Chris Ringland's Barossa Ranges Shiraz is steeped in the Barossas post-colonial story and the high art and science of winemaking. Typically deep in colour with intense dark berry, paneforte, espresso roasted chestnut aromas, it displays a plush and concentrated palate with blackberry, mocha, paneforte spicy flavours and dense fine chocolaty tannins. Despite the opulence, flamboyance, richness and concentration, the wine has superb percussion and freshness. The wine is a small vinification of around four to five hogsheads or 1500 litres. The "unusually thick skinned" Shiraz is entirely sourced from Chris Ringland's dry-grown vineyard on the edge of the Barossa Valley, but technically in Eden Valley, along Flaxman's Valley near Randall's Hill. The wine is "painstakingly hand-made" in open fermenters and regularly pumped-over to extract colour, flavour and tannins. After draining and pressing through a traditional basket press, fermentation is completed in 100% new French oak hogsheads. A period of up to 50 months oak maturation follows to achieve optimum complexity and balance between oak and fruit. The extraordinarily high release prices (higher than Penfolds Grange), limited production and reputation make Chris Ringland Barossa Ranges Shiraz the stuff of legend.

Sourced from the Standish Family Vineyard Siegersdorf Road, Vine Vale, Barossa Valley. Planted on own roots in 1912. Dense, latent and strapping, this flaunts the flawless purity that can be leached from the famed sandy flints of Vine Vale. Tightly wound with its cards close to the vest, deep-set aromatics of coal, pressed currant and black truffle are foiled by redolent tones of tilled soil, beef broth and slow roasted meats. Dark and brooding with immense concentration, persistence and energy it is somewhat of a heroic style but is gently laced with a long fine cloak of silken tannin.

Patrick & Christophe Bonnefond Les Rochins, Côte-Rôtie Parcel selection on the Côte-Rozier is located in the north of the Côte-Rôtie AOC, on schist and mica-schist terroirs. Vinification is the same as the previous cuvée, ageing for 20 months in 400 litre barrels, 30% of which are new wood. A Syrah that is typically characterised by cherry, blueberry, olive paste and spiced cake.

DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO Cuvee de mon Aieul, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

The flagship of the Torbreck stable. Recently been elevated to 'Exceptional' status in Langton's Fine Wine Classification, it is a wine of utmost power and density. Famous for rich concentration and opulent power, this exceptional Australian Shiraz is as popular abroad as it is at home. Definitely one to place in the cellar and simply forget about - let the patience reward you over 10 or more years time.