Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1,460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz.

This is the first time Mount Mary has released a Syrah under its own label, and it’s a terrific debut. Made entirely from estate fruit, the wine is an elegant, medium-bodied take on the variety, leaning more towards perfume and spice than raw power. There’s a bit of whole bunch in the ferment (30%), which gives the wine some beautiful lifted aromatics. Think dark cherry, black pepper, and dried herbs. The palate is tidy and savoury, with enough texture and gentle grip to keep things interesting without ever feeling heavy. It feels like a natural extension of Mount Mary’s house style, just through the lens of Syrah. A great first step for what could become an important part of the Mount Mary range in the future.

Wendouree has achieved cult status with its tiny production from ancient vines. Luscious dark berry Shiraz fruits and some meaty characters run through the full-bodied palate with ripe tannins.

Dark garnet in colour with ripe black jammy fruits, dry spices and wet leaves on the nose. A mouth-filling tannins and great fruit and acidity balance on the palate. A rather savoury and lingering finish.

Yarra Yering is not only a Victorian icon, but a true Australian wine treasure. The Underhill Shiraz is sourced exclusively from the 1974 planted block of Shiraz at the western-most extremity of the vineyard. Drawn from soils with a higher clay base which has resulted in a wine of a more masculine bent offering darker fruits and spice with chewier tannins and a savoury undertone.

The perfect counterpoint to its other half in the Hentley Farm stable, The Beast, The Beauty is made from cooler climate Shiraz and co-fermented with a dollop of Viognier. Utterly seductive like some dark pool calling you to dive in, it is complex, elegant and aptly named.

Cuveé Aux Antipodes is the meeting of two winemakers from the two hemispheres. The old world represented by François Millet of Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, where he has made wine since 1986. The new world, by the site - the Prophet's Rock Home Vineyard in Central Otago, and its winemaker Paul Pujol.

Intense ruby red with violet reflections; perfume of ripe fruits and spicy notes; balanced and delicate wine flavour. Excellent with red meats, pasta dishes or simply alone.