First made back in 1997 and still definitely one of the sentimental favourites in the Kilikanoon portfolio, the Prodigal continues to set the standard for Clare Valley old-vine Grenache. Each fruit parcel was harvested and kept separate throughout the winemaking process until final assemblage. A fresh and lively palate, yet dark and brooding at the same time, the combination of ripe cherries, dark chocolate, kitchen spices and kirsch perfectly in sync with the fine chalky tannins and oak influences rounding out to a long flavoursome finish.

A wine who’s reputation proceeds it, 0f particular note is the interesting winemaking on show here – it’s old school, yet cleverly so, with all the components co fermented, everything relying on the juice, rather than new oak to tell the story. I like that blend of old and new – its what the Barossa does best. A mid red colour, this has dried herbs, cherry, a waft of VA and tomato paste on the slightly forward savoury nose. There is even a hint of saddle, though its more winey than bretty. The palate is medium bodied, pleasurably soft and somewhat evolved, with spicy old oak the only influence, the rest derived from integrated, maturing fruit. It feels like a pair of favourite jeans – worn in all the right places and comfortable from the get go, yet without losing its style. Suffice to say its one very drinkable, enjoyable, medium bodied drink and its all the better for it. It probably won’t seduce you with its intensity and some will be looking for more primary fruit freshness (I’d like to see it in a screwcap too because I’m a stelvinista or even a vino-loker: now they are pretty sexy too) but I’d drink a ton more of this than so many heavier Barossan reds. 18.0

Colour Elderberry, deep and clear at the centre with a cool edge. Bouquet Ripe raspberries, dried herbs, red plums. Cranberry and warm spice. Bay leaf and orange rind lend a fresh, mediterranean edge to the enticingly sweet bouquet. Palate Raspberry coulis and blood orange fill a palate that is vibrant and piquant to its core. Chalk and graphite; energy and tension are enveloped in sandy tannins. A wine with boundless verve, energy and electric personality.

The wine is a result of the serendipitous discovery of small remnant patches of withered ancient vines, some well over a century old, that have been carefully nurtured back to life. The protection of this old vine resource of the Barossa Valley is central to the Torbreck story and this wine, more than any other, is an indication of what is possible from these historic cultivars. The Steading’s generous and supple flavours combine with its silken texture in a wine that defines what is possible only in the Barossa.

St Hugo GSM is aromatic and bright, yet exudes the style and pedigree which are hallmarks of the St Hugo label. This Grenache Shiraz Mataro blend shows lifted fruit aromas of Turkish delight and briary complexity. The palate is plush, full and complex. Ripe fruit flavours are complemented by silky tannins and subtle oak.

John Duval was the Chief Winemaker at Penfolds from 1986 - 2002, entrusted to make some of Australia's most iconic wines. This traditional old vine blend is a superb expression of the Barossa. Savoury, spice and subtle oak sweetness on the nose lead to smooth, seamless palate laden with plum jam and liquorice fruit.

This blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Viognier is a relatively recent addition to Henschke's impressive range. Typically fragrant plum and raspberry aromas, followed by a velvety palate with rich fruit flavours and well intergraded tannins. Henry's Seven will not disappoint.

BROTHERS AT WAR Peacekeeper Grenache, Barossa Valley

Alkina Kin Night Sky Grenache Shiraz Mataro, Barossa Valley The Night Sky is a relaxed red made from certified organic and biodynamic fruit. A Barossa blend of equal parts Grenache and Shiraz, with some savoury Mataro too, the red and black fruits fuse to create a ripe and smooth core that is big but never overbearing. The Alkina Kin range enables the team to develop releases that celebrate local artists whose work features on their stunning labels.