The Zema family go back a long way with Coonawarra wine, to the early 1950s when Samuel & David Wynn re established the historic John Riddoch wineworks under their own label. Matteo Zema was one of Wynn's first viticulturalists, hand pruning, picking and planting vines during the era when Coonawarra Shiraz was most successfully marketed as Claret. Grown to rich Terra rossa soils, Zema are renowned for the most memorable vintages in Coonawarra, their estate grown Shiraz is an edifying wine of charm, character and grace.

Zema own a precious slice of Coonawarra's remarkable Terra rossa, a thin metre of soil over deep formation of limestone, whence to source limited harvests of world class Shiraz. Family Selection is a small batch wine of great intensity and exceptional depth, superior concentration and maximum development. Spicy pepper and sweet berry fruit flavours abound, before a lingering finish on a length of firm oaky tannins, a fuller style of Shiraz with excellent balance, profound structure, elegance and poise.

A pure Shiraz wine drawn from vines planted to historical grounds at the heart of Coonawarra. The sites date back to John Riddoch's original development of the district as a sheep grazing and fruit growing colony. The precious fruit from Wynns V & A Lane blocks exhibit a signature density and richness, the defining characteristics of this location along the cigar shaped Terra Rossa strip. The exceptional quality of Shiraz derived from this superior terroir moved the Wynns winemaking team to isolate and vinify the parcels into a single bottling.

V & A Lane is a long, straight road which drives through Coonawarra's famous Terra rossa strip at its midpoint. Originally surveyed in the 1850s, V & A Lane divides the bygone electorates of Victoria and Albert. Traditionally, it has been used as a landmark to separate northern and southern vineyards in Coonawarra, a prestigious piece of real estate that's in high demand by the most eminent labels in the land for establishing blocks of superior Shiraz vine.

Distinguished Langtons Classification. A piece of Australian wine industry folklore, Michael was conceived as an exclusive bottling of two exceptional barrels, it still represents Wynn's best of vintage. Named after Wynn's young son, Michael 1955 is a legend of the Australian wine industry. It gained much richness from the prior use fortified wine cask in which it was matured. Good bottles of the original release still represent a memorable tasting experience. An expression of the finest Coonawarra vineyards, only ever made in the most outstanding vintage years.

Distinguished Langtons Classification. Michael is Wynns best of vintage Shiraz. The first Michael, labelled as Hermitage, was a special edition from the 1955 vintage, made after David Wynn noticed the outstanding quality of wine within two particular barrels, he ordered they be bottled separately. Michael vintage 1955 is an industry legend, good bottles of the original release still represent a memorable tasting experience. A regal Shiraz wine from nothing but the very finest Coonawarra vineyards, only made in years when fruit is of extraordinarily high quality.

Launched in 1952 as Coonawarra Estate Claret, Wynns have long maintained the reputation as producer of Coonawarra's most essential Shiraz. It's patent aromas are reminiscent of ground black pepper, mulberry and raspberry, through to blackberry at the riper end of spectrum. Oak is used to mature and increase the wine's complexity, without dominating its distinctive cool climate Coonawarra Shiraz character. A reliable, graceful medium bodied wine with a clean crisp finish, fashioned to the inspiring traditions of the original Wynns Hermitage.

Shiraz is an important part of Coonawarra tradition, indeed the oldest vines ever established, circa 1890 were Shiraz. Wynns Johnsons Shiraz was planted in 1925 and can best be remembered for producing the timeless and enduring vintages of Wynns Coonawarra Hermitage. Wynns planted Shiraz to prime sites throughout the 1990s, the quality of fruit from these choice vineyards has improved from year to year, they are now fully mature and yield harvests of the finest Coonawarra Shiraz.

