d'Arenberg own and manage nearly a third of all the old Grenache bush vines in McLaren Vale. The very first instalment by d'Arenberg to display the famous red stripe was a Grenache wine, it has been a variety central to the estate portfolio ever since. During the 1980s, d'Arenberg resisted taking part in the great government sanctioned vine pull out scheme which proved to be disastrously short sighted and an assault on national treasure. Their faith in the wizzened old vines of McLaren Vale has bestowed upon d'Arenberg the accolade of Custodian.

Coppermine Road is named after an avenue, very near the d'Arenberg property which runs parallel to the finest block of Cabernet Sauvignon vines to be found anywhere in McLaren Vale. The precious grapes are descended largely from a curious and near extinct unnamed clone which yields no more than a single tonne per acre because of its very poor setting ability and tiny berries. The quality of the fruit however is far superior, with wonderful violet and blackcurrant aromas, great acidity and long but intense, finely grained tannins.

Dandelion are proven plantings of worldly vines which have stood the test of time. The Lionheart of Dandelion is a very old Barossa site, named for seminal Barossa grower Carl Lindner. Within this ancient parcel, gnarled vines, many over a hundred years of age, are not only surviving but thriving on their own roots, planted to some of the oldest soils on the planet. The hand picked grapes of this noble garden are crafted into a powerful yet approachable wine, which articulates beautifully, the dignity, generosity and grace of old vines Barossa Shiraz.

Dalwhinnie know that great Pinot Noir can only come from a healthy, well pruned vine which has the proper balance of fruit to foliage for even ripening. The bunches must be disease free, compact in composition and have good exposure to sunlight. Dalwhinnie is fortunate to have planted just such a site.

From a single precious block, planted to an inhospitable reef outcrop, dynamited for levelling and planted to the eminent Concongella clone of Shiraz in 1995. The dry and bony soils yield meagre harvests of the most amazing concentration, parched little berries bursting with flavour and lined with velvet tannins. Grampians Shiraz of the highest order and most distinguished peerage, its amazingly rich perfumes and bridled elegance, black fruit characters throughout, black cherries, black raspberries and black roses, salacious yet refined.

Full bodied, single block Shiraz of controlled power and amazing grace, crafted from a small parcel of precious fruit, picked off a rare clone, transplanted to Moonambel from an ancient Barossa vineyard in 1997. An opaque, masculine wine treated to an extended term of age in an extravagant choice of medium toast Allier French oak, its virile bouquet of musky jube aromas and seasoned sandalwood precedes a voluminious palate of dark berries, bramble and cassis, a wine of intense concentration supported by the splendour of masculine, savoury tannins.

Excellent Langtons Classification. A more masculine style of Shiraz, a wine of immense power and complexity, vinified from parcels of small, gnarled berries with massive concentration of fruit characters, picked off the most enduring vines grown to the parched western districts of country Victoria. The structure and complexity is impressive, exhibiting the taste and nose of Grand Cru Hermitage. An appealing freshness to the wine brings it forward, Dalwhinnie ages magnificently but is a profound experience to savour immediately upon release.

Excellent Langtons Classification. The Dalwhinnie vineyard is situated on the 37th parallel, within a unique amphitheatre which has its own unique mesoclime. The poor fragile soils left over from alluvial mining projects in the early 1800s are some of the hardest and hungriest anywhere. The first Shiraz vines, planted to the Grand Piano Block, were rootlings from the eminent Sunraysia Nurseries at Mildura. The site is totally frost free and harvests achieve complete physiological ripeness nine out of ten years, all vintage releases must surpass expectations.

Dalwhinnie vineyard was planted to a unique topographical amphitheatre which precipitates its own meso climate. The site is totally frost free and allows fruit to reach complete physiological ripeness in nine out of ten years. This rare confluence of temperate climes, cooler altitudes and parched Pyrenees soils, sublimate into one of Australia's most enduring and distinctive styles of Cabernet Sauvignon. A stunning wine, the overall impression is of ripe pure black fruits, layered with rich dark chocolate and seasoned by notes of violet and camphor.

Vintage 2004 represents twenty consecutive years of fine tuning within the vineyard and throughout the entire winemaking operation. Moonambel 2004 offers a palate and nose of exceptional depth and finesse, rating amongst the finest editions of Cabernet that Dalwhinnie have ever made. The style is fleshier than previous releases, bearing more fruit and tannin, endowed with great freshness and magnificent structure.

