit, and soft silky tannins, pairing well with roasted red meat and aromatic spices.

Intense, textured and showing pure fruit flavours, Jester Shiraz is considered Mitolo's baby G.A.M Shiraz using the same barrels in which the G.A.M was previously aged in. The palate is full of bright, red berry flavours, a subtle herbal character and an overall savoury quality to the finish. Made to be upfront and approachable for early appreciation, the Jester Shiraz delivers excellent quality for the price.

Re-tasted on 07/06/2022 Magnificent colour displaying a pitch black core with a very deep black dark red hue. Pronounced black cherry, liquorice and black plum aromas are overlaid by scorched earth and smoked meats followed by spicy vanillin cedar and pepper notes. Tightly built rich black cherry and liquorice flavours dominate over inky earth, lightly scorched vanillin cedar, dried meats and blackpepper. Dry grippy finish with tightly grained tannins. Rich yet elegant and muscular in its feel. Good underlying power with a long black cherry, liquorice, smoky vanillin cedar, dried meats and earthy pepper aftertaste. Cellar 8-10 years. Alc. 14.5%

YANGARRA ESTATE VINEYARD Kings Wood Shiraz Shiraz, McLaren Vale