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.

The Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz is an opulent concentrated and complex style with plenty of spicy fruit and a dash of chocolate. True to the style that Wolf himself made from the very beginning of this now iconic brand, this is very tasty and enjoyable now yet it has the weight and complexity to improve with cellaring.

Traditional winemaking techniques and an eye to modern styles allow us to create wines that are synonymous with the regions they are from. Rich, honest wines that showcase the regions in their most natural light. The wine is dark red in colour with a medley of aromas od dark cherry, mulberry and ripe raspberries. The palate shows ripe raspberry and cranberry fruits with silky tannins which give length and finesse while finishing soft and full of flavour. This wine can be enjoyed now but will also improve with careful cellaring.

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 Red Knot Shiraz has truly come into its own, confirming its place among Australia’s all-time best value wines. The rich blackberry core has softened beautifully, now woven with layers of mellow red fruits, stewed plum, and gently integrated spice. Time has brought out even more complexity – the aniseed notes are deeper, the texture silkier, and the finish longer. A mature, expressive Shiraz that rewards the wait – and still a delight for lovers of the style.

Subtle hints of oak and soft tannins support the fruitiness of raspberries and red currents in this approachable and very smooth red. Pair with pork and beef sausages with lots of mustard and chutney.

Even the smallest details can make a big difference when making wine. The Winemaking Discovery Pack series provides a journey into the cellar to demystify winemaking by showing how variations in winemaking technique can influence the finished wines.Try these wines side by side to explore the differences in flavour, aroma and texture that is achieved by varying the maceration time on skins during production. On the nose, focus on the variations in intensity and aroma. On the palate, compare how the wines sit in your mouth and for persistence (length). Enjoy the discovery.Wine A: 8 Days on skinsWine B: 16 Days on skins

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.

Pirramimma Stock's Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet is deep brick red in colour with lifted fruit on the nose. The palate shows excellent blackcurrant varietal flavour with well integrated American oak. A great wine for the price.