ALTERA TERRA Fidelis Shiraz, Murrumbateman, McLaren Vale

This classic Yarra Valley Shiraz from Yeringberg is showing those trademark Shiraz characters of cracked black pepper and great fruit weight, there is also some good concentration and a long powdery tannin finish.

This Shiraz Viognier has aromas of spice, red fruit and cedar. It is very aromatic with the same spiced fruit flavour persisting throughout the palate.

Krondorf 121 Settlers Barossa Valley Shiraz The 121 Settlers Old Vine Shiraz is sourced from a single site at the cooler southern extremity of Barossa, in St. Jakobi, abutting the western ridge of the Lyndoch sub-zone. Here, a conflation of red clay and loam promotes earlier ripening, a mitigating factor against inclement weather and the growing risk of early season frosts that Climate Change has foisted upon us. As importantly these dense soils imbue the wines with a firm tannic carriage, ensuring passage to greater complexity in the cellar, while serving as a structural harness for typically exuberant Barossan fruit. The average age of the vines is in excess of 35 years, with gnarled octogenarian survivors among them. Yields are inherently low as the established root systems reach deep below the soils substrata in search of water and the requisite nutrients drawn through it. Yet the fruit that is produced is immaculate: vibrant, concentrated and firmly stamped with the regional postcode of generosity. The winemaking is dutifully sensitive, chaperoning the fruit from vineyard to bottle with minimal intrusion: gravity feeds, gentle pigeage and 16-18 months in used, rather than new, oak. The result is one of dark fruit allusions from plum to blackberry, underlain by a potpourri of spice including black pepper, clove and star anise, all melded to a pungent thread of mineral. The oak is apparent, but only as an adjunct to propel the finish long. As with many Barossan greats, the fruit weight allows for early appeal, albeit, this is a wine that will easily cellar for 15 years onwards.

The Exception Shiraz 2004 is full and round with aromas of plums, spice and cedary oak, plus a hint of tobacco adding complexity to the palate. It is well balanced, with a long finish and bears a deep rich crimson colour.

Part of Two Hands super-premium, single vineyard range, this classic McLaren Shiraz style has nuanced blueberry, mocha and spice characters. Always made to be plush, rich and smooth, the Lily's Garden never seems to be void of any complexity though. Super long length and superb tannin structure also help the McLaren Vale beauty truly sing.