Wendouree has achieved cult status with its tiny production from ancient vines. Luscious dark berry Shiraz fruits and some meaty characters run through the full-bodied palate with ripe tannins.

The initials RWT stand for Red Winemaking Trial, the name given to the project internally by Penfolds when developmental work began in 1995. No longer a trial, RWT Shiraz was launched in 2000. Its style is opulent and fleshy, made from fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualities and plush texture. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa shiraz at the highest quality level.Peak drinking: 2022 - 2050

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier began its life after a career defining trip to the Côte-Rôtie in the mid 90s which set Tim Kirk on the journey towards producing one of Australia's best Shiraz. Determined to show that Australia could produce elegant but still powerful Shiraz, Tim's work has paid off with his flagship being acclaimed worldwide. In only 15 years, the Shiraz Viognier has attained 'Exceptional' status with Langton's, the highest possible.

Rockford Basket Press Shiraz has garnered a unique and cult following over its lifetime. With its 'old school' brown glass bottle and traditional label, Rockford Basket Press is one for the traditionalists. Big, bold and upfront fruit with all the lashings of chocolate, coffee bean and Christmas cake all have come to adore.

One of the benchmarks of Barossa Shiraz, Peter Lehmann's Stonewell is a classic example of the rich concentrated old vine style. While bold on the palate, there is always an inherent complexity to the Stonewell that enables it to be compared with all of the great Australian wines produced today.

Back in 1998 Chief Winemaker, Chris Hatcher, decided it was time to take Wolf Blass into the modern world and the result was a single varietal Shiraz that was 100% aged in French Oak, unlike their famous flagship the Black Label which is a blend and aged in American Oak. A wonderful contemporary version of Wolf Blass that is a cavalcade of rich blueberry, blackberry and complex elements of dark chocolate and warm spice. Superbly long on the palate with an obvious hint to a long future in the cellar.

While many seek out the Basket Press Shiraz, it would be a disservice to ignore this opulent and concentrated Barossa Cabernet from Rockford. The Rifle Range actually has a lovely elegant and structured bent to it, some real class. A core of blackcurrant that is complimented by savour touches that lift the wine to some extraordinary levels.

The 2021 Don Shiraz benefited from the 2020/2021 growing season's respite from previous hot and dry conditions, with abundant winter rain leading to healthy vineyards and slightly above-average crop sets. Despite a dry summer, early canopy growth sustained the fruit, which developed flavor and ripeness early, allowing for harvest with lower sugar and higher natural acidity. The fruit arrived in perfect condition, and the resulting wines from this vintage are noted for their freshness, depth, and personality, marking 2021 as a standout year. Vinification included a natural soak followed by a week of natural fermentation, with careful extraction methods employed throughout. Post-fermentation, the wine was basket-pressed and underwent malolactic fermentation in oak. The 2021 Don Shiraz opens with a quiet assertiveness, revealing earthy and spicy notes indicative of a cooler harvest. As it unwinds, powerful aromas of red berries, leather, and dark chocolate emerge. The palate is refined and balanced, with assertive tannins, crisp acidity, and restrained opulence. The true depth and complexity of this vintage will unfold over time, promising a remarkable wine experience. Alc. 14.8%