Wynns Shiraz
Wynns Shiraz continues to be one of Australia's affordable favourites. Tucked away in the cellar of many budding wine collectors, Wynns Shiraz has all the structure and pedigree of some of its higher priced brothers and sisters. Rich varietal characters of plum, spice and pepper are woven through the minty regional notes and framed by fine, firm tannins.
Ciao Bella Sangiovese
The Ciao Bella Sangionvese epitomizes the age old Italian tradition of 'Bella Figura' (good image). This wine is rich deep and vibrant and full of gusto, perfect with a pizza or pasta and a classic Fellini.
Wynns Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
Wynns 'Red Stripe' Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot continues to be a market leader and beacon for quality wine at an affordable price. Cabernet brings cassis and mint, while spice and plummy fruit is provided by the Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now or cellar for a year or two.
Gemtree Dragon's Blood Shiraz
With the Southern Ocean coastline just minutes from Gemtree's vineyards, the maritime influence runs deep at this winery. Couple this with the certified organic vineyards that are tended by hand and you have a perfect recipe for a bold and full-bodied Shiraz; the Dragon's Blood McLaren Vale Shiraz. Choosing sites that offer the greatest varietal expression, concentration and finesse, the wine then saw maturation in French oak of sizes ranging from barriques (225L) to puncheons (500L) for 12 months. The result is a foreboding Shiraz that displays notes of blueberry, blackcurrant, aniseed and balancing earthen touch. Ideal served on its own to fully appreciate the rich and complex flavours but also at home when paired with French cutlets and slow cooked duck.
Ethereal One Grenache
The Ethereal One celebrates wines with ethereal qualities - so delicious, delicate and graceful in style they seem not to be of this world. Grenache when treated right delivers impressively complex wines of great perfume and freshness. This Fleurieu Peninsula example shows red and blackberry aromas and fruit flavours balanced with integrated oak and smooth tannins on the finish.
Chapel Hill The Parson Shiraz
Chapel Hill's Michael Fragos loves using The Parson Shiraz to showcase McLarenVale's diversity and varietal character. The Shallow soils over livestone in maritime influenced vineyards between McLaren Vale and Masline Beach and also around Bowering Hill, provide explosive blueberries and liquorice with finesse and a wonderfully framing tannin structure. Up in the foothills of the Mount Lofty ranges, a Kangarilla vineyard offers Indian spice complexities that many higher priced wines would simply love to have. The added length and savoury tannins of this component and the use of some French oak result in a beguiling final release that is extraordinary.
Chapel Hill The Parson Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
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.
Maison de la Villette Grenache
This Grenache was cultivated in the south of France, between Béziers and Perpignan, near the Mediterranean coast.The 20- to 50-year-old sloping vineyards are located on clay-silty soils coming from the old Aude river, and from the clay-limestone soils of the Minervois PGI area. Deep purple in color with vivid highlights. Intense nose of red fruits, notes of soft spices . The palate is rich, well-balanced, round withnotes of fresh fruits coulis such as raspberry, strawberry, blueberry. Notes of spices lend freshness to the wine.
Mr Mick Rosé
This Mr Mick Rosé is very close to the Tuscan style of rosé, with the alluring complexity of bright red fruits that lingers on the palate before a cleansing, dry finish with fresh acidity at the end. This beautiful rosé is a great match with most Asian cuisine, or with any dishes that has has a little spiciness.
Riddoch Merlot
John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.