Rymill maintain a commitment to the health and sanctity of the rich, red soils which set Coonawarra apart. The younger estate vineyards which are the source of Yearling Shiraz are managed to the highest standard of sustainable viticultural practices. Yearling is a gallant one year old, presenting a vibrant nose of ripe berry fruits rounded out by more complex undertones of spice and toffee. These flavours carry through on the palate, enhanced by a rich mouthfeel and soft, round tannins. A vital, polished Shiraz of substance and style to enjoy today.

John Riddoch founded Coonawarra as an agricultural district in 1890. His daughter married neighbour Robert Rymill, they had a son who became a distinguished equestrian and lead the 1934-37 British Graham Land Expedition to the Antarctic. It was his son who founded the Rymill wineworks in 1974. Rymill make a powerful Coonawarra wine from harvests of Shiraz grown to distinguished old vines up to forty years of age, enhanced by an extended ageing in predominantly French oak, to achieve harmony, contribute volume and enhance depth.

Peter Rumball is an Australian Methode traditionelle specialist who led the 1980s renaissance into sparkling red. Rumball produces a wine, rich in varietal character, which has made him famous amongst cognoscente. The palate of SB19 is an accord of dulcet Coonawarra fruit and dusty Terra rosa tannin. Rumball makes a priority of striking perfect balance, the interaction at time of disgorgement with liqueur dosage is taken very seriously. SB19 will evolve handsomely over time, although the palate is set up for maximum enjoyment right now.

Reschke guard the essence of Coonawarra, a responsibility they take seriously. The Reschke history and its close relationship with Coonawarra began in 1906 with the establishment of a prime Hereford stud in the heart of the region. Vines were planted in the 1900s, yielding a quality of fruit that became a staple of Wynn's finest vintages. Only the finest parcels of Shiraz are retained for the Reschke estate label, redolent of rosemary, sandalwood and hibiscus, its licorice and black fruit palate is seasoned by a sprig of Coonawarra mint, made to measure for a chop of char grilled beef.

Redman's Coonawarra are still made by the Redman brothers from fruit grown to the original family parcels established in 1908. The association began circa 1901 when Bill Redman at the tender age of fourteen, arrived in South Australia to work amongst the vines. He quickly formed an affiliation with the area and six years later encouraged the rest of his family to join him. Grown to some of the best sites on Coonawarra's Terra rosa, this well appointed wine offers commodius fruit flavours, subdued oak and the most hospitable tannins.

A Coonawarra Shiraz of elegance and finesse, Penley's vintages are regularly awarded with prestigious international trophies and accolades, outclassing some of the nation's icon wines. A splendid effort exhibiting generous varietal fruit and spiced pepper, perfumes of good French oak and plenty of flavour. Shiraz has taken well to Coonawarra, where the cooler growing conditions yield a slightly more supple, finer boned style than warmer climes. Balance is a key feature in all Penley wines, fruit, tannins and oak in complete harmomy.

Exceptional Langtons Classification. A profound and complete offer, akin to a mix of the 2002 and 2004 editions. Vintage 2006 is probably more like the 1986 and 1996 than the 1976. It's fabric is meshed with spices, cinnamon and vanillin pod, nutmeg and black pepper, tempered by teppanyaki sauces, almonds and amaretto. Firm throughout and across the palate, reverent tannins and oak convey and propel flavours of slowly roasting lamb avec jus, dark chocolates, cola and maraschino with a lift of menthol and rosemary to finish.

There's a noticeable cabernet component here (it's 11% cabernet), giving the flavour profile a noticeable hit of blackcurrant and a more elongated, bony, tannin-driven structure. Still, the palate does come with flights of deep, dense, dark blackberry and crushed ants, and there's a thick, malty, mentholly hit, particularly on the finish. Again, the striking thing here is the wine's balance. And with a polished array of supporting flavours: cedar, dark chocolate, Asian-spice and brooding prune, it seems that time could easily do wonders.