Dalwhinnie is well into it's fourth decade of icon Australian Shiraz. Their parched soils atop the inhospitable climes of the Pyrenees yield restricted harvests of parched berries with aromatic, mouth filling spice characters and intense tannins. Just four kilometres along Taltarni Road on the Moonambel valley floor, Dalwhinnie has been pampering younger plantings at the Forest Hut Vineyard established in the 1990s. Now fully mature, these unirrigated and dry farmed, well canopied, vertically shoot positioned vines are producing intensely flavoured Shiraz.

Dalwhinnie is sited on the most magnificent Shiraz growing terrains. Eagle Shiraz is crafted to traditional Rhône winemaking techniques, foot crushing, whole bunch ferments, extended skin contact and maximum lees contact. The Eagle is a super concentration of unique aromas and flavours, which can only be achieved through some unconventional vinifications. Eagle Shiraz is treated to a traditional Italian basket press and eighteen months in small French oak barriques, Eagle Shiraz evolves sleek, fine tannins and superb integration.

Ever since inaugural release of vintage 1986, the splendid Dalwhinnie Eagle Series Vineyard has been recognized as an exceptional effort from a truly distinguished site. The property was first planted to Shiraz in 1977, the vineyard is completely dry grown, barely more than a hectare in size. Vines grow to a relatively wide 3.4 x 1.8 metre grid, on ancient sedimentary soils and bony quartz shale outcrops. The unique aspects of this elevated property at 385 metres above sea level, coupled with meticulous hand picking and hand pruning yields the most precious fruit.

Swansea is a favourite destination on Tasmania's east coast, renowned for its warm dry holiday season. Less than a kilometre from the sea, Dalrymple's block of Pinot Noir clones MV6 and 115 are planted to a sunny northern slope of basalt soils, overlooking the panoramic vistas of Great Oyster Bay down towards Freycinet Peninsula. A mix of whole bunch and destemmed fruit are treated to a week of ferments and frequent plungings, followed by fill to seasoned and new French oak barriques for malolactic and ten months maturation.

From a single block of low vigor Pinot Noir MV6 clone, just east of the small central highlands town of Ouse at the very heart of the apple isle in Derwent River Valley. A place of low rainfalls and drying winds, sunny days and cooling nights. A combination of destemmed and whole bunch fruit are treated to a wild indigenous ferment and frequent pumpovers, followed by pressing into a high proportion of new French oak barriques. An august style of Pinot Noir with the structure and substance to match with lamb, game meats and dark meat fowl.

Coal River Valley is most conspicuous for disappointingly low rainfall and punishingly dry winds. Dalrymple conducted an exhaustive search of the region to find a choice site offering excellent moisture retention under the lee of protective trees. A mix of whole bunch and destemmed grapes are treated to a week of wild indigenous yeast ferments and frequent pumpovers, drained and pressed to an extravagantly high proportion of new French oak hogsheads for a term of age. A beguilingly beautiful wine, open before service and allow the layers of complexity to unravel.

Nestled in a cocoon of mixed vegetation and rolling hills, Dalrymple enjoys a unique and seductive aspect shared by only a few boutique vineyards within the Pipers River region. This succulent and fresh, exclusively Pipers Brook Pinot Noir is fashioned from grapes that are chosen for their juicy flavours of ripe red berries, raspberry and plum. A natural ferment is encouraged and Burgundian techniques are applied, culminating in a complex yet harmonious wine that sings of fresh fruit and offers supple, velvety textures, built to be fully approachable while young.

Cottage Block is well sheltered from the cool north westerly winds of Pipers River, a slightly warmer microclime which produces small yields of intensely flavoured berries. Most of the harvest is destemmed, macerated and hand plunged, racked to a high proportion of new French oak barriques for malolactic and ten months maturation. The best barrels are treated to a further sixteen months before release. Darkly spiced beetroot and rhubarb, a firm tannin framework underpins refined acidity, a conspicuous freshness and vibrant lift to the finish and magnificent length.

It is the choice of vine trellising techniques which contributes to the quality of Pinot Noir grapes and sets Curly Flat apart. The property is located on a slope which catches the very last rays of sun in the Macedon Ranges at the magical moments before dusk. The vines here yield a national flagship that beat Domaine de la Romanee Conti at a Winewise taste off and was listed by Wine Ark as the second most collectible Pinot Noir in Australia. A complex, aromatic wine offering layers of fruit and bright, seamless tannins, speaking articulately of Pinot Noir and of place.

