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.

Church Block first appeared back in 1972 under the watchful eye of Greg Trott and was taken by one of the original vineyards that ran alongside the small Bethany Church, across the road from Wirra Wirra's old ironstone cellars. Over the last 4 decades, it has become one of Australia's favourites. The 2005 Church Block is showing just what a little patience can do. After six years, the velvet texture is the dominant feature with integrated tannin taking a backseat.

With a nose of rich spicy pepper and liquorice generous in intensity, Jacob's Creek Shiraz shows a medium-bodied palate displaying welcoming plum and cherry fruit flavours leading through to a softly textured finish.

Made by iconic winery Howard Park, the fruit for MadFish Gold Turtle Shiraz is sourced from the South West of the state where Shiraz thrives. This wine has sweet berry and spice characters complemented by a touch of white pepper and well handled French oak. Lovely!

A concentrated and complex wine with dark choclate, liquorice and spice aromas and flavours accentuated by nutty oak from barrel maturation.

In the glass: Medium to deep red. On the nose: Red berry, plum, leaf and earth. On the palate: Bright and ripe with an excellent core of red and black berry fruit, savoury, mouth-watering tannins and vibrant persitence. Will improve over the next year or so as the tannins become more silken.

Casillero Del Diablo Shiraz is round and mouthfilling with ample soft and sweet tannins, finishing with lively acidity to balance the intense range of flavors

In 1843, Dr Lindeman, an upstanding man of formidable character, started his own winery. In doing so, he set his sights on civilising a colony of hard-drinking ruffians by introducing them to more gentlemanly pursuits, such as the enjoyment of a refined drop. This longheld tradition continues today with this stately Shiraz, plush with plums, a hint of raspberry, and a dash of fortified wine for a smooth finish. A fine wine by anyones standard.

Steve Maglieri's Serafino Sorrento Shiraz, is one the most flavourful McLaren Shiraz's we've seen for quite some time. Spicy and rich on the front palate that then leads to a supreme density consisting of ripe plums and blackcurrants. If you're a McLaren Vale Shiraz lover, this Sorrento Shiraz has your name written all over it.