Picked from a wide cross-section of vineyards across the far reaches of the Hunter Valley. Whole-bunch pressed, directly transferred to French puncheons (40% new) ; a barrel selection was made with deliberate mlf; then matured 9 months with fortnightly batonnage. As complex as they come, but has retained focus and freshness. Alcohol: 12.5%. Closure: screwcap. Date tasted: Mar 2023. Drink: 2023-2028. Price: $48. Rating: 95/100.

Tucked away nicely in the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate have made an art form out of crafting some of the very best single vineyard cool-climate wines available in Australia. Owen and Cassandra Inglis purchased the boutique property in 2004 and immediately set about making their vision become a reality. Their Sidewood Shiraz displays that vision to perfection. Attention to detail is the key here which enables flavours of red cherry, currants and dark plum to shine through along with hints of cinnamon and spice. The texture is beguiling and gives promise to a wine that will age for up to a decade.

What the Hunter Valley and David Hook does so very well - meduim bodied reds that have good savoury length and nice integrated tannins.

From Orange in NSW, this Shiraz is a good introduction to the qualities of this emerging area. It shows aromas of plum and spices and the palate is all about the fruit with little intrusive oak.

Wirra Wirra's flagship Shiraz has won many accolades over the years, including the 'world's best Shiraz'. It's loaded with distinctive McLaren Vale blueberry and chocolate characters, supported by plums, violets and spice, and tannin structure destined for 10 more years in the cellar.

Another great success story of grape grower turned grower/winemaker. Troy Kalleske is the latest custodian of a family heritage that dates back to 1853 when the Kalleske family first planted vineyards in the Moppa sub-discrict of Greenock, in the north-west of the Barossa Valley. This Shiraz (with a touch of Viognier and Petit Verdot) is 100% biodynamic and has concentrated aromas of blueberry, cloves, violets and dried fig. The silken palate that follows has dark fruit and lifted notes of floral with a sublime length of flavour.

Made by Rockstar winemaker Ben Riggs, the McLaren Vale Shiraz is as true an expression as one could hope for. The fifth release of the wine is based around a core of pristine fruit with dark red berries, hints of spice, earth, tar and leather and with seamlessly integrated oak. Ripe tannins are apparent but not overwhelming, meaning this is a wine which can be enjoyed now or in the next 10-15 years.

The flagship of the Torbreck stable. Recently been elevated to 'Exceptional' status in Langton's Fine Wine Classification, it is a wine of utmost power and density. Famous for rich concentration and opulent power, this exceptional Australian Shiraz is as popular abroad as it is at home. Definitely one to place in the cellar and simply forget about - let the patience reward you over 10 or more years time.

The palate is expansive and gently fruity, with excellent fruit clarity and softness. Overall, the wine is beautifully lemony and full-flavoured. Multi-vineyard sourcing, including from the Soldier Settler vineyard in the Broke Fordwich subregion. Hand-picked fruit, cool-ferment and early bottling to preserve freshness. Alcohol: 11.5%. Closure: screwcap. Date tasted: Feb 2024. Drink: 2024-2029. Price: $48. Rating: 96/100.