Defined by altitude, Orange is one of Australia's highest and coolest regions. A capricious grape to grow, Merlot demands a regime of perfect conditions to achieve an even berry set. The growers of Orange have dutifully obliged over many years, painstakingly developing this new but salubrious winegrowing precinct for the realization of world class Merlot. Fruit sets very well and bunch thinning is undertaken to limit the yields. Cumulus will handsomely accompany roasted Mediterranean vegetables with lamb and wild mushroom medley.

Langton's Exceptional Classification. Diana Madeline is one of Australia's great icon wines, crafted from fruit grown to one of Margaret River's earliest sites. The vines, planted in 1971, provide a scant two tons per acre, yielding grapes of amazing concentration. Cullen have returned to the old world practice of basket pressing. To their delight, they have found that this leads to the extraction of only the finest tannins. A stately construct in statuesque Bordeaux styling, deeply coloured, the extraordinary depth of flavour reflects an outstanding quality of fruit.

Exceptional Langtons Classification. This is one of the great years for Diana Madeline. The outstanding quality reflects a combination of excellent seasonal conditions that existed for all red grape varieties during the lead up to vintage 2007 and the benefits of employing the most exacting biodynamic practices. The requisite Medoc cepage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, for a wine of imposing stature, eminence and grace.

An exclusively South Island Pinot Noir, sourced from a number of small growers in the esoteric and bohemian quarter of vineyards around Nelson River, with components drawn from good sites in Marlborough. A variety of clones, as well as some diverse microclimes, have provided a great spectrum of flavours to craft an elegant, distinctively varietal, engagingly complex wine. An exemplary, regionally focused Pinot Noir with gentle spice and ample cherry fruit, clearly planned with good food in mind. Raise a glass to all those dedicated, independent growers.

As a key figure in the establishment of Mornington viticulture, Garry Crittenden was instrumental in forging for the Peninsula the reputation as a distinguished producer of distinctive, regional wines. From the outset, Crittenden recognized the area's climatic suitability to Pinot Noir, exploiting it through meticulous land management and sophisticated vinification techniques. Fashioned from a mix of Pinot Noir clones, including MV6, 114 and 115, all grapes are hand picked off an auspicious north facing slope at Tuerong.

The vines at Crawford River were planted from the ground up, with a view to realizing minimal harvests of world class fruit. The auspicious site was originally used for grazing, established to viticulture in 1975, it was generations of cattle and sheep which prepared the land for winegrowing. A rare confluence of soils, limestones, friable basalts and ancient alluvials, form a terroir that's heaven sent for Cabernet Sauvignon. Finely boned, muscular and statuesque, a flagship Victorian effort to rival her siblings from the most regal Cabernet appellations in the world.

Completely dry grown and deliberately low cropped, the vines at Crawford River are stimulated by the chilly surrounds, to slowly ripen parched little berries with a concentration of flavour and the most elegant tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary black grape, meagre harvests of intensely flavoured fruit, layered with perfumed boysenberry and cassis richness. The holy trinity of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, framed by a measure of refined French oak, its velvetine plum and bramble nature makes Crawford River the perfect match to osso bucco or pink lamb.

Single vineyard winemaking and Pinot Noir go hand in hand, such is this noble varietals faculty for translating terroir into taste. This tempermental grape demands utmost sensitivity and care, the savoury, brooding characters of Martinborough Pinot Noir are revered and preserved by an artisanal winemaking team obsessed with quality. Eight clones of Pinot Noir, picked off more than forty different parcels on stony soils of the higher terraces at Te Muna Road Vineyard, are woven into a deep dark wine, unravelling layers of fruit and wrapped in silken textures.

The traditional Bordeaux cepage of varietal grapes, mostly Merlot with additions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Franc, grown to the Craggy Range estate owned property in the prestigious Hawkes Bay precinct of Gimblett Gravels. The complex mix is finely attenuated each year to accomodate the vagaries of vintage. Craggy Range make an opulent, solidly structured Merlot that's feted by impresarios the world over. Deeply coloured and highly aromatic, Gimblett Gravels is effusive ans profoundly structured, underpinned by signature dusty tannins.

