Another hearty expression of Barossa's generous fruit from the impressive Teusner stable. Black olives, black pepper and blackberries, there's a dark side to this feisty Shiraz. Concentrated and thick yet artfully constructed with balance and efficiency.

The fruit for the 2016 Vat 9 Shiraz was sourced from Tyrrells super premium vineyards on the Ashmans property with an average vine age of 50 years. Predominately from the Weinkeller and Short Flat vineyards. Winemaking The blocks were all hand picked and sorted in the vineyard before arriving at the winery. All the fruit was then destemmed but not crushed, followed by fermentation in traditional open top concrete vats. After fermentation the wiens were matured in newer 2700L French oak casks for ten months.

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.

The now much sought after Righteous range of wines from Kym Teusner was first established in 2005 with the Grenache and this is the latest incarnation of this foreboding Barossa wine. Sourced from an 80 year old bush-vine vineyard, the Righteous Grenache was gently crushed and fermented in open fermenters with regular pump-overs. Maturation was completed in a mix of French and American oak and has resulted in a modern classic Grenache.

The Torbreck Descendant has a powerful nose of blackberry and tar complemented by floral lavender and a violet lift. Full-bodied and concentrated with ripe silky tannins and plenty of extract this wine has a great future ahead.

This iconic label by Yalumba has a proud history from it's first release in 1962. Quite possibly the quintessential Australian Shiraz Cabernet blend, 'The Sig' shows vibrant Barossa aromas of dark fruit and spice and a concentrated palate that is long and deeply flavoured. With the ability to age wonderfully well, The Signature is a deserving part of any wine aficionado's collection.

Alkina Spice Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley A very welcome inclusion into the Premium Barossa Shiraz Club, Alkinas Spice Garden is 100% organic and biodynamic certified Shiraz from one specific block from which they produced just 44 cases (and some rare magnums). It looks and tastes like a high-gear Barossa Shiraz, with all the ripeness and power matched with a unique minerality.

Colour is dark kirsch. Lifted dark cherry aromas with notes of liquorice and dark chocolate. Flavour packed with kirsch, prunes, dark chocolate and liquorice. Rich and muscular, like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

From the sculptural, low yielding Hilder Mataro vines - believed to be 145 year old ancestor vines that have survived two world wars - comes Z Wines' inaugural release of a straight Mataro. This biodynamic vineyard is worthy of producing a single varietal fruitful and earthy Mataro. This minimal intervention wine was hand picked, wild fermented, basked pressed and spent only 8 months in high quality oak, including 20% new French oak. On the nose, herbal notes as well as spice, licorice and leather are evident. The dark fruits (plums and ripe cherry) take a back seat, but positively add to the interesting bouquet. Characters from the nose follow through to the palate, which is balanced and structured. The flavours are dominated by savoury herbal and leathery characteristics with background ripe forest fruits. The chalky acidity and tannins are prominent and very much a testament to the high quality fruit. You will find divine length and lingering flavours.