The Bill & Arthur is named after two pioneering and well-regarded Coonawarra local legends and, we are delighted to tell you, that in the glass, this special exclusive is deep, dark and downright delicious. Drawn from the 1890s heritage row and other Redman vineyards with an average vine age of about 50 years, the Bill & Arthur stands as a classic Coonawarra Shiraz: medium-bodied, with a richness of fruit that ripens at a lower alcohol level than typical Barossa and McLaren Vale Shiraz. Hand-plunged and basket-pressed, the 2021 exhibits generous blackcurrent, violet and bramble aromas, leading to a savoury flavor profile with a touch of pepper and Chinese five-spice playing in the background. Just add barbequed ribeye with black pepper sauce. Dan Redman describes the 2021 vintage as one of Coonawarra’s best. Matured in aged American and French oak for about 12 months. Will cellar for 5 to 10 years but ready for immediate drinking pleasure.

Tscharke are leading the way with organic wines that reflect the terroir and the personality of the fruit. In their high scoring Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz, which uses fruit from three separate vineyards in the Barossa sub region of Marananga, they bring to life aromas of blueberry and plum with a vibrant fresh quality, while an underlying gamey and dusty savouriness complements the fruit. The palate is explosive and juicy with cherry, plum and forest berries, supported by hints of spices that stretch into the textural finish. Well balanced structure thanks to the crunchy acidity, full body and fine tannins. It boasts scores of 94 and 92pts.

Bleasdale is “one of the most historic wineries in Australia... in 2015 celebrating 165 years of continuous winemaking by the direct descendants of the founding Potts family.” (Halliday). Among many major awards, they’ve won the Jimmy Watson Trophy and they recently made the 2023 Shortlist for the Halliday Wine Companion's Best Value Winery. Winemaker Paul Hotker, a “master blender”, was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year 2018. This fine red is another example of why Langhorne Creek Shiraz is regarded by many as delivering Australia’s best-value reds, vintage after vintage. Intense aromas of blackberries, plums and Asian spice. Juicy dark fruits define the medium-to-full palate, with clove and liquorice notes dancing up back. Soft tannins.

Tim Atkin MW says Sicily is “now one of the most exciting wine regions in Europe, blessed with a combination of abundant sunshine, varied terroirs, good indigenous grapes.” Plus, it has the investment to make the most of these advantages. This gorgeous Syrah comes from David di Prima, whose grandfather Gaspare planted the vines decades ago. The vineyards lie on high hills overlooking the Lago Arancio (Orange Tree Lake) reservoir. Originally a river, it was dammed in the 1950s. On rare occasions the water level drops to reveal the ruins of a Moorish temple. With deep colour, cherry, spice and chocolate character, this Syrah goes well with grilled red meats and full flavoured local dishes such as aubergine caponata or cucuzza squash bake.