The noble Bordeaux cepage of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, assembled into a deep dark brooding wine, rich yet approachable, alluringly aromatic yet substantial in palate and structure. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc contribute strength while Merlot softens the palate. Bursting with fragrant aromas of luscious berry fruits, lightly oaked but solidly fruit driven. Cowrock is endowed with softly textured tannins which provide seamless structure, playing a supportive role to a well proportioned and deeply satisfying wine.

Pierre de Beaucastel appropriated a plot of land for himself which extended fifty two saumees at Coudoulet on the Côtes du Rhône in 1549. A tradition of fine winemaking continued at Chateau Beaucastel for centuries until 1909 when management passed to Pierre Perrin, a scientist and entrepreneur who established one of the preeminent cartels of the region. Quality of fruit, the most palatable wines and sustainable methodologies remain the focus at Beaucastel, who have used no chemical fertilisers or pesticides in their vineyards since 1964.

Château des Karantes is a magnificent vineyard situated within the La Clape Appellation on Coteaux du Languedoc at the southwest of France. The domaine lies in a small valley just two minutes away from the Mediterranean between the seaside resort towns of Narbonne Plage and St. Pierre sur Mer. The site is named after a historic Bishop of Carcassonne who owned the estate hundreds of years ago. A cepage of Grenache, Syrah and Mourverdre are fashioned into an exciting wine of piquant fruit characters and crisp, refreshing tannins.

Welcome to the final word in libatious indulgence, the artisanal exploit of an ancient technique which concentrates fruit into a wine of remarkable intensity. This is Amarone country, where the traditional grapes of Valpolicella Classica, Corvina, Rondinella e Molinara, are spread out on bamboo racks in winter, appassimento style, to air dry the berries into little treasures bursting with flavours and perfume. Its opaque ruby colour precedes an unctuous palate of plum and cherry syrup richness, seasoned by curls of cocoa and coffee oak.

Some would say that if you've not yet acquired a taste for Sangiovese, that you need a holiday in the Italian countryside, preferably Tuscany or Umbria! The Sangiovese grape was pioneered in Australia by Coriole Vineyards. It was first planted in 1985 with the aim of creating a wine which would be the stylistic contrast to Shiraz. With several different clones from which to select, off fully mature vines up to thirty years of age, the Coriole team can produce a profound varietal expression of this audacious and engaging Italian grape.

Coriole release several different bottlings of Shiraz each year, Redstone takes its name from the prominently red coloured ironstones, common to the vineyards and buildings of McLaren Vale. Concentrated and highly aromatic, a savoury rather than sweet palate, the maturity of fruit character reflects the quality of older vineyards. Redstone is fashioned to the popular drink now McLaren Vale style, match to roast meats or a length of flame grilled, gourmandise snags.

Coriole was first developed by Geoffrey Kay, a distant relative of the Amery Vineyard Kays. Dr Hugh Lloyd GP sewed the vines which produce Mary Kathleen during a period when the fashion was to plant in contours around the local Seaview highlands. Named after the estate's matriarch, Mary Kathleen is crafted from three small blocks, originally planted in the 1960s. Perennially lauded and famously received, Mary Kathleen is generously mouthfilling with sweet fruit, earthy regional hints and complex spice.

Excellent Langtons Classification. Hugh Lloyd founded Coriole in 1967, his eponymously labelled flagship Shiraz is harvested off a single estate vineyard which yields tiny berries of the greatest intensity. Established 1919 by by the dauntless and seminal Geoffrey Kay, it is one of Australia's grand old vineyards, the wizzened old vines were originally planted in curiously winding arcs around the slopes and undulations of the property, presenting a spectacular panorama of a marvelous old vineyard.

Coriole is one of McLaren Vale's most eminent, artisanal estates. Consecutive vintages of Coriole Shiraz have claimed a remarkable back to back San Francisco Double Gold. Exclusively estate grown, the majority of vines are some forty years of age. Coriole know from Shiraz, having grown the varietal since 1919 and rating Langtons Classification for the estate flagship Lloyd Reserve. Coriole is sylistically strong, showing exceptional concentration of flavour, elegantly lined by gentle tannins and supported by judicious oak.