No other red wine in Australia can rival the reputation, consistent quality or proven development pattern of Penfolds Grange. The pinnacle of Australian reds, Grange is a rich, opulent, full-bodied Shiraz, destined for a long cellar life. The winemaking process involves great attention to detail, from selecting the best possible grapes sourced from low-yielding, old Shiraz vines, through to fermentation and fastidious oak maturation. The 1992 Grange has great complexity and balance, a powerful and rich vintage with mouth-coating tannins.

Ever since the ambitious, experimental trials and tribulations of Max Schubert throughout the 1950s, to conceive and formulate the nation's first growth, Grange has maintained its place as Australia's most prestigious wine. A Shiraz of extraordinary dimension and power, richly textured, intensely concentrated and packed with fruit sweetness, the tasting of any Penfolds Grange regardless of vintage, is a profound and unforgettable experience. Rich and exciting in it's youth, Grange develops into an immensely complex, beguiling wine that seduces the senses.

Penfold's mastery at formulating superlative Shiraz and Cabernet accords is due in great part to the excellence of their vineyards, achieved through the assemblage of components into a wine which delivers true stylishness in the enduring and timeless Penfolds way. Great attention is paid to the ripeness of fruit that goes into Bin 8, making the wine fuller in style and sounder in structure. Pointedly named for the distinction of its maturation in a selection of pre loved oak barrels which have held vintages of Bin 28, Bin 128 and Bin 389.

Penfolds Bin 128 remains one of the purest editions within the Penfolds stable. Firstly, as a Coonawarra Shiraz, it is one of the few Penfolds reds that isn't a multi regional blend. Launched in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 reflects the unique climate and growing conditions of the Coonawarra and the elegant style of cool-climate Shiraz. French oak highlights the pepper, spice and floral characteristics that define this style. Great attention is paid to fruit ripeness for the Bin 128, resulting in the developement of fuller Shiraz flavours, in a wine of structure and style.

In 1960 Bill Redman persuaded Max Schubert to acquire a parcel of Coonawarra Terra rossa soil and the Bin 128 experience was born. It was originally labelled as Claret, and whilst the quality of Shiraz has increased immeasurably ever since, very little has changed about how Bin 128 is made, it's vinification follows the traditional Penfolds house style. One of the few Penfold wines which are sourced exclusively from a specific region, Bin 128 reflects the uniqueness of Coonawarra and the elegant, stylish expressions of cooler climate Terra rossa Shiraz.

The pick of Coonawarra Shiraz, treated to an extravagantly extended fermentation, for maximal uptake of dense, chocolatey purple fruit flavours, rakish colour and wickedly decadent chewy licorice textures, two years and more on gross sedimentery lees to infuse the wine with wanton richness, while taming and integrating the prodigal tannins. Eventually disgorged to true Methode traditionnelle, Majella is served with the ultimate indulgence, an inclusion of Reserve Vintage Coonawarra Port and dosage liqueur, crowned and resealed.

Made from forty year old vines, Majella has acquired a timeless reputation as one of the Coonawarra's flagship Shiraz wines. From vines planted to grazing country, there's not much money in wool but Majella still run wethers and lamb on their properties at Coonawarra and Penola.

One of Coonawarra's leading viticultural estates and most eminent winemaking operatons, Majella has earned an enviable reputation for growing and bottling the region's very finest Shiraz. The most superior standards in vineyard management and an obsessive attention to detail make the wines of Majella, Coonawarra classics, highly esteemed by discerning enthusiasts around the world. There may not be a lot of it made each year but it is very, very good, anyone who thinks that Coonawarra is only for Cabernet needs to shout themselves a bottle of Majella Shiraz.

Excellent Langtons Classification. The legend continues for the stately Katnook of Coonawarra. Prodigy is a limousine standard Coonawarra Shiraz which entered the market with a bang, taking out the 1998 Jimmy Watson Trophy for its inaugural vintage, a remarkable feat, considering the fruit was sourced from completely new vines. The radiant regional characters are punctuated by an alluring combination of piquant pepper, fragrant bramble berries and anise, tightly wound into a wine of great depth, statuesque palate structure and remarkable grace.

