Malbec is renowned for its value in blends but not often found as a varietal. This fine example from Bleasdale is considered a benchmark for the style. Soft, smooth, toasty oak with great depth of complexity.

Fresh blackberry aromas with hints of plum, spice and dark chocolate. Full- bodied, with a dark berry mid-palate with a silky structured finish of fine grained tannins and rich toasty oak to give a long lingering finish.

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.

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.

The Parson GSM is a traditional take on three of McLaren Vale's most important and historical varieties. The wine displays hints of rosemary and aniseed the nose. The big palate is layered with liquorice and dark chocolate flavours that are beautifully interwoven into the textured firm tannin structure.

Lip-smacking, ripe black fruit flavours coat the mouth. Theres a lovely richness to these brightly defined, saturated fruit flavours. Ripe, supple tannins sit in the background and together with the fresh acidity attractively frame the abundant black fruited palate. A clean, fragrant and generously flavoured full bodied red best enjoyed in the full vigour of its youth.

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.

A medium bodied, well balanced drop, with notes of plum and berries. Serafino Tempranillo is bright, fresh and elegant - great for a wintery night in!

This wine pays homage to the original Stonyfell blend, awarded the very first Jimmy Watson in 1962. A benchmark for quality, excellence and craft. Rich aromas of ripe plum, violets and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with blackberry, mulberry and liquorice flavours, supported by subtle oak notes

Produced from low yielding, hand harvested vines and made using traditional techniques, D'Arry's Original is a smooth, textured, full bodied red which typifies the generous McLaren style. Always one of those little cellar stars that you can buy up a case or two, hide under the house for a decade and be quietly content that d'Arry's Original will be shining in a decade.

The Selkirk is an excellent Shiraz from Bremerton and has a rich spicy flavour with a hint of pepper and a long, lingering finish - classic Langhorne Creek in style in a very well made package that can be both a drink now style or cellar nicely for the medium term.