V&A Lane Shiraz showcases a contrasting wine style from one of the most beloved grape varietals. A purposely early harvest to highlight a fresh red fruit spectrum, naturally lower alcohol, whole bunch inclusion, wild ferments, and the use of larger oak for maturation are just some of the techniques employed to make these beautiful food friendly wines.

The Author pays homage to pioneering vigneron John Riddoch (1827-1901). A true visionary, Riddoch is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Australian wine. An influential figure, he established The Coonawarra Fruit Colony in 1890 and a synonymous with the region’s story. The Author represents the finest expression of the vintage. Made from fruit from a vineyard situated from the warmer end of the region in the northern part of Coonawarra. The vineyard is 20 to 25 years, with a mixture of red loam over limestone and ironstone, with the fruit machine picked. Intense dark fruits with integrated oak that lets the fruit shine. A finish of gently refined tannins that complement the fruit.

This Shiraz is full bodied with a smooth rich texture. The notes of dark berries, bay leaf and dark chocolate are nicely balanced with spicy oak characters. The lengthy palate is concentrated and mouth filling.

The Mythology Shiraz is a tribute to ancient practices; its origins are in the richness of the Coonawarra soils and the artistry of traditional winemaking techniques. Full bodied, with sweet oak tannins plus ripe fruit doused in molten licorice and mint chocolate. Glossy and syrupy across the palate with a lingering finish.

It would be fair to say that this wine ticksd about as many boxes as it's possible to tick. One of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region, made by one of Australia's most revered winemakers, an iconic wine, widely regarded as one of the best shiraz in Australia and also an excellent vintage, described as one of the "finest" in it's line - this wine will also last for decades with careful cellaring. Concentrated dark berry and cherry falvours pepper with dark spice - a medium bodied silky Shiraz that is simply beautiful.

A few years on, this carefully crafted wine has developed added nuance while retaining its food-friendly charm. The early-picked red fruit characters have softened into gentle dried cherry and cranberry notes, with subtle earthy undertones emerging. The naturally lower alcohol keeps the palate fresh, while the wild ferment complexity and maturation in large oak now show as integrated spice and savoury depth. A beautifully aged, elegant wine that continues to shine at the table.

Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz is an intriguing counterpoint to the warm-climate Bin 28 Shiraz. Showcasing fruits soured from unique terra rossa soils of Coonawarra – a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and unique seductive nature of cool-climate reds. Elegant, finely structured and deeply expressive, this wine will reward cellaring for decades.

Created in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 is a regional wine that reflects the unique climate and growing conditions of South Australia’s Coonawarra district and the relatively elegant style of cool-climate Shiraz. From the 1980 vintage, French oak replaced American, highlighting the pepper, spice and floral characteristics that define this style. Since this time, greater attention to fruit flavour ripeness has structurally resulted in a more complete and complex wine style.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz reflects its terra rossa origins and enduring pedigree. After four years of ageing, the wine shows greater harmony and polish, with its structure and balance reinforcing its reputation as a reliably cellar-worthy classic that continues to reward patience.