Aside from being Australian through and through, Sparkling Shiraz is a style of wine that keeps on giving, the bottom of the bottle, often representing an entirely different experience to the initial bouquet. Katnook has infused precious stocks of old red wine with a fine effervescence, creating an effusive sparkler that's equally comfortable at Sunday brunches or black tie dinners. Founders Block is layered with an extraordinary complexity of flavour, supported by generous palate structure and seasoned by a mix of fragrant spice.

Founder's Block are made from fruit grown to fine vineyards, planted to rich Terra rosa soils at the heart of Coonawarra. Katnook are one of the most conspicuous winemakers in Australia and retain many of Coonawarra's most prestigious sites. The award winning team earmark parcels of choice Shiraz grapes with vibrant regional expressions to construct an affable wine that's ideally suited to early drinking. Laden with raspberry and plum flavours, seasoned by pepper and spice, gentle oak notes of choco and vanilla add complexity and depth.

Exactingly crafted from fruit grown to distinguished vineyards by a devoted winemaking team, with a philosophy that reflects the tradition of Coonawarra, Katnook Shiraz will be found on some of the best wine lists and in some of the finest cellars around the world, often with several vintages. Coonawarra produces outstanding vintages, Katnook captures the elegance and underlying power of cool climate Terra rosa Shiraz. Fine grained tannins enhance the lingering savoury fruit flavours.

Silver Medal Winner London International Wine Challenge.

There's a whiff of fame here and it carries on to the palate, the drying finish continuing the impression that this is unlikely to make old bones. Plums, cedar, lots of peppery spice, and then that dark, bloody, gamey character.

Laira Vineyard was established by Captain Stentiford in 1893 on a choice parcel of Coonawarra land, one of the salient Terra Rossa plantings. Eric Brand, first Patron of Coonawarra, became custodian of the vineyard more than half a century later. From a selection of the finest grapes, hand picked off the most precious blocks, Stentiford represents the jewel in the crown of Coonawarra Shiraz, a bottle aged wine of peerless quality, matured under the estate cellars until release.

McWilliam's acquired the eminent Laira property in the 1990s and are now one of the largest landholders in Coonawarra. The stately Laira Vineyard is widely regarded as one of Coonawarra's very finest plantings of Shiraz. The only locally grown grape variety until 1950, Shiraz has played an important role in establishing Coonawarra's international reputation as Australia's preeminent red winegrowing region. Laira offers the timeless and enduring style of Coonawarra Shiraz, a distinctly regional wine of great length and superb balance.

A perennial benchmark in Coonawarra Shiraz, by a couple who have been crafting conspicuous regional editions for over thirty years. Opulent with enticing aromas, heady flavours, stylish oak and fine tannins.

One of Coonawarra's most compelling cases for Shiraz, Bowen Estate's meritorious achievements really do begin in the vineyard. Coonwarra is one of the world's most articulate terroirs, Bowen make a point of preserving the native charm of their Shiraz throughout the course of vinification and ageing in a high proportion of quality new oak. The fruit of intensive viticultural management and judicious selection, it is ultimately the grapes themselves, hand picked and sorted off the vine, which dictate the splendour in this cardinal construct of Coonawarra Shiraz.

Fully inspired by the guidance of Coonawarra patriarch Bill Redman, Doug Balnaves planted two and a half hectares of Shiraz to the rich red terra rosa soils along Riddoch Highway in the 1970s. Crafted from these veteran parcels of low yielding, old vine Shiraz, a harvest of hand sorted berries, with a measure of whole bunches, are filled into open top vessels for a week of ferments, followed by a year in good French oak. Perfumed of wild brambleberry, cherries and jube, its fleshy plum fruit richness and piquancy of black pepper spice, lingering to the end of a fine grain tannin finish.