THE STANDISH WINE COMPANY The Schubert Theorem Shiraz, Barossa Valley Dan Standish is indisputably one of the Barossas most celebrated Shiraz producers now. Joe Czerwinski has deemed him, the reigning king of Barossa Shiraz. An alumni of Torbreck, Standishs Shiraz expressions are outstanding expressions of a region defined by this wine. The Schubert Theorem is an appropriately powerful composition, made from vines planted over 100 years ago in the Vine Vale region. Standish himself likens The Schubert Theorem to the wines of the Northern Rhône. It is basket-pressed and aged in French oak for 30 months. Inky, deep purple juice is as intense as it looks. Rich Black Forest fruit and aniseed marry with spice, earth and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is decadent and opulent, rich with juicy black fruits, plum and liquorice. This is a superbly concentrated wine, the structure showcasing exceptional fruit purity. The finish is incredibly long and powerfulif only it could go on forever.

Consistent Domaine Clarendon Syrah characters include and grilled meat, black currant fruit and crushed rock, graphite-like minerality throughout the palate. The Domaine Clarendon Syrah is a part of the Clarendon Hills Premier-Cru classification and generally drinks best after 8-10 years in the cellar, when its terroir is formally demonstrated. Exceptional vintages like 2015 offer a unique approachability to this world class Terroir and opening it before full maturity offers an opportunity to see a legend in the making.

OAKRIDGE WINES 864 Close Planted Block Shiraz, Yarra Valley

The 864 Close Planted Syrah is a wine of light and shade. The brightness of red and black fruits, with hints of bramble, are layered with stewed rhubarb, licorice, pastry, and a cabinet of spice. This multidimensional syrah boasts a long finish with mouth-coating, pinot-like tannins, and a pleasing moreish quality. The Close Planted block, on Coldstreams’s grey alluvial loam, is east-facing at 120 metres above sea level. The R6VW28 clone is planted at 5,200 plants per hectare, and is farmed to yield 6.3 tonnes per hectare. Grapes are hand-picked and sorted to open top fermenters with 70% of fruit placed over 30% whole bunches. During its three-week fermentation, the wine is regularly pumped over and plunged. At the end of this process, it’s pressed to French oak puncheons to mature for 14 months on gross lees. Representing the pinnacle of winemaking at Oakridge, the 864 range are high-scoring, limited-release, single-block wines that stand out internationally as exceptional varietal examples.