Cookoothama means fertile land, an approachable accord of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from fruit grown to a special site at Darlington Point on the Riverina. Employing the best of old world viticultural practices and new world technology, Nugan Estate charge their devoted team with the pleasant task of making wine of the highest order. The two hands on the label represent the people who have lived and cultivated soils which lie along the banks of Murrumbidgee River, transforming it into the salubrious property it is today.

The Connor Park vineyards were planted by industrialist Tom Connor in the 1960s, with a view to establishing a test site for the development of the automatic grape harvester. It was acquired by the Lougoons in the 1980s, a family of pastoralists who learned quickly about the synergy between grazing and winemaking. A small parcel of closely cosseted Durif vines at Lake Marmal near Bendigo, yields a precious harvest of world class Durif grapes. A powerful, opaque wine with sizeable tannin, countered by a palate of remarkable intensity and profound length.

By one of the most significant operations in Australia today, crafted from Shiraz grown to mature vines at Kyeema, on an elevated granite saddle near Murrumbateman.

Alex McKay worked as plongeur at a Canberra restaurant and filled wine on a bottling line before graduating to one of modern viticulture's most distinguished accolades as Dux in Oenology. Collector's amazing efforts at Shiraz are hand made for balance, character and depth of flavour, from fruit grown to some of the most remarkable Australian mesoclimes around Canberra.

Collector produce limited quantities from fruit grown to vines planted in the lean pink granites and reddish shale loams of the Canberra district.

Founded by the great James Halliday, Coldstream Hills is as fastidious today under the stewardship of it's highly respected winemakers, as it was in the halcyon days of the re-emerging Yarra Valley boutique wineries. Vintage conditions permitting, Coldstream Hills releases a Reserve in excruciatingly restricted quantities, assembled from the most exceptional barrels of elite Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The intensive handling of this robust Cuvee includes fermentation under new French oak, followed by extended maceration and ageing.

Coldstream Hills make the quintessential Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, gentle and exquisitely balanced, well developed and engagingly complex. Whole bunch stalkiness and refined French oak add structure and interest. A gamey, earthy proposition displaying all the requisite varietal characters, a stylish wine of intensity and velvet textures, brimming with punnets of ripe berry flavours. Elegantly medium bodied, lined with silky tannins, the Pinot Noir of choice to accompany gourmandise venison, braised hare or succulently roast duck.

A perfect harmony executed to perfection by one of the most proficient high country winemakers. Shiraz is co-fermented with the highly aromatic Viognier to complete a soft, elegant wine with alluring perfumes. Viognier plays the pivotal role in this style, delivering an intriguing fruity, floral lift to the nose, enhancing the appearance with a brilliant colour and taming the tannins of Shiraz.

Cockfighter was a horse who met with an untimely death, his ghost haunts a billabong but the tale would be long forgotten if it wasn't for the award winning team at Pooles Rock. Merlot vines thrive on the New South Wales central ranges, where the cool, slow ripening climes of the up and coming Orange winegrowing district yields some of Australia's finest fruit. In keeping with its provenance, Cockfighter's Ghost is profuse with the rich blueberry plum and varietal spice characters of Merlot, all supported by an exquisite, soft and lingering tannin frame.

The stuff of legends, who is there in Australia who has never heard of Cockfighter's Ghost? Originally crafted from Shiraz grown to a small block of ancient Hunter Valley vines, the Cockfighter's range are still made at the historic Glen Elgin wineworks, established 1895. Harvests of the finest Shiraz grapes, exhibiting vibrant spiced plum flavours and lined by juicy tannins, grown to good vineyards in McLaren Vale, have been set aside for vinification into the deeply captivating Cockfighter's Ghost.

Langhorne Creek can lay claim to the finest Cabernet Sauvignon. Vines are planted to sites which are rich in mineral and organic alluvial soils, nourished every year by annual floods. The ripening grapes are infused by the perfumes and chewy, gummy flavours of ubiquitous eucalypts, which line the shores of River Bremer. Cockfighter's Ghost found the ideal site, one that would yield harvests of the most exemplary Cabernet. An intense wine, brimming with blackcurrant and dark cherry flavours, fragrantly seasoned by a gentle frame of sweet French oak.

A mostly Barossa wine fashioned at an ancient wineworks that was once Hardy's Siegersdorf. The remarkably approachable Cockatoo Ridge has seamless wood and fruit balance that seems to call for another glassful! Rich and soft, an equitable arrangement between two of the most compatible noble red varietals.