Grenache has long been a stalwart of the South Australian wine scene and Penfolds have been blending Grenache with Shiraz since the 1950's. Recent years has seen a growing trend for the luscious perfumed styles like those emanating out of the northern Rhône and the Bin 138 produces a brilliant example. Going from strength to strength, this particular wine is quickly gathering momentum as one of the stand-out releases in the Bin series.

The utterly sublime and exhilarating Langi Shiraz is typified by ethereal blackberry/ brambly/ dark cherry/ pepper/ violet aromas and flavours, supple textures, mid-palate buoyancy and underlying savoury oak. The grapes come from the "Langi Shiraz" block planted with "Swiss Clone material originally sourced from nearby Best's Concongella Vineyard. The granitic soils and cold south-westerlies are influential in producing its distinctive flavour profile. Meticulous attention to detail are behind the winemaking. After a cold soak the fruit (some whole bunch) is open-fermented with regular hand plunging. Some components complete fermentation in barrel. The wine is aged for around 14 months in new (45%) and seasoned French oak.

MAYACAMAS VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Not much has changed by way of production since Bob Travers started the Mayacamas estate in the early 1940s. The fruit is handpicked early, often in early September - abvs usually end up between 13 and 14 percent to preserve natural, altitude derived acidities. Fermentations occur predominantly in open-top cement vessels which were built in the 1950s, again to preserve acidities and vibrant fruit character. Extended ageing occurs exclusively in neutral oak some as old as 100 years typically for three years which allows the vineyard's expression to shine through the powerful fruit profile, while also minimising oxygenation and helping to maintain the powerful and tight tannin structure Mayacamas is so famous for. The wines then usually spend a further two years in bottle before it is ready to be released to the market. Mayacamas make wines that lie in stark contrast to the more prevalent rich, heavily oaked, high in abv, bombastic wines that are common in the Napa Valley.

Teusner Albert Shiraz is made from old vines in the northern Barossa; rich black fruits and tarry cassis with smoky undertones, the finish is long and luscious. Could easily be cellared for the medium term.