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 Shiraz is full-fruited and powerful, with sweet plum and mocha along with cinnamon notes and dark chocolate which are all typical regional characters of McLaren Vale.

Shiraz and Grenache blend beautifully in many of the warmer parts of South Australia. This AAA is Paxton's 9th release, crafted similar to a Rhone-style wine yet it is packed with Au's Terroir. Bright with juicy red berry fruits and spices on the palate with well integrated oak and tannins, giving this wine a remarkable lengthy finish.

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!

d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz is a firm favourite with many McLaren Vale Shiraz lovers and for good reason. This is another great example of the rich, full-bodied style with aromas of ripe blackberry and spice that mingle with minty peppery notes. The palate is full-flavoured, supple in texture with a velvety finish.

Well known here in Australia, Haselgrove are under going somewhat of a renaissance due to recently being bought by a group of South Australian wine stalwarts including Steve Maglieri. Their Bella Vigna (Beautiful Vineyard) Shiraz is a great example of why McLaren Vale Shiraz is the hallmark of the region. Bursting with cherries, red currants and spicy pepper notes, this a great Shiraz to pair with eggplant parmigiana or barbecued lamb shanks.

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.

Another impeccably good offering from Chester Osborne combining rich and voluptuous McLaren Vale Shiraz with lifted fragrant Viognier. d'Arenberg is one of the pioneers of this style, the 'Magpie' continues to go from strength to strength.

Rockbare has only been making wine since 2000, but the results have been impressive and this wine was the highest scoring Shiraz in the Tasting Panel in 2018. In the glass: Inky dense red to black.On the nose: Super-ripe black cherry cola with amazing spice, cedar, vanilla and nutmeg. On the palate: Massive, densely-packed, perfectly ripe black fruits producing a flavour-saturated fruit package over phenomenal inky tannins.