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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.

A delicious mouthful of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Paxton has generous ripe black fruits, sweet spice, liquorice and rich chocolate flavours on the palate. Framed by savoury oak and silky fine tannins with a lengthy finish.

Beresford pride themselves on passionately capturing the pure varietal expression and the essence of their terrior to deliver a Shiraz of timeless elegance and muscular complexity. Quintessentially McLaren Vale, the wine has a rich, full palate brimming with dark berry fruits, coffee and spice characteristics finishing with soft, lengthy tannins. A cracking wine of great substance and exceptional balance.

This wine, a Piebald, meaning black and white, is a co-fermentation of the blackest Syrah grapes, with a hatful of the purest white Viognier. Deep in colour, the wine is almost black, yet is also vibrant and bright. The nose is perfumed with apricots, spice and liquorice; a pretty, fragrant wine with a sweet juice and velvety palate. The finish is elegant with savoury spice and a fine tannin length and persistence.

Shingleback owners John & Kym Davey produce a lovely, rich McLaren Vale Shiraz here with aromas of ripe cherry fruit, milk chocolate and licorice. Plush and sweet fruited on the palate, the tannins are soft and supple. Wonderful drinking.

Oliver's Taranga have a long and distinguished history in the McLaren Vale and are custodians of some of the premier vineyard land in the region. Corrina Wright is now the winemaking brain behind this progressive winery and her Shiraz is a modern masterstroke. Smoke and bacon on the nose with sweet and savoury tones. Soft fruit flavours luscious mouth feel and great length to this wine. Delicious.

While normally associated with Grenache and Shiraz blends, Mourvèdre recently has begun to stand on its own two feet as a stand-alone wine. Quite evocative in nature, Chapel Hill's Mourvèdre is a dark and brooding red with wonderful hints of spice and violet tones. Walking the line between medium and full-bodied, this wouldn't be out of place next to either a thick cut steak or a plate of picked Mediterranean vegetables.

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.

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.

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.