Geoff Merrill's winery in the Mt Hurtle south of Adelaide has been making wines that express variety, vintage and terroir with as little intervention from the winemaker as possible. Full bodied with good tanins and intense fruit and spice characters, the elegance and harmony of this Cabernet Sauvignon are allowed to shine.

A ¾ tonne bell with the name of 'Angelus' sits proudly atop the cellars at Wirra Wirra and heralds the beginning and end of vintage every year on the famous McLaren Vale estate. Previously the bell rang out from the Jesuit Church in Norwood thrice daily and due to this tradition, Wirra Wirra continue to name the bell and their very best Cabernet Sauvignon every year, The Angelus. Always a pungent and concentrated Cabernet with notes of cassis, cedar and trademark bitter chocolate bound with fine tannins. A propensity to age in the bottle for over a decade as well as its approachability early in life will appeal to all.

Pirramimma Stock's Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet is deep brick red in colour with lifted fruit on the nose. The palate shows excellent blackcurrant varietal flavour with well integrated American oak. A great wine for the price.

Planted in the late 19th century, the High Trellis vineyard was the first d'Arenberg vineyard to be trained above knee height. For the past four decades, a Cabernet Sauvignon has been produced from the vineyard to critical acclaim, even winning the Jimmy Watson trophy in 1969. Something that d'Arry reminds current winemaker, and son, Chester about often!

Chapel Hill's Michael Fragos loves using the Parsons label to showcase McLaren Vale's diversity and varietal character. To achieve the desired style and to harness the regal varietal flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes are strategically harvested to avoid any green tannins or overripe jammy fruit flavours. Full-bodied in style, the palate is both eloquently pure and broodingly complex, supported by fine, savoury tannins. A great companion for a medium rare steak with a solid helping of steamed greens.

Shingleback have always been known for producing quality McLaren Vale wines at some fantastic prices. Take Red Knot for example! Here they re-launched their estate wines under the 'Davey Estate' label and concentrate on single sites. This Cabernet is wonderfully youthful and full of vibrancy. Fresh black fruit with roasted spice and superbly balanced tannins.

Winemaker Paul Gordon is making good use of the beautifully sited mature Hamilton vineyards to produce superb McLaren Vale reds such as this ripe robust deeply flavoured Cabernet.