Irvine Estate is home to Barossa vineyards that date back to 1867. The estate is famous for its majestic Merlot but Irvine Estate is sending ripples around the industry with its old-vine Shiraz as well. Indeed, an Irvine Shiraz impressed recently by winning a Trophy for the BEST Barossa Shiraz at the Barossa Valley Wine Show, ahead of BIG Barossa names like Teusner, Grant Burge, Peter Lehmann, St Hallett and Thorn Clarke! We’re especially thrilled to introduce Ruth’s Block Shiraz to you today because it is made exclusively for us. You won’t find it in any bottle shops. As our buyer Dan Parrott says, “Having a winery the calibre of Irvine make a wine just for us is a big deal. Mostly because they don’t need to. They already sell everything they make. So when Irvine agreed, it was mostly because they like us.” It’s nice to be liked! And it means some exceptional wines for you – at extraordinary prices. Like this one right here.

"From the Wrattonbully region, this is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot. The colour is a deep red and we have aromas weaving through notes of warm earth, bay leaves, milk chocolate, blueberries and smoked meats. There are dusty tannins and juicy acidity here, in a wine of medium length, but with a pleasantly lingering finish. This will provide most attractive drinking…. 91pts " (Ken Gargett, WinePilot).

No wonder Spain's El Bombero is a regular Top 10 favourite. For over 20 years, fans have sought it out for its winning combination of 15% power and velvety richness more usually associated with pricier reds such as the Rhône's Châteauneuf du Pape. It comes from Cariñena, a hot, arid region of Spain where sun-loving grapes like Garnacha (same as Châteauneuf's Grenache) achieve amazing ripeness. Ancient vines and a lack of rain means fewer grapes, which in turn means far more flavour intensity. Decanter magazine says it's home to some of the best value reds in the world, and we have to agree! From award winning winemaker Javier Domeque, El Bombero is packed with spicy black fruit and smooth, sumptuous tannins. Delicious on its own and a tasty choice for casseroles, full flavoured pasta dishes, herby roast sausages and mash, and, of course, barbecues.

This irresistible black beauty is made from fabulously intense Shiraz and Grenache grapes grown on the craggy hillsides of France's Roussillon region. Look up from the vines and you will see ruins of castles perching precariously on rocky peaks. This inhospitable landscape and these ancient strongholds were home to medieval Cathars who lived in awe of evil god Rex Mundi ('King of the World'). He corrupted the faithful with promises of earthly pleasures and the forbidden delights of mortal flesh. Don't even try to resist, just sip and enjoy this lusciously ripe, juicy marriage of liquorice scented Shiraz and lush, silken Grenache. Gloriously easy to quaff on its own, it also goes well with barbecued meats, Cajun chicken or lamb chops.

Not only has this family estate won 60 Golds in a decade, but also 'Best Wine in the World'. That was for their 2005 Shiraz in 2008! The secret to this weighty, spice packed red is the sandy soils, which hold little rain for the vines, plus the unrelenting hot sun. The result is a modest yield of small berries crammed with juicy flavour. With this style of wine, award winning winemaker Jaime Quendera is now forging a reputation for Setúbal's rich, bold reds. Mostly Shiraz along with a splash of local variety Alicante, Jaime finished the wine in expensive oak barrels to add a gorgeous spicy vanilla lift to the blueberry, blackberry and peppery fruit. A fine treat to serve with spicy chorizo sausages, a hearty stew or the Sunday roast.

Glittering with plum and red berry fruit, a lovely splash of exotic spice, deliciously soft and smooth tannins ... this is like being given a big, comforting hug from someone you love. Beautiful stuff!

This is a new-release, Gold-winning red from our friends at Appelsdrift winery in South Africa’s Robertson region. They have vineyards that follow alongside the railway track which runs from Ashton to Robertson. Indeed, it goes right through the property! The hot sunny climate and cool ocean breezes of the region are just perfect for growing healthy, ripe grapes that make lush, fruit-filled wines (it’s also a top spot for growing roses). This is a terrific blend of super, dark and juicy Merlot, Cabernet and Shiraz, part barrel aged to lend spice to the punchy plum and cassis fruit with hints of dark chocolate. Certainly a wine to open with a hearty, warming winter supper, but also top choice at a barbecue.